Frequently Asked Questions

Many people find even normal hair growth on various parts of their face and body unacceptable. Traditional methods of temporary hair removal available today include shaving, depilatory creams, waxing, sugaring and plucking. Until now, the only way to permanently remove hair has been by electrolysis.   Electrolysis can be painful, time-consuming, and can occasionally, result in permanent scarring.

What is laser hair removal?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures, including, including keyhole surgery to eyesight correction. Doctors have recently discovered that lasers are extremely effective for removing unwanted hair. Laser assisted hair removal, carried out by our fully qualified staff, is now available at You’re Looking Great!

Recent discoveries show that pulsing laser light on the skin for a fraction of a second generates a process called photothermolysis. During this process, laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair and transmitted down the hair shaft, reaching the root and disrupting the hair growth mechanism.

Laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicles and is transformed to heat, which destroys the follicles. The LightSheer(TM) Diode Laser System emits high-energy light pulses that penetrate deep into tissue. These concentrated light pulses impair hair growth without affecting the surrounding area.

The LightSheer Diode Laser System carries much less risk of skin changes, such as skin discoloration in the treated areas. Our laser enables us to treat all skin types, even those with dark skin. Because of its selectivity, our Laser requires fewer treatments than others. For example the "Ruby" Laser requires 4 - 8 treatments.  The LightSheer Laser usually requires a maximum of 4 treatments. Follow-up treatments are performed at 4-6 week intervals.  The FDA has approved LightSheer for permanent hair reduction.

Is the treatment effective?

Laser hair removal is still relatively new and therefore long-term clinical trials do not exist. However, early indications are that the results are superior to electrolysis in every way. Fewer sessions are required and the area can be treated quicker since several hairs are treated simultaneously. The best results have been achieved on darker, finer hair. The treatment is not recommended for very dark skinned people.

We can't promise permanent removal of 100% of the hair in a treated area. But in most cases, we can achieve an 80-90% reduction in hair growth after a full course of treatment. The initial treatment can result in a 50-75% reduction compared to the "Ruby", which is about 40%. LightSheer has been approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction.

• No sun bathing or tanning for 6 weeks prior to treatment. Newly tanned skin is more likely to burn when treated with laser.  Remember, the diode laser operates on melanin.

• No waxing or plucking for 4 weeks prior to treatment.   There must be a follicle to treat.

• No shaving for 3-5 days prior to treatment.

• No Accutane use for 3 months prior to treatment.

• No treatment while on medication that predisposes you to sun damage; i.e., Retina, St. John's Wort, Tetracycline. You should not be taking a prescription with sun exposure warnings.

• If you have had a chemical or Laser facial treatment, consult your physician to make sure sufficient time has elapsed since your previous procedure.

How much pain is involved?

The treatments are so relatively painless that no anesthetic is routinely needed.  There may be a particularly sensitive area or areas that afford more comfort with a topical or local anesthesia.   Generally there is minimal discomfort.

Is it safe?

The laser beam, being visible light, does not change atoms the way ionizing radiation can.  Therefore, it does not produce genetic change. Consequently, there should be no risk of cancer production from exposure to this light. It simply produces heat when interacting with dark material like pigment. Wearing special goggles during the procedure controls risk of eye injury.

There may be a few pink or red skin areas (makeup on face should cover this) and it is possible that a particularly sensitive area may have a small blister. All reactions are transient and you should look ready to return to work or other activities immediately.

Why choose You’re Looking Great! for treatment?

• FDA approved for permanent laser hair reduction
• Physician performs laser treatments
• A convenient, central location in Marietta, near the Cobb Civic Center
• Competitive prices - some of the lowest in the area
• Use of the latest technology and the only LightSheer laser in Greater Atlanta
• Board-certified physician with many year's experience
• Use of lasers which are nationally recognized leaders in the field 

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