Frequently Asked Questions About Affinity Body Solutions Laser Procedures Available in Tampa and Brandon, Florida.

Laser Hair Removal

What are the most popular areas for laser hair removal?
The most popular areas are female facial hair, bikini line hair and back hair for men. Any area that you can shave can have laser hair removal treatments.
 
How long has laser technology been in use?
Lasers have been used in medicine for 20 years. Laser hair removal began 10 years ago, but hair removal laser technology has really progressed in the last five years.

What is the difference between pulsed light and lasers?
Pulsed light is not laser. While pulsed light is effective and can be used for other services, our experience supports the more powerful laser treatment for hair removal. Pulsed light is generally less safe for darker skin colors.

How is laser hair removal different from Electrolysis?
Electrolysis treatment is one hair at a time. Laser hair removal is much quicker. An area like the underarms, for example, can be treated in just 10 minutes.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser Hair Removal is a faster, gentler way to remove unwanted hair, with great results. Laser Hair Removal applies precisely controlled pulses of energy (electrical and light, with cooling), reaching into the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair, right down to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.

What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a lunch time procedure. There is no recovery time. Patients can return to work or play immediately. These lasers do not remove skin, so the risks are very low. As with any procedure, we have an informed consent that explains all the possible risks.

How old do you have to be for laser hair removal?
There really is no age limit, but we never treat toddlers. Young people that are not finished growing will develop new hair as they grow, and will require touch ups to maintain the results. We currently do not treat children under the age of 13. Older people who usually have gray hair  will not respond to laser.

What does laser hair removal feel like?
Each pulse, which lasts less than a second, produces a slight tingling feeling. In particularly sensitive areas, such as the upper lip, it may feel like a quick, light pinch.

Is laser hair removal painful?
Everyone's pain tolerance is different. People have compared it to a rubber band snap against the skin. Compared to waxing the treatment has very little discomfort. If needed, we can apply a topical numbing cream to the skin prior to treatment. It is mainly utilized to any areas that are more sensitive.

What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
The energies used by Affinity Body Solutions are used in a range of medical and cosmetic procedures that have proven to be safe. Most people experience no side effects at all, though few exhibit some short-term local reddening of the surrounding skin. You can return to your regular activities immediately after laser hair removal treatment, although it is advisable to keep the skin protected from exposure to direct sunlight for a short period of time.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Our laser hair removal technology destroys hairs that are in the active growth phase, so repeat treatments will be needed to target hair that was not affected at the time of previous laser hair removal treatments. Normally six laser hair removal treatments are recommended to get the optimum results.

What results can I expect from laser hair removal?
At the end of the laser hair removal treatment program you can expect your skin to be smooth. Some people require touch-up treatments in the future due to new hair growth.

Pearl

What is Pearl?
Pearl is the “one laser to choose” to renew your skin’s surface with quick, visible results. Pearl treats fine lines on the face and neck, uneven skin texture and light & dark spots caused by sun damage.

What is a Pearl treatment like?
The practitioner guides the Pearl laser over the skin, gently removing the top layer of the epidermis and heating a layer of tissue below it. The treatment takes approximately 10-15 minutes for a full face. The treatment feels like a series of brief pinches.
 
What can I expect after the treatment?
After treatment, the skin will look like it is sunburned. Your practitioner will apply ointment on the skin to keep it moist. The skin will need to be kept moist for 3–4 days. Since you cannot wear sunscreen during this time, you will need to wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure for a few days following the treatment. You are free to wear make-up starting on day 3. After 3-4 days, the top layer of skin peels off revealing new, healthy, vibrant skin underneath.

When will I see results?
You will see noticeable results on day 3 or 4, when the superficial tissue has peeled off, leaving fresh, new, healthy skin underneath.

Who is a candidate for a Pearl treatment?
Patients of any age, depending on your skin type, with sun damage, uneven skin texture and fine lines and wrinkles can benefit from Pearl treatments; however, the most common age group seeking treatment is between 25-60.

What areas will respond best to a Pearl treatment?
Pearl will smooth the skin’s texture, as well as soften fine lines and wrinkles, on the face, neck, upper chest and hands.

How many treatments are recommended?
Many patients experience excellent results after one treatment. Others may want a second treatment for best results.

How does Pearl compare to other “like” laser treatments?
Pearl offers the most effective treatment to address fine lines & wrinkles, sun damaged skin and uneven texture without wound care and the lengthy downtime required with traditional Erbium and CO2 laser procedures.

Does Cutera have an FDA clearance for the Pearl laser?
Yes, Cutera received FDA clearance in March 2007 for Pearl for skin resurfacing and the treatment of wrinkles. Pearl is used primarily on the face but has also been used on the neck, upper chest and hands.

IPL

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy?
IPL is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. Unlike lasers, which use intense, focused light, IPL is intense broadband light. Although IPL delivers energy to both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of the skin, the epidermis is spared from damage. Thus, there is virtually no recovery time. In the studies that have been performed so far, IPL can smooth the skin, remove age spots, freckles, and even visible blood vessels. IPL may tighten skin and improve fine lines but does not affect wrinkles.

What is the IPL procedure like?
Before treatment, a cold gel may be applied and you will be given protective eyewear. During treatment the IPL hand piece is applied to the surface of the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in pulses. People have described that it feels like a rubber band snapping on their skin.

How long does the IPL procedure take?
Each session usually lasts about 20 minutes, and you should return to normal activity immediately afterwards.

What will my face feel like after IPL treatment?
IPL therapy brings about gradual changes over the course of the treatments. After a full course, you may notice improved texture of skin, decreased redness, more even color, and youthful skin tone.

How long before I can return to normal activities?
You should be able to return to normal activities immediately. You may experience mild redness, but it usually disappears within a few hours.

How many IPL treatments will I need?
On average, four to six IPL treatments are recommended, scheduled at three-week intervals. However, each person is unique and you and the physician will decide on a plan that is best for you.

How long will the results last?
With good sun protection, results from a full series of treatments can last up to a year.

What are the risks of IPL?
IPL therapy is safer than laser therapy because IPL does not damage the epidermis. There may be some mild pain during the procedure but no recovery time. Unlike some laser therapies, however, multiple treatments (4-6, at three to four week intervals) are often needed to get the full benefit. The risks and benefits of IPL therapy need to be discussed in detail with the physician.

How much does IPL cost?
The cost is variable, but usually more expensive than peels and less expensive than lasers. For a more accurate price you would need to come in for a free consultation where the doctor can give you an estimate for specific areas of treatment.