Important Factors to Consider when Getting Laser Hair Removal

There are three crucial factors to consider when choosing a laser hair removal technician:

  • Equipment
  • Technical Experience
  • Quality of Treatment

Let’s explore each!

Equipment

Are you receiving IPL hair removal or LASER hair removal?

IPL hair removal is NOT laser hair removal. 755 nanometer (nm) wavelength light is best attracted to melanin. Our laser is a 755nm Candela GentleLase. IPL (Intense Pulse Light) produces a broad spectrum of wavelengths (like a light bulb) and cannot be focused to a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths are dispersed at a variety of depths, only some of these will be effective for hair reduction with the more shallow follicles. A 532 nm IPL for example is most effective at treating superficial skin conditions such pigmented lesions, or rosacea due to the fact that red blood cells at the 532nm depth have the highest absorption of light.

Laser produces a single wavelength of light (pure light consisting of one single color and form) and has a very concentrated beam, specifically targeting the melanin in the hair.

Learn more about our laser technology.

Technical Experience

Who is performing your laser treatment?

At Wolf Medical, your treatment will be done by a Cosmetic Therapist or qualified State licensed person. Cosmetic Therapists are licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio and specialize in electrolysis (permanent hair removal) and laser hair removal (permanent hair reduction).

Our practitioners work one-on-one with our Cosmetic Therapist to ensure that they maintain the highest level of knowledge, skill, and abilities to correctly select candidates for laser hair removal and administer laser light.

Quality of Treatment

Is your laser hair removal technician achieving “clinical endpoint” early in your treatment protocol?

Clinical endpoint is described as erythema (redness) and/or perifollicular edema (swelling around the follicle) and can be seen following each treatment. It typically lasts a couple of hours. This reaction is expected and is the final defining factor in determining whether or not enough energy has been delivered into the follicle to adequately destroy the blood supply (bulb) that feeds the hair. An experienced technician will know how to safely reach clinical endpoint to achieve optimal results. Laser hair removal is not as simple as it seems. A well-trained technician who understands the science behind the laser will be able to determine the appropriate settings for each client’s individual needs. In fact the Ohio Administrative Code section 4731-18-03 requires it.

Is adequate time being given in between treatments to allow for the next growth cycle of hair to come through?

Laser hair removal typically requires eight sessions spaced eight to ten weeks apart to allow enough time for a new growth cycle to appear.

We charge our fees by the session only. We’ve found that requiring patients to purchase a package is simply cost prohibitive for many. We have also lowered our session prices by as much as 60% off the previously advertised rate.