Serving Charleston, SC since 1976

Frequently Asked Questions

Why me?

You're not alone.  Statistics show that the majority of women (about 80%) have some facial or body hair which detracts from their natural beauty.  Men have unwanted hair on their brows, ears, back, chest, shoulders, arms etc.

What are the most widely used methods of hair removal?

There are several techniques to remove unwanted hair; however, only one is permanent.

  • Shaving

  • Waxing

  • Creams

  • Depilatories

  • Laser (getting closer)

  • Combination of laser/light & electrolysis - Laser/light works very well with dark hairs. We follow up with electrolysis treatment on gray, blonde, and red hairs.

  • Electrolysis - This is the only method of permanent hair removal that works for everyone.

How does the laser/light process work?

Laser/light selectively targets the melanin in the hair so it is most effective on light, clean skin with dark follicles. After your initial preparation, your treatment provider will move a wand-like hand piece over your skin. The hand piece emits the light that disables the hair follicles. Most people perceive the light as a gentle "snapping" sensation. Once this is completed, the treatment provider will wipe away any loose hair from your skin, and you're ready to go.

How does the electrolysis process work?

A professional technician slides a very fine, sterile probe alongside the hair in the hair follicle.  A small amount of heat is then applied through this probe, which destroys the hair root, papilla, and hair germinating cells, without harming the skin.

How many treatments are needed?

Treatment programs are tailored to meet patients' needs. Many factors determine the number and length of treatments needed. Some of these may include the condition of the skin to be treated, the sensitivity of the skin, the number of follicles involved, and past methods of hair removal. During an initial consultation and evaluation, we can determine how many treatments it will take to obtain permanent hair removal or to achieve your desired results.

How long have laser/light treatments been performed?

The FDA approved the use of lasers for hair removal in 1995. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted and significant technological improvements have been made. Basically, hair removal devices now available today include: 694 nm ruby lasers, 755 nm alexandrite lasers, 805 nm diode lasers, 1064 nm lasers, and filtered xenon flashlamps.

How long has electrolysis been performed?

In 1869, ophthalmologist Charles Michel, MD, needed to find a safe, effective way to remove ingrown eyelashes which frequently led to blindness.  He published his first scientific paper in 1875.  The medical community accepted and then adapted the treatment of excess hair on other parts of the body.  The same basic technique is still used today only with great improvements and modernization.

Does the treatment hurt?

The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on sensitivity. The sensation may be anything from painless to a tolerable sting. Anesthetic creams may be applied. The treated area may become slightly pink or red immediately after treatment. This may last a few hours. All clients can continue with their daily routine immediately after treatment. You will experience a sample treatment during your initial consultation and evaluation.

What causes superfluous hair?

There are several techniques to remove unwanted hair; however, only one is permanent.

  • Heredity

  • Glandular or hormonal imbalances

  • Pregnancy

  • Reactions to certain medications

  • Normal Aging Process

  • Stress

  • Excessive waxing, tweezing, and all temporary methods of hair removal.

Note: Once hair changes from the light vellus (fine hair) stage to the dark terminal stage, the color and texture will remain in that condition even after the cause of the change has been diagnosed.

What areas can be treated?

Almost any area - eyebrows, upper lip, chin, face, breasts, back, legs, arms, and bikini line can be treated successfully.

How long to treatments take?

Many of our clients have their treatments during their lunch breaks and return to work after their treatment. The length of time depends on the area being treated:

  • Chin & upper lip - 15 minutes

  • Bikini line - 15 minutes

  • Back - 1 hour

  • Legs - 1 hour

Are treatments expensive?

Our fees are very reasonable and affordable.

What type of skin care is required after treatment?

With laser/light there is almost no adverse reaction. Some pinkness or redness may occur. With electrolysis, there is a slight swelling or redness along the treated area that should subside within a few minutes to an hour.  Occasionally slight scabbing may appear two to four days after treatment.  These temporary scabs should be left alone as they will disappear in a few days.  Most technicians recommend the application of a good antibiotic cream or an antiseptic lotion to enhance the healing process.  Sunlight and tanning beds require special consideration and should be discussed with your technician.

Is laser/light a safe and approved method of hair removal?

Laser hair removal was pioneered after more than 30 years of laser research by physicians at the Massachusetts General Hospital's Wellman Laboratories, and has been shown through extensive clinical trials at more than 10 laser U.S. and Canadian laser research centers to provide safe and effective hair removal. The laser parameters were carefully defined by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the laser light and pulse duration to the follicle size, depth, and location to safely and effectively remove the hair.

Is electrolysis a safe and approved method of hair removal?

Probe type electrolysis is the only safe method of permanent hair removal.   "Consumers should be particularly careful about using and of the home electrolysis devices... Considerable skill and dexterity is required to perform electrolysis properly, and most people would probably be better off going to an expert instead of trying it themselves." (FDA Consumers)

Aren't other methods of hair removal just as effective?

No.  If permanent hair removal is desired, consider a combination of laser/light and electrolysis. Other methods are only temporary, and include:

  • Shaving: The most widely used method of removing superfluous hair; the blunting of the ends of hair by shaving often make it appear courser and darker.

  • Waxing: Hot wax is applied to the desired area, then allowed to cool before being peeled away.  This method also results in heavier re-growth, frequent ingrown hairs and possible damage to the skin.

  • Creams, Depilatories: Chemicals break down the hair fibers and then the unwanted hair is temporarily washed away.  Because harsh chemicals are used, severe allergic reactions may occur.

How can a professional technician be located?

Patients should exercise the same amount of care in selecting an electrologist/technician as they would any health care specialist.  A check of their credentials and experience should be performed. They should meet the following criteria:

  • At least three years experience in hair removal AND electrolysis.

  • A member of good standing in the International Guild of Professional Hair Removal, Inc. and/or The Society of Clinical & Medical SCMHR Hair Removal, will have a dated certificate prominently displayed.  The International Guild of Professional Hair Removal, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to the education of the public on all aspects of hair removal and the maintenance of high standards among its members.  The International Guild of Professional Hair Removal, Inc. will provide the names and addresses of Guild Technicians in any location in the world.


Advanced Permanent Hair Removal Centers

3030 Ashley Town Center Suite A-102

Charleston, SC 29414

843-670-7000


 

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