Frequently Asked Questions

(I.) Introduction - Unwanted Hair
(II.) How Does Laser Work?
(III.) Does it Hurt?
(IV.) How long does the treatment session last?
(V.) How many treatments are required and how often are they performed?
(VI.) What are the risks?
(VII.) Who is a candidate for laser?

(I.) Introduction - Unwanted Hair

We have all been plagued with excess hair somewhere, sometime on our bodies.The question of the century is "How do I get rid of it?" Finally, there is an answer: LASER. Avante Laser & MediSpa uses the most advanced method of hair removal with the GentleLASE Plus laser system from the Candela Corporation or the Apogee Elite by Cynosure for our fair to medium skin tone clients. We use the Coolglide Excel Nd:YAG from Cutera or the Apogee Elite Nd:YAG for darker and/or tanned skin tones. We at Avante believe this to be the best technology currently available in the laser hair removal industry. With laser technology, the removal of hair is quick, safe, and effective with minimal discomfort. We at Avante have performed over 90,000 procedures with our lasers and have a well documented list of satisfied customers.

(II.) How Does Laser Work?

Hair grows in stages. Hairs are successfully treated by laser in their active growth phase called anagen. There are two other stages of growth and although the hairs can be treated in these stages, they will have to be retreated to catch them in anagen. (This is complicated, but a qualified laser technician will explain this during your free consultation.) The procedure involves a highly concentrated light that is transmitted into the skin. The light targets the pigment/melanin in the hair follicles. The hair absorbs the light, converting it to heat, and causing thermal damage to the follicle. This is all done without any harm to the surrounding tissue. After the hair has been treated, the follicle is disabled and the hair exfoliates in 5 - 30 days. The results are fabulous!!!

(III.) Does it Hurt?

We have many Clients who feel very little during a treatment, while others require a topical anesthetic. There should be a slight sensation, lasting no more than 2 or 3 seconds. During our experience, we have never had a client who refuses treatment because of pain. Our technicians take their time to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

(IV.) How long does the treatment session last?

An area the size of a full back or legs can be treated in as little as an hour and a full bikini may take under 30 minutes. The upper lip takes only 5 minutes and underarms take less than 10 minutes. The length of time depends on the size of the area to be treated.

(V.) How many treatments are required and how often are they performed?

The average client will require a minimum of 5 to 8 treatments and there can be some maintenance required periodically. The treatments are usually performed once every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the area. Maintenance, if required, can be anywhere from 2 to 6 months apart. Even though you may require some maintenance periodically, keep in mind that the hair will now be very fine and there will be very little of it left. Many clinics are having their clients space their treatments 3 months apart. We at Avante know this is not the proper treatment schedule. We are dealing with hair growth cycles and the hairs must be treated in an "active" growth stage. Three months is too long to go in between treatments. The hairs go out of the active stage necessary to destroy them.

(VI.) What are the risks?

At Avante, our main concern is preserving the skin while the laser treatment is performed. We have highly trained professionals who have treated hundreds of clients and all body areas. We believe the main risks to be hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. These conditions can be described as a darkening or lightening of the skin. The chances of this occurring are rare, so long as the procedure is performed by a laser specialist. Overall, laser hair removal is extremely safe in the hands of a qualified specialist.

(VII.) Who is a candidate for laser?

Depending on the laser used, anyone with fair skin to those with naturally dark and even tanned skin can be treated. It is very important to remember that all lasers are not the same. At Avante, we use only "true" lasers, not IPL devises. We use an Alexandrite laser for those with fair to medium skin tones, as long as they have no tan and the hair has color to it. ( No laser removes blond, white, or grey hair.) We use an Nd:YAG for those with darker skin types and/or tan skin.