FAQ

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is permanent hair removal performed by inserting a fine, sterile probe directly into the natural opening of the hair follicle, a small electric current is transmitted, destroying the dermal papilla, the matrix, and an area called "the bulge", all of which cause hair to grow and regenerate.

Is Electrolysis permanent?

Yes! Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis is permanent hair removal. Regardless of the cause: heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair.

What is the difference between Electrolysis and Laser hair removal?

Electrolysis is effective for all skin types, hair types, skin colors, hair colors, and areas of the body. Laser only treats brown or black hair.

What will my skin look like right after my Electrolysis treatment?

Individual skin responses and healing time will vary. Immediately following treatment most people experience temporary redness, tenderness, and localized edema (swelling). This will subside within a day or so. You will be provided with post treatment instructions and any personal attention you may need.

What is the cost of Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is typically considered a medical procedure that requires a series of treatments to be effective. As such, prices can vary based on treatment areas as well as hair types and skin sensitivity. Small treatment areas, like the upper lip, may require minimal treatment sessions. Larger treatment areas, like the legs or chest, may require more sessions to fully halt hair growth.

We encourage you to schedule a free consultation with us to accurately assess the cost of Electrolysis for you. During your consultation, we assess your needs in-person before providing you with an all-in price.

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.

How much does a chemical peel cost?

We will discuss your costs during your consultation as soon as your chemical peel treatment plan has been decided. The cost of a chemical peel will vary based on the formula you choose. Absolute Aesthetics accepts several payment methods and we often run specials on skin treatments like chemical peels. You may also consider buying a package of several chemical peel treatments.

What level should I choose for my chemical peel?

The best chemical peel for you will depend on your unique skin concerns and aesthetic goals. During your initial consultation with Dr. Hagen, she can help you select which peel is best for your skin. You might consider a few factors: your overall health, skin type, the depth of your skin concerns, how long you can recover, and what you want the peel to accomplish. For first-time patients, it's better to try a lighter chemical peel and decide how you like the results. From there, you and Dr. Hagen can tweak your treatment plan to find the best type of peel for you.

Should I get a chemical peel or dermabrasion treatment?

Dermabrasion and chemical peels are facial rejuvenation procedures that treat surface imperfections to give your skin a rejuvenated appearance. The main difference is that dermabrasion uses special tools (a shaving instrument or rotating brush) to remove the surface skin layer through careful scraping. A chemical peel applies a caustic solution to your skin to dissolve dead and damaged skin cells. In your initial consultation, Dr. Hagen will review each treatment’s pros and cons and help you choose if a chemical peel or dermabrasion is best for your skin goals.

What happens after?

The recovery time depends on the type of peel. For a superficial peel, recovery usually takes 1-7 days. Over the next week, your skin will feel dry and flaky, gently sloughing off the top layers of dead skin cells.

A medium peel may require 1-2 weeks for recovery. The first 3 days, your skin will feel very dry, from day 3 to day 7 days expect to generously peel.  

Chemical Peels are designed to stimulate and rejuvenate the deepest layers of the skin. The result is a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

After a chemical peel, it's important to wear at least a 30 SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to keep it moisturized. Here at Absolute Aesthetics, we will give you specific instructions based on the type of peel and your skin type.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds caused by the needles prompt the body to make more collagen and elastin, which heals your skin and makes you look younger. It can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Is microneedling painful?

While microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin, the pain is typically minimal because a topical anesthetic is applied beforehand to numb the skin. After the procedure, you may experience some temporary discomfort, similar to a mild sunburn.

What is the recovery time after microneedling?

Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime. Many people experience redness and swelling for a few days following the treatment, but most can return to normal activities within 24 hours.

What skin types are suitable for microneedling?

Microneedling is typically safe for all skin types and colors, as it doesn't involve heat like lasers do, which can affect skin pigment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies depending on your individual skin concerns. However, most people need a series of three to six treatments, spaced about four to six weeks apart for optimal results.

What are the potential side effects of microneedling?

Side effects are usually minor and temporary. They can include redness, swelling, and mild discomfort. However, in rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects such as bleeding, bruising, infection, or skin pigment changes.

Can I use skincare products after microneedling?

Immediately after microneedling, it's best to keep the skin clean and only use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. You will be advised as to when to resume your normal skincare routine.

Is there anyone who should not get microneedling?

Microneedling may not be suitable for people with certain skin conditions, like an active herpetic infection. It's also generally avoided in individuals who have a history of poor wound healing or keloid scarring.

Each microneedling treatment is tailored to your specific situation and needs. Schedule your consult today.

How much does plasma skin tightening cost?

The cost of plasma skin tightening might fluctuate according to how many sessions you need to achieve your objectives. When you have your initial consultation, our staff will discuss your objectives in order to create a customized rejuvenation plan along with a cost estimate.

How long does it take to heal from plasma skin tightening?

Most individuals experience very little downtime following this skin rejuvenation treatment. When you go home after your procedure, you might have small, pinpoint scabs on the treatment region, but they should fall away on their own within about seven days. We recommend that you avoid touching your face and avoid time in the sun during this time.

Will my plasma skin tightening results be long-lasting?

Many patients at Absolute Aesthetics see a reduction in wrinkles and hanging skin after the initial plasma skin tightening session, but our staff normally recommends arranging about 2 – 3 treatments to achieve the best outcome. Throughout your cosmetic consultation, our team will let you know the optimal amount of treatments according to the laxity of your skin in addition to your aesthetic objectives.

What is the cost of plasma skin resurfacing?

Fractional plasma skin resurfacing expenses will fluctuate depending on the type of treatment you select. At your first visit, our team will understand your aesthetic issues and desires prior to explaining the multiple varieties of plasma resurfacing available. After this, she can help you select your resurfacing treatment and talk to you about pricing.

How can I help my skin recover after plasma skin rejuvenation?

A member of her staff will explain how you can speed skin healing following your plasma fibroblast rejuvenation treatment. The number one rule is to not pick or peel your skin. Doing this could lead to lasting damage, such as scars. You need to skip all hair removal of any kind on the treated skin, which includes waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams. Additionally, you need to wear sunscreen or wear a head covering when exposed to the sun's rays. We will prescribe certain products to help soothe the treated areas.

Do I need multiple plasma skin resurfacing treatments?

Just one plasma skin rejuvenation treatment normally creates significant enhancements for many people. To get the most satisfactory improvements, you may decide to get a total of 3 – 4 treatments every 2 – 4 weeks. With deeper rejuvenation treatments, additional time can be required between treatments. After the initial treatments, we advise arranging follow-up fractional plasma treatments every 6 – 12 months at Absolute Aesthetics.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

The cost of tattoo removal will vary by the number of sessions required, as well as the regions that are treated. Each person's situation varies. As an example, many individuals could require more sessions, while others could only need a handful.

Why do I need so many laser tattoo removal sessions?

Area coverage, pigment, location, and how aged the tattoo is will decide the number of sessions necessary to efficiently fade the tattoo. At your appointment, the treatment program will be reviewed, including the number of treatments necessary for you to achieve your goals.

When will I see results?

Improvements after laser-assisted tattoo removal may differ for every individual. Following each treatment, you should see the tattoo turn less visible. Because of the various types of inks used in tattooing, the results and the number of sessions could vary. In many cases, a number of treatments will be needed and are scheduled 2 – 4 weeks apart.

What are the side effects of laser tattoo removal?

Some individuals experience redness, swelling, tenderness, crusting, sunburn sensation, or itching following the procedure. Dr. Hagen will review your tattoo removal plan and explain what you can expect from your procedure.

Are there any alternatives to laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the most dependable and most convenient treatment to reduce skin damage and to effectively diminish the perceptibility of tattoos. In some situations, microneedling or dermabrasion might additionally be recommended as part of your treatment plan to complement the removal treatment and help promote your complexion’s wellness.

Is laser tattoo removal safe?

Laser tattoo removal, under the care of skilled practitioners like Dr. Hagen and the committed professionals at Absolute Aesthetics, ensures safety and the highest standards of expertise. Patients can have confidence in the comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and post-treatment care provided by such experienced professionals, contributing to a smoother and more effective tattoo removal experience.

How many units/injections will I need?

The amount of cosmetic injection units given will vary according to individual concerns and the extent of your facial wrinkles. Dr. Hagen will determine the ideal quantity of units according to your targeted cosmetic outcomes and whether you wish to address the forehead, Crow's feet, or between the eyes. To refresh your aesthetic outcomes, our practitioners might suggest receiving procedures every few months at Absolute Aesthetics.

Can wrinkle relaxers be paired with other aesthetic procedures?

Wrinkle relaxer procedures often pair well with additional cosmetic options at Absolute Aesthetics for those who prefer to target aging concerns. If you experience more pronounced and severe lines and wrinkles, our experts may recommend administering a dermal filler to help you achieve smoother results. Dr. Hagen might perform other complementary services, such as facials or microneedling with PRP to further enhance a younger-looking radiant appearance.

How much does JUVÉDERM cost?

The price of Juvéderm will be dependent on how much filler is necessary for the treatment area. Prior to your Juvéderm injections being administered, a customized treatment plan will be created to fit your aesthetic goals. After this, your injector will estimate costs and discuss payment options.

Are JUVÉDERM injections painful?

Although many patients do not find it needed, a numbing cream can be massaged into the treatment area before injection if you are worried about discomfort. Following the treatment, you may experience some slight swelling and bruising that should reduce over the next week, depending on the treatment area. Please contact our office if you experience any lasting discomfort or signs of an infection after your injection.

What is the difference between a wrinkle filler and relaxer?

Fillers and relaxers improve wrinkles throughout the face, but with different approaches. Injectable wrinkle relaxers, like BOTOX, work to correct dynamic wrinkles caused by chronic muscle contractions. An injectable wrinkle filler, like Juvéderm, improves static wrinkles by increasing volume. Juvéderm is designed to correct mild to moderate wrinkles or to add volume to your cheeks and lips.