Laser Hair Removal

• WHY LUMIERE ?click here.
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSclick here.
• FOR PATIENT INSTRUCTIONSclick here.
• FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL PRICINGclick here.
• BEFORE & AFTERclick here.

Laser hair removal offers a quick, safe and comfortable way to remove unwanted body hair. Unlike other hair removal procedures that focus on individual hairs, laser technology is able to quickly treat large areas of hair at once.

Using the most advanced lasers available, Lumiere’s professionals permanently reduce unwanted hair in a series of brief treatments. Lumiere is especially pleased to offer an array of lasers to treat all skin types, and to ensure that you receive the safest, most effective treatments.

With a series of treatments designed for your skin and hair type, we can help permanently reduce unwanted hair on most areas of the body by disabling the hair follicles with light energy.

Why Laser Hair Removal?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams, provide only temporary relief and can end up being very costly over time.

Although laser hair removal has been used for nearly a decade, the technology has improved dramatically within the last couple of years. Laser hair removal can now be performed quickly, safely, effectively and comfortably—you may see significant hair reduction of up to 90 percent after only four treatments!

Why Choose Our Laser Hair Removal Center in McLean, Virginia?

We are committed to offering patients the most advanced, most effective, and safest technology for laser hair removal. We offer an array of energy-based laser hair removal systems, operated by a licensed practitioner specializing in laser hair removal.

Lumiere features multiple FDA-approved lasers, including Candela’s GentleLASE®, GentleYag®, GentleMax®, and GentleMax PRO® lasers, as well as Syneron’s Aurora.

Practices with single laser hair removal systems may pose a challenge for treating various skin tones and hair types. Lumiere offers the advantage of systematically combining our multiple lasers in order to provide our clients with a most effective and safe option for the lightest to the darkest skin tones or hair types.

Types of Laser Hair Removal Technologies

GentleLase

The GentleLase and GentleYag systems by Syneron Candela are considered the gold standard in laser hair removal. The GentleLase is a revolutionary long-pulse, high energy alexandrite laser that emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed.

GentleYag

The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The GentleYag is the fastest and most powerful ND:YAG Laser on the market today. The GentleYag effectively treats all skin types, including tanned skin and darker or African American skin types, offering unmatched treatment capabilities.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

The GentleLase, GentleYag, GentleMax and GentleMax Pro feature patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) that sprays a fine mist of cryogen with each laser pulse. This device minimizes pain, protects the skin and enables the laser energy to gently reach and treat hair follicles. Unwanted body hair is safely removed without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?

Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer. The root of the hair is targeted so specifically that it not only eliminates very dark and coarse hair, but it is the most effective technology for the removal of fine hair and even hair with a light brown root.

The GentleLASE and GentleYag are significantly faster than older laser hair removal technology. These lasers use a 18mm spot size (about the size of a quarter), while older laser technology uses a much smaller spot size. The larger spot size, coupled with more hertz, means that large areas can be treated much quicker.

The Syneron Candela’s Aurora® is a fast, gentle way to remove unwanted hair with great results. It applies precisely controlled pulses of energy (radio frequency and light with cooling), reaching into the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair right down to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for All Skin Types and Colors?

The Aurora enables our technicians to customize the treatment to exactly match your hair and skin color type. As long as there is some color in your hair (even blonde hair has enough color), the Aurora will be effective. Aurora is based on a unique technology called Elos, which utilizes the synergy of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency energy and Broad Band Light energy to treat more gently and effectively than any other single-energy system. At the end of the treatment program you can expect your skin to remain smooth.

Why Trust Lumiere for Laser Hair Removal Services?

Not all lasers or laser centers provide the same level of treatments. Here are a number of advantages of laser hair removal at Lumiere.

Multiple Systems:

The lasers we use are FDA approved and have been evaluated as the most effective in peer-reviewed medical journals. These sophisticated lasers target the root of the hair so specifically that they not only eliminate very dark and coarse hair, but are also the most effective lasers for the removal of fine hair and even hair with a light brown root.

Affordability:

Our laser performs treatments at a very high speed while offering complete coverage, therefore enabling us to charge less per treatment. We never insist on paying for packages up front—our clients pay per treatment. We are confident that the great results our lasers deliver will bring our clients back for regimen completion and follow-up treatments.

Evaluations & Customization:

Before, During & After: Your safety and satisfaction are our primary concerns. Our laser practitioners perform test spots and assess hair and skin types for treatment eligibility. We thoroughly review every client’s skin type and hair color to determine customized treatment settings before and during the treatment.

Safety:

We use patented cooling devices for soothing the skin surface during treatments. That means more comfortable treatments and eliminates the need for topical anesthetics.

Truthfullness:

No False promises. We explain what works and what doesn’t. A pressure-free environment where our first priority is educating you about your skin, our services and the best options to achieve your goals.

Confidentiality:

Our laser providers and professional staff understand the intimate nature of laser hair removal and are accustomed to addressing our clients’ most private concerns. You can rest assured that anything discussed or treatments performed at Lumiere will remain discreet and confidential.

Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions:

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The procedure works by slowing the growth capacity of hair follicles that are in the active growth cycle at the time of treatment. The laser targets the darkness / melanin pigment in the hair follicle in order to reach and destroy the root bulb of the hair.

Since the hair follicle is connected to the root bulb only during the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle.

Since hair will enter the growth cycle at different times, several treatments are necessary to disable most of the follicles in a particular area. Initial treatments need to be scheduled preferably at four-to-six week intervals, and later as the cycle slows the treatments need to coincide with the active growth cycle. With these multiple treatments we can ensure that most hair follicles and the root bulbs are disabled.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Laser treatment impairs the growth of hair follicles when they are in the growth (or anagen) cycle at the time of treatment. Unfortunately, not all hair follicles are at this stage at the same time.

Therefore, for effective permanent hair removal, most people require an average of four to eight treatments in order to achieve desired results.

The number of treatments required also depends upon the area of body you want treated and your hairs growth cycle. This cycle is influenced by many factors such as age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism. Some hair is more resilient and therefore more resistant to treatment.

Who Will Perform the Procedure?

All our laser treatments are performed by fully trained and certified practitioners or nurses.

Are There Any Side-Effects From the Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Your risks are minimal. There is no recovery or down time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. After the treatment you may experience a slight reddening of the skin similar to a sunburn that will resolve within a few hours to days.

In certain instances (especially in patients with darker complexions) temporary pigment changes may occur, but will disappear within a month.

Are Laser Hair Removal Treatments Painful?

This is a common initial concern for many of our patients. Our lasers use a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure.

Therefore, the treatment is generally not painful and is well tolerated. Some patients describe the treatment as a sensation like the snap of a rubber band and “much less painful than the waxing I used to subject myself to.” Topical anesthetic cream is an option for more sensitive areas.

Are Laser Hair Removal Results Permanent?

Results vary depending on skin and hair type. Studies have shown that many patients can achieve permanent hair reduction of up to 85-90% and remaining hair returns lighter and softer.

Do You Offer Free Laser Hair Removal Consultations?

Absolutely. We believe that a consultation is important for any client considering laser hair removal.

We will perform a test spot so the client can see how the laser feels and we can answer any questions so the client can better understand what the laser can do.

We can also determine if you are a good candidate for laser before you commit to any treatment.

Does My Hair Need to Be “Grown Out” Before the Treatment?

No. We actually recommend that you shave the area to be treated. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, threading or any other method that removes the root of the hair must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to treatment. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective.

Will I Have to Use Any Topical Anesthetics Before My Treatment?

Absolutely not. In most cases we do not recommended any topical numbing preparations (prescription or non-prescription) prior to laser hair removal.

The DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) our laser is equipped with eliminates the need for any topical numbing preparations. Before every laser pulse, a cryogen (cooling agent) is automatically sprayed onto the skin within the laser field that protects and partially numbs that area. This makes the treatment safer and more comfortable.

Is Laser Hair Removal Affordable? Do You Sell Packages?

Our individual treatment prices are already discounted to pass along the package savings to you. Every patient differs in the way that their hair responds to the treatment.

Any given area typically requires an average of five treatments but this can vary from person to person. This is why we charge per treatment. We are confident in the way our laser performs; there is no reason to require clients to pay up front before seeing the results of a treatment.

We do sell pre-paid packages but we never insist on payment of multiple treatments up front.

How Long Will the Procedure Take?

Full legs or a back can be treated in just 30 minutes. Our lasers use an 18mm spot size (about the size of a quarter). This larger spot size coupled with more hertz (power), means a faster and more effective treatment.

A full back, for example, can be treated in less than 20 minutes and full legs in less than 30 minutes.

How Do I Prepare for My Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Pre-Treatment

• The treatment area needs to be shaved to skin level, although a days hair growth may be helpful so that the area that requires treatment is easily recognizable.
• You must avoid waxing, plucking, threading or electrolysis of the hair for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Hair needs to be at skin level in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair follicle.
• Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Our lasers will work on most skin types, but the lighter you can allow your skin to get, the better and safer your skin is likely to be.
• Be sure that the treatment area is “squeaky clean” and has no makeup, oils, deodorant, creams, topical medications etc.
• Be certain that you are not on medications that cause photosensitivity or on acne medications such as Accutane, Retin-A, Gold Therapy etc, at present or within the past 6 months. These medications, and several others, may make your skin susceptible to damage from the laser. If in doubt, please ask us for a list of the said medications.
• Laser treatments for hair are not recommended if you are pregnant.

How to Care and What to Expect After My Treatments?

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid bathing or washing with very hot water – use cool or room temperature water. Wash gently and do not be abrasive with the treated area. Keep the area clean.
• For 24 hours avoid activities that may cause the treated areas to become warm, for example, exercising.
• Avoid any irritating soaps, scrubs, medications or chemicals. Examples of these are Retin-A, Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one-to-two weeks after treatment. Protect the area with a sunblock of higher than 50 SPF or else the skin may develop hyper-pigmentation /hypo-pigmentation marks. Make sure to re-apply sunblock throughout the day.
• The treated area may become red, inflamed, or even blistered within 30 minutes and, in rare instances, last several hours to several days. Swelling (edema) and itching may also occur. Regular application of ice, cooling gels, Aquaphor, Hydrocortisone or Antibiotic Ointment is important for relief.
• Hair will start to shed at around two-to-three weeks post treatment. NO tweezing, plucking, threading, or waxing or the treatment area during the course of treatments. However, you may shave any hairs that re-grow.
• Generally it is best to wait four-to-six weeks between treatments. There is no advantage to scheduling your visits closer together even if you do not see immediate results. The laser only targets hair in the growth phase. The next growth phase is generally in four-to-six weeks.