Laser Hair Removal in Bellevue, WA

The Elite IQ^™ device uses innovative technology to provide quick, easy, personalized laser hair removal. The Elite IQ^™, when compared with Cynosure’s predecessors, is more powerful, effective, and faster than ever before.

There are many benefits to receiving laser hair removal, including:

• It saves time usually spent at waxing appointments or shaving.
• Reduces the amount of money spent on waxing and shaving products.
• No discomfort from razor burn, cuts, rashes, and chronic folliculitis.
• Increased self-confidence.
• Reduces body odor.
• Safe and effective.
• Low maintenance.
• No more ingrown hairs.

A true conceptual understanding of laser principles is paramount in the safe execution of this procedure. Physicians & staff must possess a mastery of laser concepts & treatment parameters to ensure safety and efficacy for each patient.

Additionally, understanding clinical outcomes for pre-existing medical issues such as untreated polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is paramount. Patient education is part of the foundation of trust between the provider and the patient.

There is misinformation online regarding the perceived difficulty of treating darker skin types with laser hair removal. Dr. O’Connell and the Serenity Rejuvenation team are highly qualified and experienced in treating patients of color. In fact, patients of color make up a large percentage of our treatment demographic.

Medication awareness: Be aware that the presence of certain prescription medications taken orally within ten days of the treatment can cause the laser to burn your skin. The most common potentially problematic medications belong to the drug class of tetracycline antibiotics. For prospective patients who have questions regarding specific medications, call our office before your scheduled appointment.

Oils & Topical Retinoids: Seven days before your treatment, avoid using retinoids and oils, which can lead to burns.

Prolonged Intensive Sun Exposure: Technically, the prospective patient can be tan; however, one must avoid prolonged intensive sun exposure to the treatment area seven days before and seven days after treatment.

Energy Balance: We ask that you avoid overheating yourself around your appointment time. Examples of overheating include hot yoga before the treatment or a sauna immediately after the treatment. Laser hair removal involves placing energy in the form of heat under the skin, and the skin traps heat. So, we want to avoid creating more internal energy or heat for a steady energy balance.

The treatment area must be shaved before each appointment.

Pain is subjective; however, most people tolerate the procedure well. The laser parameters change as the hair gets thinner and finer with each treatment, resulting in less discomfort. We also have powerful numbing agents to effectively manage comfort levels. The topical numbing creams must be applied 30 minutes before the procedure. This needs to be planned and arranged before the scheduled treatment time.

The recommended treatment interval is based on a scientific approximation that the hair will be in the anagen phase of hair growth on the face/neck every four weeks. Approximately every 6-8 weeks, the hair will be in the anagen phase of hair growth on the body. The laser only sees the hair that is in the anagen phase.

Firstly, the goal is permanent hair reduction on the order of 85-90 percent reduction. We rely on five efficacy concepts when determining how many treatments a patient might need. These concepts include:

1. Genetics
2. PCOS (insulin resistance family of disorders)
3. Hormones
4. Hair Color
5. Body Area