We offer an effective pain-free approach to hair removal using the Soprano Laser by Alma.
In the past many people chose not to get laser hair removal because of the pain associated with the treatments. Thanks to the Soprano by Alma, those days are gone! In fact, our clients describe their laser hair removal treatments as comfortable and relaxing.
The Soprano Laser has become the most popular technology available as it is safe and effective for individuals of all ages and skin types. It is a gold-standard of laser hair removal utilizing cutting-edge technology creating a comfortable laser hair removal option for our patients.
Prep Before the Treatment
4 WEEKS AND LONGER BEFORE TREATMENT
Avoid receiving natural fillers (hyaluronic acid, Juvederm, Restylane, collagen) 4-6 weeks before treating in the area. Clients receiving synthetic fillers (silicone) cannot be treated in the area.
Discontinue Accutane (Isotretinoin) 6 months prior to treatment.
3 WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT
Avoid waxing, plucking, tweezing, threading, chemical epilation, micro-needling, etc. due to the disruption of the hair follicle, which is the target for the laser.
2 WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT
Avoid tanning beds and sunless tanning products for safety reasons.
Avoid chemical peels, bleaching, and other laser procedures in the treatment area.
Avoid receiving Botox, Dysport, and Kybella injections in the treatment area.
1 WEEK BEFORE TREATMENT
Avoid sun exposure greater than 15 minutes, even if wearing sunscreen. UV rays activate melanocytes in the skin, which leads to competing targets for the laser, resulting in a decrease in desired results or hypopigmentation (white spots) which may not resolve for several months.
Some medications, including many antibiotics, can increase your sensitivity to the heat and light of the laser. Please disclose all medications to your laser technician so safety can be established. Medications that are photosensitive may necessitate rescheduling. Please call the clinic to check safety.
Alpha and beta hydroxy (AHA/BHA) products, hydroquinone, retinols/retinoids (Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, etc.), and salicylic acid washes must be discontinued at least 7 days prior to treatment.
DAY OF TREATMENT
Shave all hair in the area desired the day before or same day of treatment.
Avoid using any skincare products or deodorant that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliants in the area desired on the day of treatment.
important notes: (1) laser services cannot be performed on ladies who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. (2) bikini laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients. (3) Technicians cannot go over tattoos.
Clients prone to cold sores may take an antiviral medication prior to treatments if advised by their personal physician. The heat from the laser can aggravate a reaction.
Clients with active cold sores cannot be treated in the area of active sores.
Skin that is sunburned, hot to the touch, peeling, or is otherwise damaged cannot be treated.
Avoid tight clothing, boots, heated seats, etc. The body needs time to cool down after treatment to avoid complications.
Avoid activities that increase body temperature for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Mild redness and swelling of the hair follicles may occur (histamine response). This is normal and should lessen with time. Avoid picking or scratching the skin. Cool cloths may be applied.
Avoid sun exposure. Unprotected sun exposure may lead to undesired results, including hyperpigmentation (dark areas).
During The Treatment
The therapist will ask you about your medical history, including any medications you are taking, allergies you have, and any past or current skin conditions.
Your skin type will be assessed, as laser hair removal is more effective on some skin types than others.
Based on your skin and hair type, the therapist will develop a treatment plan, including the number of sessions you will need, the interval between sessions, and the estimated cost.
You will be given protective eyewear to wear to protect your eyes from the laser light. A cooling gel or air may be applied to the treatment area to help reduce discomfort and protect the skin.
You may experience some discomfort during the treatment, which can feel like a snapping or stinging sensation. However, most people find the discomfort to be mild and tolerable.
The length of the treatment session will depend on the size of the treatment area. Small areas such as the upper lip may take only a few minutes, while larger areas such as the back or legs may take up longer.
POST CARE
After The Treatment
You may experience some redness and swelling in the treatment area immediately after the session. This is normal and should subside within a few hours to a day. Applying a cool compress or aloe vera gel can help to reduce these symptoms.
It is important to avoid sun exposure in the treatment area for at least two weeks after the treatment. This includes avoiding tanning beds and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 if you need to be in the sun.
Avoid using any skincare products that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or exfoliants in the treatment area for at least 24-48 hours after the treatment.
Cleanse the area treated gently. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.
Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment.
Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly.
Continue to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and other sources of UV light.
Continue to use zinc oxide sunscreen daily.
Continue to keep skin cool, using Restorative Gel.
If redness, swelling, or itching continues, over-the-counter cortisone cream and/or an oral antihistamine (Benadryl) may be used in addition to cool cloths and Restorative Gel. Do not use ice.
If the skin is broken, apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. Do not puncture blisters.
2 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT
Shedding of treated hair continues. This is NOT new hair growth.
Artificial tanning may be resumed but is not recommended.
4 WEEKS AND LONGER AFTER TREATMENT
New hair growth will occur about 4-6 weeks after treatment on the upper body, but may not occur for 2-3 months on the lower body. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. Careful observation of when hair starts regrowth is necessary to optimize your treatments.
Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding. Anywhere from 15-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth. It is not new hair growth, but the dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair come out by washing with a soft washcloth & shaving.
Avoid the sun. Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for 2 months. Use sunscreen (SPF50 or higher) at all times throughout the treatment period & for 1-2 months following.
Do not pick/scratch/wax/thread/tweeze the area. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. do not use any other hair removal methods or products, other than shaving, on the treated area during your laser treatments, as it will prevent you from achieving the best results.
Hair growth varies. On average, most will experience a level of hairless happiness after 6-18 sessions which will result in not even checking for stubble (yes, it’s life changing!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
No, Laser Hair Removal using the Soprano system by Alma Lasers are pain-free. Although, some IPL-based and other laser technology including electrology can be associated with painful treatments, the energy levels of our machines are easy to adjust so we can tailor treatments to your comfort level and satisfaction. The Soprano features also DualChill and In-Motion technology to help cool the area and lessen treatment times.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Yes, Laser hair removal treatments using the Soprano by Alma Lasers has been approved by the FDA.
Are There Any Contraindications to Laser Hair Removal?
Contraindications are as follows: breastfeeding, pregnancy, sun exposed skin/sunburns, auto immune diseases, certain medical conditions and medications that make your body light-sensitive, skin cancer, tattoos, and keloids. Please contact your family physician if you have any of the above conditions or are taking medications.
Are Laser Hair Removal Results Permanent?
Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for almost everyone. As every individual can respond slightly different, factors such as age, side effects to medications, and hormonal changes can cause new hair growth which commonly gets misinterpreted as Laser Hair Removal treatments not working.
What If I stop my Laser Treatments
If you decide to stop treatments before you’ve had eight sessions, you may find that you experience new unwanted hair growth. It’s highly recommended to follow the direction of your medical professional for best results.
How many laser hair removal treatments do I need?
On average, clients see best results after eight treatments. The number of treatments can vary from patient to patient.
Can I get laser hair removal treatment if I've been in the sun?
If you’ve recently had direct sun exposure or you currently have a sunburn, we highly recommend waiting until you no longer have tanned skin or a sunburn until your next laser hair removal treatment. It’s best practice to always apply sunscreen before going out into the sun for short or long periods of time, and to consult with your therapist as to when is best to resume or start your treatments.
