2 Carlson Parkway Suite 120 Wayzata, MN 55447

LightSheer® Diode Hair Removal inMinneapolis, MN

There are so many different ways to eliminate unwanted body and facial hair today, but most require ongoing maintenance that can be both time-consuming and expensive. Laser hair removal offers long-lasting hair reduction to provide you with smoother, silkier skin that is nearly maintenance-free.

Affordable laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures offered at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Minneapolis, MN. We are proud to say that our treatment has been voted the best laser hair removal in Wayzata and Minnetonka for five years in a row. Dr. Leslie Smith is a certified cosmetic doctor trained in laser technology, and she uses the most advanced laser hair removal technology that is proven to be safe, quick and effective.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Patients have a variety of reasons for choosing laser hair removal at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, including the following:

  • Office treatment is relatively comfortable and does not require downtime
  • Devices can be used for nearly any area of the face or body with unwanted hair
  • Follicles are treated to produce long-lasting hair reduction
  • Takes the place of time-consuming shaving, waxing and depilatories
  • The procedure is FDA approved, assuring patients it is both safe and effective
  • As an expert in laser treatments, Dr. Smith offers the highest level of care and best possible results

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

Laser hair removal, also called “in-office laser hair reduction,” uses concentrated beams of laser energy (light) to damage hair follicles at the root, making future hair growth more difficult.

At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, we use the LightSheer diode laser system, which is recognized in the industry as the “gold standard” in laser hair removal. This affordable hair reduction treatment can be tailored to the patient’s skin tone and hair color, creating a versatile system that can provide benefits to a wide range of patients.

WHY CHOOSE THE LIGHTSHEER® SYSTEM FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

The LightSheer system was the first to provide permanent hair reduction using state-of-the-art, high-powered diode technology. LightSheer is different from other laser hair removal systems because it can transmit a range of pulse lengths during treatment. The various pulse options allow Dr. Smith to customize treatment based on a patient’s unique needs.

WHAT TYPE OF LASER IS LIGHTSHEER®?

The LightSheer diode laser is the same type of laser commonly used in household electronics like DVD players, printers and scanners. Diode lasers are extremely safe and versatile. For laser hair removal, diode lasers are often preferred among cosmetic doctors because of their effectiveness.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

This procedure can be used to treat nearly any area of the face and body, including the following:

  • Underarms
  • Forearms
  • Legs
  • Bikini line
  • Chin
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Back

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MY LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE

laser hair removal patient

“Jack, annoyed with having to shave every couple of days, came to Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics for Laser Hair Removal Treatments. To document his experience and track his progress, Jack recorded videos and even sat down with us for an interview!”

Check Out Jack’s Laser Hair Removal Story

WHERE IS THE TREATMENT DONE?

Laser hair removal is done in our Wayzata office at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics.

DO I NEED TO SHAVE BEFORE GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Yes, please shave your hair in the treatment area the morning of or the night before your laser hair removal treatment. Do not wax or pluck the target area. By having your hair as short as possible but leaving the base of the hair in the follicle, the melanin in the hair of the follicle will absorb most of the laser energy for an effective treatment.

HOW LONG DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT TAKE?

Depending on the size and location of the area to be treated, a treatment session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. The majority of our appointments take 30 minutes or less, and patients are immediately back to their daily routine.

WHAT DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL FEEL LIKE?

Laser hair removal is considered a relatively comfortable treatment, with most patients describing the sensation when the laser penetrates the follicle like the snap of a rubber band.

More sensitive areas can be treated with a topical numbing cream first to ensure the procedure is tolerable. Any discomfort experienced is typically mild and subsides within two to three hours after the treatment.

The LightSheer diode system uses a patented ChillTip™ handpiece to increase patient comfort and safety. Treatments are relatively comfortable for our patients and require little or no downtime afterward.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Depending on your specific condition, you may require anywhere from four to 10 treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart, to see the outcome you want. Once you achieve that result, an occasional touch-up procedure may be used to maintain your smooth, hair-free appearance.

WHY DO I NEED MULTIPLE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS?

Hair grows in various stages, and different follicles are in different stages at any particular time. Multiple treatments are needed because laser hair removal is only effective in treating hair follicles in the active growth stage (known as the anagen stage). So to target the majority of the follicles in the active growth stage and achieve optimal results, repeat treatments every four to eight weeks are needed.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE RECOVERING FROM LASER HAIR REMOVAL

DO I NEED DOWNTIME AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

There is no recovery time after hair removal treatment, so you should be able to return to work or other daily activities right away.

WILL I HAVE PAIN AFTER MY LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Discomfort after this procedure is typically minor and usually only lasts a couple of hours at most.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS DURING MY LASER HAIR REMOVAL RECOVERY?

You will need to keep treated skin out of the sun for a few days to avoid potential pigmentation irregularities and other complications. Avoid overly hot water, such as sitting in a hot bath or hot tub, for 24 to 48 hours. There are no other restrictions on an activity level, and no other aftercare is necessary with this procedure.

HOW LONG AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL DO YOU SEE RESULTS?

Your hair in the targeted area will begin to fall out about one to three weeks after each laser hair removal treatment. Because only the hairs in the active growth stage can be effectively treated, those will be the ones that fall out. As you cycle through your treatment series and treat more hair in the active growth cycle, you’ll see more and more hair reduction a few weeks after each treatment.

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

The laser system used at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics is the first of its kind to be cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. While it does not remove 100 percent of hair, it does treat the vast majority of the hair follicles and can reduce unwanted hair by as much as 85 percent or more.

ARE THE RESULTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

Laser hair removal provides a permanent reduction of hair, but this should not be confused with permanent hair removal. Permanent hair reduction means a significant amount of hair follicles will no longer produce hair, but this does not mean every single strand of hair will never grow back.

No device exists that can guarantee 100-percent permanent hair removal, since some follicles may continue to produce fine, light hairs after the procedure that may not respond to additional laser treatments.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL FAQS

CAN LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREAT PATIENTS WITH DARK SKIN?

This revolutionary technology is highly effective in treating a wide range of skin types and colors. However, some skin may be too pigmented for the laser to target the hairs, as the skin may absorb too much of the laser light.

At your consultation, we will be able to examine your skin type and tone as well as your hair color to determine if you can benefit from laser hair removal.

CAN I TAN OR USE SUNLESS TANNERS BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?

Tanning creates more melanin in your skin, which creates a darker pigment. Sunless tanners also add more pigment to your skin. Because of this, tanned skin should not get laser hair removal, similar to how some darker complexions may not be good candidates for this treatment.

You will be advised to refrain from tanning and using sunless self-tanning solutions during your treatment series, as this can compromise the skin and result in less successful hair reduction overall.

CAN LASER HAIR REMOVAL BE USED FOR ANY HAIR COLOR?

Our laser device is effective in treating a wide range of patients since the diode laser can address the broadest range of hair colors, textures and diameters. Whether you have black, brown, red or dirty blonde hair, it’s possible to have effective laser hair removal. However, this treatment works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, so some hair may not have enough pigment and be too light for the laser to pick up.

The LightSheer laser system tends to work best on patients with coarse black or dark brown hair.

CAN I USE THIS TECHNOLOGY TO REMOVE MY GRAY HAIR?

While the LightSheer diode laser offers treatment to a wide range of hair colors and skin tones, it does not work as well on gray or white hair. The ineffectiveness is because the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicle, and these hair shades lack melanin.

An in-person evaluation with Dr. Smith will determine whether laser hair removal is the right approach for you.

WHAT’S THE BEST AGE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Laser hair removal is best suited for teenagers and adults. The minimum age for treatment is generally 14 years old, but we recommend waiting until a potential candidate is finished with puberty before undergoing treatment, as hormone fluctuations common in puberty can affect hair growth.

CAN MEN GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

While women are the most common laser hair removal candidates, men are also excellent candidates for this treatment. In fact, laser hair removal for men is increasing in popularity, and male patients made up 16 percent (122,190 patients) of the total laser hair removal patients in the U.S. in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statistics report.

Many men seek laser hair removal to target thick excess hair on their backs, arms, legs and chests. For areas like the arms and legs where they want some hair reduction but not a significant difference, they can have just a few treatments in these areas and still maintain some hair growth. Balding men may choose to have this treatment performed on their scalp so they no longer have to worry about shaving their head regularly. Some men (and their significant others) prefer to have a smooth face and get laser hair removal for their facial hair.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE?

The LightSheer system offers extremely safe and effective laser hair removal. The laser harmlessly administers heat that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Because the laser light can harm the retina of the eyes, we have our patients wear safety goggles during treatment to completely protect their eyes from exposure.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

If you have any of the following issues in the treatment area, it is best to wait until they resolve before getting laser hair removal:

  • Inflammation
  • An active infection
  • A fungal, viral or bacterial disease
  • One or more cold sores
  • An open wound
  • A sunburn

IS A DIODE LASER BETTER THAN IPL?

The LightSheer system uses a diode laser, which is generally more effective at laser hair removal than IPL. IPL stands for intense pulsed light, and it uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, only some of which are beneficial for laser hair removal. The diode laser uses the specific light color and wavelength that targets the melanin in the hair follicle. Because of this, you would need twice as many IPL treatments to achieve the same results as the LightSheer diode laser system.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND ELECTROLYSIS?

Laser hair removal uses laser energy to eliminate unwanted hair, while electrolysis utilizes electrical energy. The handpiece used for laser treatments sweeps across the treatment site while the laser targets the follicles within the area. The electrolysis device must be placed into each follicle individually, resulting in a much longer, more tedious process.

Both of these treatments offer long-lasting hair reduction, but laser procedures have primarily replaced electrolysis due to their efficiency, efficacy, comfort and safety.

DOES THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE HURT?

There is a noticeable sensation as the laser energy is administered to the hair follicle. Patients often liken it to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. The sensation is quick, ensuring the procedure is quite tolerable for most of our patients. Any lingering discomfort should subside within a couple of hours.

ENJOY SMOOTH, HAIRLESS SKIN WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL IN WAYZATA, MN

Laser hair removal has become the top choice for eliminating unwanted hair today. The staff at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Minnesota (near Plymouth and Minneapolis) would be happy to answer any questions about this procedure you might have so you can determine if it is the right choice for you.

To learn more, contact our cosmetic office today at 952-460-1970.