How does laser hair removal work?
The laser targets the melanin pigment (the color) in the hair follicle. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, 10-20% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 4-to 6-week intervals. With multiple treatments, all hair follicles can be disabled. The number of treatments necessary will depend on skin color and the coarseness, density and color of the hair itself.

How many treatments will be needed?
Laser treatment impairs the growth of hair follicles when they are in the anagen (growth) cycle at the time of treatment. Unfortunately, not all hair follicles are at this stage at the same time. Therefore, for effective permanent hair removal, most people require approximately 4 to 6 treatments to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions also depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin.

Who performs the procedure?
All laser treatments are performed by Donna Trimboli, who has over 15 years of experience in laser hair removal and is certified by the industry's educational leaders.

Are there any risks or side effects?
Risks are minimal. There is no recovery or down time, and clients can return to their normal activities immediately. After the treatment, you may experience a slight reddening of the skin similar to a sunburn that will resolve within a few hours to a few days.

Are the results permanent?
Results vary depending on skin and hair type. Studies have shown that many clients can achieve permanent hair reduction of up to 85-90% and remaining hair returns lighter and softer.

Will I have to use any topical anesthetic before my treatment?
At Smooth Endings, we do not use topical anesthetics before or during treatment. In most cases it is not recommended to use any topical numbing preparations (prescription or non-prescription) prior to laser hair removal. The DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) that lasers are equipped with eliminates the need for any topical numbing preparations. Before every laser pulse, cryogen (a cooling agent) is automatically sprayed onto the skin within the laser field that protects and partially numbs that area. This makes the treatment safer and more comfortable.

How long will the procedure take?
Any area can be treated faster than with any other laser on the market because the GentleLASE™ uses an 18mm spot size (about the size of a quarter). This technology, combining the larger spot size coupled with more hertz (power), means a faster and more effective treatment. A small area such as the lip will take 5 minutes, and a large area such as the legs, will take an hour.

Is it safe?
Laser treatments are very safe. The Gentlelase™ is FDA approved and uses the best technology for delivering the safest treatment.

Is it safe for darker skin types?
Highly pigmented clients, or those clients who aren't sure if they still have a tan, will require a 2-minute spot test. Within 48 hours, we will determine if laser hair removal is a safe alternative for your skin type.

How much does it cost?
Prices are quoted per area, so please call or see the Fee page for an estimated cost.  The cost will vary according to the treatment plan, areas to be treated, and the amount of hair. Clients may pay per treatment, but we also offer package and multiple-area discounts.

Can any area be treated?
Any and all  areas can be treated, with the exception of the under portion of the eyebrow. While some companies might choose to treat that area, Smooth Endings maintains its decision based on the safety aspect. Laser is most effective on dark, course hair; in addition, it is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs. 

Will I experience hair growth between my treatments?
The goal is that you never have to shave again once you start your treatments. Generally, treatments are scheduled around growth cycles, so if you keep to your treatment schedules, you should never have to shave. Since treatment times could vary, you may see some growth between appointments. 

Why is laser a better option over IPL or electrolysis?
With electrolysis, each hair is individually destroyed within each follicle. A laser has a much greater coverage area, and will penetrate several follicles with each pulse. While electrolysis can eliminate fine and light hairs, the result of a laser treatment is faster, less painful and more manageable. An IPL is more effective for pigmentation problems or skin conditioning treatments.

What will I experience during the treatment?
The treatment room is very comfortable, modern and calming. Most clients engage in conversation, and the procedure goes quickly. Once you are comfortable on the table, only the area being treated will be exposed; all other areas will be covered with a towel or blanket. The level of professionalism is extremely high, and clients are treated with respect and consideration of any anxieties they might have. During the session, you will wear special eyewear to ensure protection from the laser light. A small handheld piece of equipment will gently touch the skin; and a small amount of cool spray is emitted before the pulse of laser light. This procedure is repeated over the entire area that is being treated.                    

Is the Laser Painful?
Pain is a common initial concern for many clients. Gentlelase™ uses a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure. Therefore, the treatment is generally well tolerated. Some clients describe the treatment as a sensation similar to the snap of a rubber band and "much less painful than the waxing I used to subject myself to." 
The amount of the discomfort varies depending on the amount of the hair in the particular area being treated. Most clients tolerate the treatments well, due to the Dynamic Cooling Device, the speed of the laser and the large spot size, which covers an area about the size of a quarter in just one pulse. I have treated legs, bikini areas, underarms, forearms, upper lips, chins, side burns, backs of necks, the back and shoulders, feet and toes,ears and stomachs. Some areas will sting a little more than waxing, but the fabulous part of this is there's a beginning, middle and an end. Please note that I have treated many areas not mentioned above as I have helped many of my clients transition to their new life.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Some clients may need 4 treatments, while others need 6. We would rather say 6 sessions are necessary and have you gush about our results if we finish after 4 treatments, than tell you four and leave you feeling disappointed in our services after the sixth session.