Laser Hair Removal in Chicago, IL

1. How does laser hair removal work and is it safe?

Laser hair removal works by flashing light into the hair follicle, which is absorbed by the hair’s pigment. This process also converts the light into heat, preventing the hair follicle from growing future hair.

The Stardust Med Laser is designed to be safe for all skin types. However, laser hair removal, despite its high levels of efficacy and safety, is not free of side effects.

Possible side effects may include:

• Reddening, swelling, bumps, mild burning, temporary bruising, or blistering.

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), although rare may occur.

• These conditions usually resolve within 3-6 months, but permanent color change is a rare (less than 1%) risk. Avoiding sun or tanning bed exposure before and after treatment reduces the risk of color change.

• Infection following treatment is unusual, but bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can be stimulated by laser treatment. This applies to individuals with a past history of herpes simplex virus infections and individuals with no known history of herpes simplex virus infections in the mouth area. If a skin infection should occur, additional skin treatments or prescription antibiotics may be necessary.

• Allergic reactions, although very rare, may occur. In rare cases, hives have been reported after laser hair reduction treatments. If you experience an irritated raised rash after treatment, contact the office. Benadryl may be taken to help relieve the itchiness.

• There is a slight risk of scarring and skin textural changes. It is important that patients follow all post-treatment instructions carefully. Compliance is crucial for the healing and prevention of scarring.

2. Will laser removal hurt?

The Stardust Med Diode Laser System is designed to be virtually painless for the client.

However, should you have any concerns, your esthetician will walk you through any potential reactions to your laser hair removal.  

3. Is there any downtime/restriction on my activity after laser hair removal?

Yes, here are some general restrictions to keep in mind post-laser hair removal:

• Avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change.

• Keep the area covered and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of 30+. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.

Additionally, until sensitivity has completely subsided, avoid all of the following:

• Use of scented lotions or soaps, deodorants, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic, and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofah sponges, and aggressive scrubbing

• Hot or cold water – wash with tepid water

• Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine

• Activities that cause excessive perspiration

4. What precautions should be taken before and after laser hair removal?

Before receiving laser hair removal:

• The skin should be cleanly shaved the day before the treatment.

• On the day of the treatment, wear clothing that will allow easy access to the treatment area.

• Some patients may require a patch test 72 hours prior to receiving treatment.

After receiving laser hair removal:

• Results can be seen 2 to 3 weeks post-treatment.

• Do not pluck or wax between treatments.

• Patients can resume all activities immediately afterward

• Some redness may remain for five to seven days.

• Strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of 30+. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.

• Until sensitivity has completely subsided, avoid all of the following:

• Use of scented lotions or soaps, deodorants, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic, and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofah sponges, and aggressive scrubbing

• Hot or cold water – wash with tepid water

• Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine

• Activities that cause excessive perspiration

5. How many treatments will I need?

Best results are seen after multiple sessions of laser hair removal, though you will see results from 1 session. The number of sessions will, in part, depend on the area being treated.

Depending on your skin concerns and conditions, multiple sessions can be scheduled 4 weeks apart.

6. How does the Stardust Med Laser compare with other laser hair removal machines?

The new Stardust Med Laser uses the principle of Selective Accumulative Photothermolysis.

This means that the energy of the laser beam only selectively hits the part of the tissue that needs it due to the effect of different absorption of light at different wavelengths, respecting the Thermal Relaxation Time (TRT) of the skin.

In this way, the laser beam is solely absorbed by the hair bulb, compromising the enzymatic exchange with the germination papilla, therefore reducing the life cycle of the hair.

This also means safer laser hair removal that does not cause damage to the surrounding tissue.

7. Who isn’t a candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal should not be performed on individuals who are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Carriers of pacemakers and or implanted electronic devices

• Pregnant and/or breastfeeding

• Subjects suffering from epilepsy

• Dermatitis, herpes, eczema, and similar

• Subjects with spastic paralysis

• Subjects taking photosensitizing medicines and or vitamin supplements (ex. Vitamin A and K)

• Patients suffering from neoplasm and cancer

• Open wounds or infections in the treatment area

• Tattoos in the treatment area

• Minors, unless medically prescribed

Medical evaluation is required in the following cases:

• Metabolic diseases

• Recent scars and or keloid scars in the past

• Alterations in skin sensitivity or skin allergy

• Recent sun exposure

• Thermoregulation problems

• Hormonal disorders

• Use of anticoagulant

• Coagulopathies

• Insulin-dependent diabetes

8. How much will laser hair removal cost me?

Pricing for laser hair removal varies based on the area being treated and the number of sessions needed.

9. How long will the results last?

After you’ve received all of your laser hair removal sessions, your hair should be gone for at least two years. In some cases, laser hair removal is also permanent. However, this is not guaranteed. It is still possible to regrow new hair based on hormonal fluctuations related to factors like pregnancy, aging, or menopause.

10. What if something goes wrong?

In the rare event of an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible.

Dr. Aurora, Skinovatio-Ravenswood Manor’s Medical Director, will assist further in any of your treatment needs.