Laser Hair Removal
Ageless Aesthetics MediSpa in Santa Fe, NM

The non-invasive 810 Diode laser hair removal converts light into energy. It travels along with the hair stubble, down into the hair shaft causing an injury to the hair bulb to prevent new hair growth. Within 7-10 days, the hair will fall out. When scheduling your treatments, we may vary your appointments and settings to address the changing density of the hair and catch hair follicles that are on a different growth cycle. Some patients may have darker pigment to their skin in specific areas of friction, therefore, we evaluate the proper setting based upon the skin pigmentation for the safe delivery of the energy. Given that 85% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at any one time, and this is the most effective phase for laser hair removal, it is important to cycle your laser hair removal treatments every 4-6 weeks for areas from the under arms up and every 6-8 weeks for areas below the under arms to ensure all hair follicles are treated over your treatment series.

Hair grows in cycles usually 4-8 weeks apart. Treatment must be done during the antigen phase (growth phase). Spacing appointments apart is necessary to treat hair follicles during the right phase. Multiple sessions are required and depend on the patient.

Hair removal is not 100% permanent. Hormones affect cycles of hair growth and may increase with age causing hair to grow. Hair can stay dormant for 7-10 years. As it comes out of dormancy, it will grow and retreatment may be necessary.

We treat all areas except any mucosal zones or male genitalia.

The laser is attracted to the melanin (pigment) in the hair. Since lighter colored hair has little to no pigment, it will not work.

The laser is attracted to melanin (pigment) in the hair. When the skin color is close to the color of the hair, the laser can not determine the difference, therefore, a burn or blister is at a high level of risk. The Spectrum 810 Diode laser will work effectively on skin tone that is rated within the Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-4. Fitzpatrick Skin Types 5 and 6 (typically a genetic background of India or African American) are not treatable due to the high levels of melanin in the skin.

You cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburned in the treatment area prior to or during the course of treatment. Hair must be no longer or no shorter than 1-2 mm (this is light stubble just coming through the surface of the skin) for effective treatment. We suggest shaving prior to your treatment so that you have just a light stubble coming through the surface of the skin. If you are treating the back, you will need assistance shaving the area. Do not pluck, wax, tweeze, or use any hair removal technique that disrupts the hair follicle. It is important that the hair follicle remains in-tact to ensure effective treatment. If you are using aggressive skincare products such as retinol, Retin-A, skin exfoliants, or other aggressive skincare products you must discontinue at least 72 hours prior to treatment. The skin in the treatment area must be completely clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, or makeup on the day of treatment

You can expect minor swelling and redness that can last a couple hours to a couple of days. Ice can be applied if necessary. Avoid tweezing, plucking, or waxing the area between treatments. Hair will begin to fall out between days 5-10. During this time, hair may appear to be growing:the hair is making its way out of the hair shaft.

The 810 Diode laser hair removal at Ageless Aesthetics MediSpa in Santa Fe, NM has very little discomfort since we apply a topical numbing cream to most smaller areas and use cold compresses for larger areas if needed.

At Ageless Aesthetics MediSpa, we are 100% compliant with the new regulations in New Mexico regarding the practice of medicine. All of our Laser Technicians are Registered Nurses and have been highly trained and certified in performing Laser Hair Removal services.

Although rare, risks are associated with laser hair removal and any form of laser energy device. Some risks are blisters, infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation (darker skin), and hypopigmentation (loss of pigment).

If you have taken Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 12 months or are currently on Minocin or Doxycycline, or any other photo-sentitive medication, you must be off those medications 14 days prior to receiving laser hair removal. If you are pregnant you will not be able to receive laser hair removal. If you are lactating, you will not be able to receive topical numbing cream during your treatment.