Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal

Traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing and depilatories may give a smooth feeling to your skin, but they are very evanescent. Electrolysis is much more enduring, but is feasible only for small areas such as the upper lip. Electrolysis treatment over larger never seems to end. Now there is a better way - quicker, easier and more cost effective! It is Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal.  It is the fastest and, to date, most effective hair removal method for unwanted hair.
      Laser systems for hair removal have become very popular the last few years. It usually only requires a few treatments and the hair removal lasts much longer than other methods of hair removal and can be done to any area of the body - the face, legs, bikini area, underarms, back and chest. The principle of Alexandrite Hair Removal is simple. The light selectively targets melanin (brown/black) pigment in the hair bulb, heating it and selectively damaging the hair so that its growth is delayed or stopped entirely. All lasers are not created equal.  The more light that is absorbed by the melanin, the better results you will achieve.   Alexandrite lasers such as the Apogee we use has superior melanin absorption compared to most other lasers, especially the Yag Lasers like CoolGlide and Laser Scope Lyra.  IPL’s are among the poorest choices for hair removal.
    The Apogee Alexandrite laser is specifically designed for Laser Hair Removal and is the #1 rated laser.  Choosing the right laser for your treatment will make a major difference in treatment results and how many treatments that are required.  We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical and basic science research, which has proven its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. Other laser hair removal systems that we have investigated cannot make that claim.  All lasers are FDA approved, but few of Hair Removal Lasers are approved for permanent hair reduction from the FDA.  The Apogee laser has the approval from the FDA for permanent hair reduction.  Do not waste your time or money if the laser does not have the FDA approval for "permanent hair reduction".  If the laser cannot make that claim and does not have the approval from the FDA, then we suggest not using it.  Also, the Apogee has the highest melanin absorption rate of all lasers we have tested.  Simply put, we believe the Apogee is absolutely the most effective, safest and fastest laser available for the elimination of unwanted hair.  Also, the Apogee’s TKS (Thermokinetic Selectivity) system is effective for treating light and dark skin patients. (Types I-V, very light and always burns to tans easily and never burns.)

      If you are looking for a way to remove unwanted hair and retain the smooth, stubble-free feeling for months rather than weeks, you should consider the Alexandrite laser hair removal treatment. It might be right for you. Hair naturally grows in cycles that vary in different parts of the body, which is why it takes a few sessions over a period of several months to attain optimal clearance and the long-lasting results you desire.

Call for your consultation today at 207-767-2146

Ask about our unique to Maine Apogee Alexandrite Laser Hair removal guarantee.  If you pre-pay your estimated number of treatments, at the completion of your course of treatment, if more treatments are needed for the next twelve months, there will be no additional charges. No one in Maine will match our guarantee!  This does not apply to blond, red or gray hair or skin types IV to VI.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does The Alexandrite Laser  Work?
The innovative technology of the Alexandrite laser TKS system is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, in which light is selectively absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft and hair follicle, without damaging the surrounding skin. The hair shaft and the hair follicle contain more pigment than the surrounding skin tissue. Therefore they absorb more light, causing the temperature to rise to the point of coagulation. The coagulation damages the hair follicle and prevents or delays regrowth.

What Does the Treatment Include?
The hair to be treated will be trimmed to a length of 1mm to 3mm. The handpiece will be lightly pressed to the treatment area. Then, a laser pulse will be delivered. Each pulse covers an area of 7mm to 50x50mm. The laser pulses recycle once a second and therefore the treatment is fast and effective for large body areas such as legs and arms.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments varies with each person and also varies from one treated area to another. Most individuals need between 4 and 5 treatments to achieve the desired result. Our medical esthetician will tell you how many treatments it will usually take to complete treatment of the areas you are having done.

What Kind of Skin Types and Hair Colors Can Be Treated?
All types of skin known as Fitzpatrick I-V can be treated (People who just burn and do not tan to people who tan easily, without ever burning.) However, treatments for people with dark hair and light skin are the most effective. Tanned body parts that were exposed to the sun or to artificial tanning machines within a month prior to treatment are cannot be treated. There is too high a risk of burning or blistering.

Can All Body Areas Be Treated?
Practically, all body parts can be treated. During facial hair treatments protective eyewear is used.

How Does It Feel?
The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her sensitivity. The sensation may be anything from painless to a tolerable sting or a sensation of heat. Anesthetic creams, ice or cooled gel may be applied before treatment to reduce discomfort.

What are the Advantages of the Apogee Alexandrite Laser Treatment?
Apogee Laser treatment provides all advantages of laser-based treatment at an affordable price. After treatment there is a significant reduction in the amount of hair. The few hairs that grow back come in slower, lighter and thinner. In addition, the Apogee Laser is one of the fastest hair removal lasers in its class, reducing laser times compared to other lasers or IPLs.
 

Are There Any Side Effects?
The treated area may become slightly pink or red immediately after treatment. Occasionally there is minor swelling and in about 2% of patients, there may be blistering.  Please see the section below on Post-Treatment Instructions for more details.

Can You Treat Blond, Gray or Red Hair?

Yes.  In late January, 2003, the FDA approved Meladine, a natural melanin pigment that is absorbed into the hair follicle, allowing it to be treated with the Alexandrite laser.  For more details, including treatment pictures, please see www.meladine.com.

POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Most patients will develop redness and minor edema (swelling) in treated areas.  Some patients develop eschar (a crusting) on the treated area within 48 hours of treatment.  If you develop eschar expect a healing period similar to that which you experience with any minor skin abrasion.  Blistering of the skin is possible.  In our experience the occurrence of blistering is rare, less than 2% of all cases treated to date, but it is possible. 

Avoid Direct Exposure to Sunlight until any signs of redness or irritation has subsided for at least one week.  Always wear a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. 

Returning to Normal Activities

Protect the skin from rubbing or abrasions and avoid contact sports.  Avoid direct contact with other persons who may have cold sores or impetigo.  Also avoid swimming if there is oozing or crusting of the skin.  If you have had Laser Therapy on your legs, do not wear tight or new denim jeans for at least one week after treatment.

Cleansing of the Skin

Gently wash the treated area and avoid rubbing or directly traumatizing the treated areas for at least a week.

If You Have Had Facial Treatment

If there is no crusting or oozing of the skin you can wear makeup.  When removing the makeup, do not rub the treated skin.  Use a gentle cleanser and/or water to remove the makeup.  Avoid abrasive or acidic lotions, cleansers, etc. during the healing process.  Avoid sun exposure to your face after treatment for several days.  Always wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater unless the skin is crusting or oozing.      

Shaving

Do not shave the treated for at least 4 days after treatment.  Do not wax, pluck or use depilatories in between treatments. 

Medication

Avoid any irritating medications or chemicals, particularly on the face.  Examples of these are Retin-A, Benzyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents.

Please note:  Usually around 2 weeks after treatment you may experience what seems to be re-growth of hair, but actually isn’t.  We refer to this as shedding, where the hairs eventually release from the root and they simply will fall out.  You can utilize a loofa sponge with body oil or soap while showering to help the hairs shed faster or try Epsom salts for any pustules that may arise or to rid skin of treated hairs.