Patient Information

PATIENT INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to an exciting new service that offers the most advanced technology available for the treatment of unwanted hair. We are happy that you have chosen our practice to provide this service, knowing that you will receive care by highly trained physicians rather than laser technicians. We are committed to helping you achieve your goal of hair removal.

Scheduling of Appointments: Unless you are already familiar with the use of lasers for hair removal, it is suggested that you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Lori Ripps. This will help you understand the methods and expectations of this technology. If desired, the first treatment can be combined with the consultation appointment. Appointments are available on specific days and we request that you be prompt and prepared upon arrival for treatment. As many people experience slight redness on their face for one to two hours after treatment, we suggest that you not schedule social engagements to immediately follow appointments. We will attempt to be very flexible to your scheduling needs.

Payment Policy: We are not aware of any insurance policies that cover laser hair removal at this time. However, if you have a question about this, you should contact your insurance provider directly. A pricing list is available upon request. The costs vary with the area to be treated, time required, and the number of treatments that are expected. You may elect to pay for each treatment individually or take advantage of the discounted price of a package of three or more treatments. Payment prior to treatment is requested by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.

Phone Calls/Messages: Our office is open Monday through Friday. If you need to speak with a physician during office hours, please leave a message to allow us to find your chart and retum your call. After office hours, the answering service may be asked to page a physician on-call.

If You Have A Problem: In the event that you experience a problem before or after your appointment, we truly want to know about this so that we may handle your concerns. Please call our office with concerns, complaints and, of course, compliments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apogee™ 6200; Laser Hair Removal

Q. How does a laser remove hair?

The Apogee 6200 laser sends a pulse of light that targets the hair follicle, where each hair grows. The light passes through your skin and is absorbed by the hair. When the hair absorbs the light, the laser energy becomes heat, which destroys the follicle. Because the Apogee 6200 laser uses the TKS™ principle, we can be sure that the laser selectively heats the hair, and not your skin.

Q. What does TKS™ mean?

TKS stands for Thermokinetic Selectivity™. This means that the laser's energy can "selectively heat" the hair follicle, and not the surrounding skin. TKS is based on scientific knowledge of how laser energy reacts differently with hair and skin. With the Apogee 6200 we can set our laser to protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair. That is why the TKS laser process offers safer and more effective treatments than other lasers or flashing-light methods.

Q. Is the treatment painful?

Most patients say the treatment feels like a series of pricks to the skin. Patients who have tried other treatments -such as electrolysis or waxing -say there is much less discomfort with the Apogee 6200 than with anything else they've used. Most patients tolerate the sensation without any problems. Within about 30 minutes of your treatment, the skin in the treatment area may become pink or red, but this usually lasts only a few hours.

Q. How many treatments will I need?

Human hair grows in cycles; some hairs are actively growing, while others are resting in a dormant phase. That means the hairs -whether they're on your scalp, your legs or your underarms -are never growing at the same rate at the same time. At the time of a laser treatment, the laser will destroy the hairs that are in the active growing phase, but the dormant phase hair follicles will not be affected. Additional treatments are needed in about 6-8 weeks or when other follicles re-enter the growth phase.

Treatment Chart

BODY PART	TREATMENTS NEEDED (Average)
Upper lip/chin	3-4 treatments
Face	3-4 treatments
Bikini Line	3-4 treatments
Arms/Underarms	4-5 treatments
Legs	4-7 treatments

Q. What causes excessive body hair?
Hair growth patterns can be affected by several factors: heredity , changes in gland secretions and hormone levels, for example. Women who have just had babies may also see a change in hair growth patterns. Because hair growth can be linked to other health issues, our office is a good place for you to discuss your questions and consider laser hair removal treatment. That way, your total care can be supervised by a staff that understands your medical background and history.

Q. Is laser hair removal permanent?
The laser can reduce or eliminate unwanted hair, and results vary with each individual. Today, there is no laser hair removal treatment that can be called permanent for all skin types. But laser hair removal done with the Apogee 6200 laser can safely be called long-term, with most patients having little or no regrowth after treatment.

Who Can Be Treated With Apogee™ 6200; Laser Hair Removal?

Before the Apogee 6200 laser with the TKS™ process, many people could not be considered for laser hair removal treatment Other laser and pulsed-light methods used energy levels and exposure times that could cause skin damage or were ineffective. But the Apogee 6200 laser process makes laser hair removal a safer, more effective option for almost everyone.

Q. Who are good candidates for laser hair removal?
In general, if you have a concern about unwanted hair, you are probably a candidate. Your complexion type and how your skin reacts to sunlight are key factors in determining the benefits you may receive. The most dramatic results are in patients with light skin and dark hair, but those with lighter hair and darker skin can also receive benefits from laser hair removal. Other personal health factors need to be considered, so each patient must be evaluated individually. Dr. Lori Ripps can answer your specific questions during the consultation.

Q. Is there an age limit for laser hair removal patients?
Women of all ages -from young teens to older adults - have been treated and are enjoying the benefits of laser hair removal. Young and mature women alike have sought treatment for a variety of reasons, including:

cosmetic/ aesthetic needs
for convenience
to eliminate uncomfortable, unsightly rashes or ingrown hairs that can result from other hair removal methods
to rid themselves of hair that can cause self-consciousness or embarrassment
medical conditions

Q. I'm in my mid-40s and have noticed a little more ..~each fuzz" around my jawline, and I'd like to have it removed. Am I a good candidate? Probably, but a lot depends on the color of the hairs. In order for the laser to work, there has to be a substance called melanin in the hair (melanin is the substance that gives hair color). If the hair is totally white, it can't be treated, because there is no color (melanin) in the hair .

Q. How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?
There are some steps you will be asked to take before your laser hair removal treatment begins. These steps should be followed for the best results.
.wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 strength for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment (since tanned skin does not allow maximum treatment), and avoid sun exposure as much as possible
.avoid waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment
.shave area 1-3 days prior to treatment