What does the treatment include?
Depending on the area of treatment, hair density, and hair growth cycle, the procedure will vary from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:

• Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser light during the procedure.
• A small handpiece will direct laser energy to the treatment site.
• A cooling gel may be used on the skin prior to treatment to minimize patient discomfort. Topical anesthesia may also be used depending on patient tolerance of the procedure.
• The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or more than an hour, depending on the area treated.
• The treated area may become red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

• Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or follow individual instructions from your practitioner
• Avoid other hair removal methods besides shaving for several weeks before treatment (ex: electrolysis, plucking, waxing or depilatories)
• Your practitioner can determine if your skin type is appropriate for treatment and together you can discuss desired results

What are the benefits of laser hair removal compared to alternative treatments?
The primary benefits of laser hair removal include:

• Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort using the Apex 800 laser than with electrolysis, waxing or tweezing.
• The Apex 800 combines both speed and long lasting results.
• The Apex 800 works on almost any area of the body where a hair-free appearance is desired.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
The unique design of the laser allows treatment of a wide range of skin types and hair colors. Your practitioner will evaluate your skin type and hair color to determine if you are a candidate for treatment.

How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area of treatment, the hair density and the hair growth cycle. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in hair’s location, thickness and resilience. Your practitioner will create a custom treatment plan for you.

How does the Apex 800 laser work?
The laser generates a beam of intense, concentrated light which is directed through a small handpiece to the treatment site. The laser energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair causing selective damage to the follicle. Because the laser treats more than one hair at a time, it is possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. Even sensitive areas such as the nipples, upper lip and bikini line can be treated easily and with minimal discomfort. Apex 800 laser treatment is a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for hair removal.

Is the laser treatment painful?
While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most patients report little or no discomfort. For more sensitive patients, anesthetic creams can be applied prior to treatment.

Are there any side effects?
Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although it may infrequently last a few days. In rare instances, some blistering may occur. Laser hair removal does not make hair grow back thicker, darker or quicker. In fact, the opposite is often the case. Hair growth will frequently be delayed after treatment. When hair does grow back, it may be lighter, thinner and less dense.