What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular elective treatments in Bellevue, WA. It's an effective method for long-term hair reduction on the face and/or body. Using the Soprano® ICE technology, this treatment frequently leaves the skin looking and feeling smoother and provides long-lasting results compared to other methods. Elizabeth Hagen at Absolute Aesthetics performs effective and safe laser hair removal services for women and men in frequently needed areas, including the arms, back, legs, face, chest, armpits, and intimate regions. The Soprano ICE is FDA-cleared for different skin types, can address a wide range of hair types and patients, and utilizes multi-wavelength technology and cutting-edge cooling technology for improved results.

At Absolute Aesthetics, we specialize in advanced hair removal techniques, including laser hair removal.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

There are several things to consider when determining whether laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE system may be safe, appropriate, and effective for you. Some of the primary considerations regarding laser hair removal are hair color and skin tone. Ideal candidates for laser hair removal are men, women and non-binary people with brown and black hair with fair skin because the laser targets brown and black pigment within the hair follicle. However, patients with dark skin tones are also eligible for laser hair removal treatment, but caution must be used as highly pigmented skin is at greater risk for burns.

The following conditions are contraindicated (not recommended) for laser hair removal: Patients with epilepsy and patients with an active tan or sun burn. Laser hair removal cannot be performed over tattooed skin.

Prior to starting a laser hair removal treatment course, our expert aesthetic team will perform a thorough skin evalueation and review of your health and medical history to ensure laser hair removal is an appropriate treatment option for you.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

At Absolute Aesthetics, laser hair removal is performed by our experienced licensed laser technicians. Benefits of laser hair removal include:

• Laser hair removal will effectively treat brown and black hair on all areas of your body.
• Treats ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation caused by tweezing and waxing
• Fast treatment with minimal or no discomfort.
• Yields long lasting outcomes.

What to Expect from Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective and long-lasting way of getting rid of undesirable facial and body hair. You can expect to experience minimal or no discomfort and incredible hair removal results with the state-of-the-art ALMA Soprano ICE Platinum laser. Laser hair removal is FDA approved as permeant hair reduction. The permanent hair reduction FDA designation refers to the fact that laser wavelengths used for laser hair removal only target brown and black hair, not red, blonde, white, or grey hair.

• Laser hair removal will effectively treat brown and black hair on all areas of your body.
• Treats ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation caused by tweezing and waxing
• Laser hair removal is fast and virtually painless.
• Yields long lasting outcomes.

How Do I Prepare for my Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Preparing for your laser hair removal treatment is easy.

• Shave the areas that are to be treated.
• DO NOT EXPOSE THE TREATMENT AREA TO SUN EXPOSURE OR TANNING BEDS.

What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Ultrasound gel is applied to your shaven treatment area, the cold sapphire tip of our Soprano ICE Platinum system is placed on the skin and then the energy is delivered. Your technician will help keep you comfortable throughout.

The most common areas treated are:

• Brazilian
• Underarms
• Face
• Legs
• Back

What Should Expect After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Your laser hair removal sessions will be scheduled anywhere from six to ten weeks apart depending on the treatment area to the most effective results leading to smooth silky skin.Hair follicles grow through various growth stages requiring multiple treatments to target the hair when it's growing.

Caring for your new smooth skin after laser hair removal is easy. The state-of-the-art treatment offers minimal discomfort and downtime. You may notice your skin appearing slightly red with small swollen follicles (follicular edema) which typically subsides within a few hours.  Around the three weeks after the treatment the the hair will come up and out of the skin. Six - Seven sessions are often recommended for the best results. Follow all aftercare instructions our team provides you.

If you think laser hair removal is right for you and are seeking laser hair removal, contact our team to book your appointment.

How does laser hair removal treatment work?

Light/Laser destroys the hair follicle by focused energy that travels through the skin targeting the brown or black-pigmented hair in the follicle. The brown or black pigment in the hair papilla absorbs the focused light creating a thermal reaction damaging the follicle and cutting it off from the blood supply than stimulates and nourishes the hair.

What areas are most common for laser hair removal treatment areas?

The most popular areas for laser hair removal for women are the face, chin, upper lip, under arms and forearms, legs, and the bikini. The most popular areas for laser hair removal for men are the back, chest, abdomen, front and back of the neck, ears, and facial hair.

What will my skin look like right after my laser hair removal treatment?

You may return to activities as normal following your treatment. Redness and swelling around the hair follicles that were treated is normal and will disappear soon after the treatment.

Will the hair eventually regrow after laser hair removal treatments?

Laser hair removal using the Soprano® ICE technology offers long-lasting results, but it's considered a semi-permanent treatment. While the majority of hair follicles are eradicated through the course of your treatment plan, some follicles may continue growing. Any regrowth is usually finer and much more manageable, and additional laser hair removal sessions can target new growth or stragglers. Our team will work closely with you to ensure you achieve and maintain the desired smooth, hair-free appearance.

What should I do before and after my laser hair removal session?

Preparation for laser hair removal at our  Bellevue, WA office is relatively simple. Avoid sun tanning, waxing, or plucking the area to be treated for about 4 to 6 weeks before the treatment. Shaving is allowed, and the area should be clean-shaven before your appointment. After the treatment, avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen to protect the treated area is essential. Some redness and swelling are normal, but these will subside shortly. Avoid hot baths, saunas, or strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. Your technician will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment, and following these guidelines will optimize your results and comfort.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients require five to seven treatments, performed at varying intervals ranging from every 6 weeks to 10 weeks and only if hair is present.