Laser Hair Removal (Diode)

This treatment serves individuals seeking long-term, low-maintenance smooth skin through advanced laser technology. It is most effective for:

• Brown & Black Hair: Diode laser technology targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle, making it highly effective on brown and black hair. Please note – because it relies on pigment, it is not effective on very blonde, red, grey, or white hair.
• Common Treatment Areas: This is an excellent choice for large and small areas alike, including the legs, back, underarms, bikini line, and face.
• Those Prone to Ingrowns: If you struggle with painful ingrown hairs or “strawberry legs” from shaving, diode laser hair removal eliminates these issues by permanently stopping hair growth at the root.

Important Considerations

• Commitment to the Process: Hair grows in cycles. This treatment is best for those who can commit to a consistent series of sessions. Sessions should be spaced 4-8 weeks apart to catch every hair in its active growth phase.
• Sun Safety: Protect treated areas from direct sun exposure and tanning beds before and after your treatments. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF ensures your skin stays protected and allows us to safely treat you at every scheduled visit.

The Venus Velocity Diode Laser Hair Removal treatment offers an advanced, highly effective approach for permanent hair reduction with patient comfort in mind. Here is what you can expect from your experience:

• We require a consultation and patch test (24 – 48 hours before your first treatment): We will review your medical history, assess your hair growth, and customize the laser parameters for your series.

• Treatment Time: Sessions are efficient and typically take around 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

• Sensation: Real-time contact cooling protects your skin, making treatments very tolerable with no downtime.  Your provider will check in throughout the treatment and will adjust parameters, as needed, to balance optimal efficacy and comfort.  

• Number of Treatments: While reduction is noticed early on, hair grows in cycles, so we typically recommend a series of 4-6 treatments for optimal, long-lasting results. Then, maintenance treatments as required. We may require additional sessions for patients with darker skin or when treating hormonal areas. Treatment intervals are set at 4–8 weeks, according to the treatment area. It is important you adhere to the treatment spacing, as directed by your provider. 

• Expected Results: Clients typically achieve a 70% – 90% reduction in active hair growth over a complete series of treatments. Please note that internal and hormonal factors can influence individual results, and occasional maintenance sessions may be required over time.

To ensure the most effective treatment and minimize skin sensitivity, please begin your preparation 5–7 days prior to your appointment:

Pre-Treatment

• Pause Actives and Exfoliants: Stop using Retinols, Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Vitamin C serums, and all physical or chemical exfoliants 2-3 days prior. This allows your skin’s natural barrier to be at its strongest.
• Manage Hair Removal: Shave the treatment area the day of your session. We will not treat areas that are not shaved, because shaving beforehand lowers the risk of surface burns.  Pause waxing, electrolysis, and hair removal creams for 4 weeks before treatment; the hair follicle must be present for the laser to work.
• Sun Awareness: Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products in the weeks leading up to your treatment. We cannot treat skin that is sunburned, actively tanned, or irritated. 
• Cold Sore Prevention: If you are prone to cold sores, please notify us in advance. We can recommend an antiviral medication prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

Venus Velocity Diode Hair Removal typically requires no downtime, but following these steps will help protect your skin and maximize results:

• Immediate Hydration & Cooling: Keep the skin hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. If you feel any “sunburn” sensation, a cool compress or aloe versa can be applied.
• SPF Protection: Your skin will be highly photosensitive. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to all treated areas to prevent hyper-pigmentation.
• Avoid Heat: For the first 48 hours, avoid extremely hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise to prevent unnecessary flushing or irritation.
• Don’t Pluck or Wax: Between sessions, you may shave any emerging hair, but do not pluck, wax, or thread the treated area, as this disrupts the follicle growth cycle.

Absolute Contraindications

If any of the following apply, you cannot undergo laser hair removal at this time:

• Pregnancy & Nursing: Treatment is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding due to hormonal changes and a lack of clinical safety data for the fetus.
• Active Cancer: Current or a history of cancer, or pre-malignant moles in the treatment area.
• Photosensitive Conditions: Diseases stimulated by light at specific wavelengths, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Porphyria, or Epilepsy.
• Tattoos or Permanent Makeup: We cannot treat directly over any tattoos or permanent makeup in the targeted area.
• Severe Sun Exposure: Excessively tanned skin from the sun, tanning beds, or tanning creams within the last two to four weeks.
• Specific Skin Disorders: Active Vitiligo or a history of keloid scarring and abnormal wound healing.

The following may require you to postpone your treatment or avoid specific areas:

• Active Skin Infections: Any sores, Psoriasis, eczema, rashes, or active cold sores (Herpes Simplex) in the treatment area.
• Recent Surgical Procedures: Any surgery or deep chemical peeling/laser resurfacing in the treatment area within the last three to six months.
• Injectables: If you have had Botox or dermal fillers, you must wait at least two weeks before treating that same area with laser.
• Implants: Superficial metal or silicone implants in the treatment area.
• Endocrine Disorders: Poorly controlled disorders such as Diabetes or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Please inform us if you are taking any of the following, as they induce photo-sensitivity:

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Must be discontinued for at least six months prior to treatment.
• Tetracyclines & St. John’s Wort: Must be discontinued for at least two weeks prior to treatment.
• Other Photo-sensitizing Meds: Certain antibiotics, diuretics, or NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) can increase skin sensitivity.