Why is the Lightsheer XC laser system superior to other laser systems?

There are a number of reasons why the Lightsheer XC is the only laser of its kind FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. Unlike most laser systems, the LightSheer XC’s capabilities ensure that the duration of the laser pulses is long enough to disable the hair follicle, while short enough to limit the heat transfer to the surrounding tissue. The machine also has a unique built-in chill tip to prevent the unnecessary damage to surrounding tissue. Finally the Lightsheer uses a unique long pulse laser which is the most effective laser pulse for hair removal. This feature allows the laser energy to be delivered more slowly, giving a greater degree of protection to skin with larger concentrations of melanin.

How do I determine my skin type? Will this affect my treatment?

Your skin type will determine the fluence that is used during your treatment. Remember the fluence is the amount of energy delivered to skin (J/cm2). Please view the table below to determine what skin type you are.

Fitzpatrick table of skin types:

Type I	Always burns, never tans
Type II	Always burns, sometimes tans
Type III	Sometimes burns, always tans
Type IV	Rarely burns, always tans
Type V	Moderately pigmented
Type VI	Black skin

Why are repeat treatments needed?

The stem cells of the hair bulge must be effectively destroyed in the anagen phase for successful hair removal. Fortunately, between 20% and 25% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at any given time (remember the range for body hair is 1-6 months in anagen). Since the duration of anagen varies depending on your unique genetic makeup, hormone levels, age, sex, and the desired body site, repeat treatments are done when you experience a wave of rapid hair regrowth (usually between 4 – 8 weeks).

How long will my treatment take?

The length of your appointment will vary depending on the area and amount of hair you wish to have removed. A small area such as the upper lip may take a few minutes whereas more than one treatment may be required to treat larger areas of the body.

Are there any side effects to laser hair removal?

The most common side effects are redness and swelling which generally occur immediately after laser treatment and typically resolve within 1 – 2 days. At Som Visao we offer you the use of both our Zimmer Cooler to provide immediate relief and soothing aloe vera gels for the treated area.

Are all laser machines the same?

No. There are many machines on the market today. It is important to do your research. At SomVisao we use the LightSheer XC. The LightSheer XC has been FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction and is the gold standard for hair removal with unsurpassed clinically documented success offering safe, permanent hair reduction for all skin types.

How many treatments will I need?

Many factors come into place with hair removal such as genetics, age, hormones and medications. Clinical evaluation shows anywhere from 5-7 treatments. As all bodies are different, fewer sessions may be required.

How often will I need to have a treatment?

Anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending on the area of the body and hair growth.

Is laser hair removal painful?

There is a difference between pain and discomfort. With any hair removal service there is always a level of discomfort. At Som Visao we offer a state of the art cooling system as well as topical anesthetics. We want your treatments to be as comfortable as possible.

Does Laser hair removal work on grey / blonde hair?

The Laser is attracted the melanin (color) in your hair. Grey, white and light blonde hair contains little or no melanin and therefore does not respond to treatments.

How long do I have to avoid the Sun?

We recommend 4 weeks pre and 2 week post treatment. It is important not to have a fresh tan when you come in for a treatment. It is important to be using a SPF 30 + daily in the treatment area.

What is the first step?

At SomVisao we pride ourselves in offering quality treatments with results. Upon arrival you will receive a confidential complimentary consultation followed by a test patch. It is important to us that you fully understand our treatments and feel comfortable before proceeding.

Can I wax between laser treatments?

No. While receiving laser treatments it is important that the area being treated is never exposed to any hair removal techniques that remove the hair from the follicle at least 6 weeks before your laser treatment. You may shave as much as you like!

Are there any relative contraindications for laser hair removal?

Yes. It’s important you understand that some relative contraindications exist for laser hair removal and include: a history of keloid scarring, bleeding disorders, medications that list photosensitivity as a side effect, use of Accutane within the last 6 months, active infection or a history of herpes simplex virus, a history of poor wound healing, and the use of anticoagulants within the last 6 months.

How does LightSheer® Diode Laser System work?

The system emits near-infared laser light that is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the system’s unique, patented contact-cooling hand piece, the ChillTip, helps protect the skin by conductive cooling during the laser energy delivery.

What advantages does the LightSheer® have over other laser hair removal systems?

The LightSheer® Diode Laser System was designed from the ground up for laser hair removal, so it has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width, active epidermal cooling system-the ChillTip ideally suited for laser hair removal. The LightSheer® Diode System has 3 advantages over other methods, comfort, speed and accuracy.

Is the hair removal permanent?

Theoretically, damage to the hair follicle can remove unwanted hair permanently, but because of the nature of hair and the many factors that influence the growth of hair, the results are variable. The effect of repeated treatments is cumulative. In fact most clients experience long-term hair removal.

Is it painful?

No treatment to remove unwanted hair is completely painless. Clients who have undergone repeated waxing or hours of electrolysis can attest to the pain caused by commonly used methods of epilation. The LightSheer Diode System is fast, which reduces treatment time. It provides long-lasting hair removal, reducing the need for repeated treatment. The ChillTip cooling lens helps reduce comfort while protecting skin surface from thermal injury during delivery of the pulse of the laser light. We also sell a topical anesthetic cream to help further reduce discomfort.

Are there other complications associated with treatment?

In addition to transient epidermal injury (pain, erythema, edema, blistering), transient hyper/hypo pigmentation and transient textural changes (crusting, scabbing) have been observed in some clients. Proper patient selection and pre-treatment can help minimize these complications. Clients who carry the Herpes simplex virus may want to use an antiviral medication as advised by their doctor.

How long does the procedure take?

Each pulse of laser energy will treat a square area of skin approximately _ inch (9mm). For this reason the amount of time required depends on the size of the area requiring treatment. For example the upper lip and bikini line may require only 5 to 15 minutes of treatment, while a longer period of time will be required to treat the back or legs.