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Frequently Asked Questions

LASER HAIR REMOVAL/REDUCTION FAQs

  • Our goal is 90% hair reduction
  • Each session takes 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on the body area.
  • The interval between treatments is 4 – 8 weeks.

Hair grows in cycles, so it is important to know that we take laser hair removal very seriously based on the biological factors of the three cycles of hair growth. Success is based on the percentage of hair that is gone after each session. Our goal is to have you at 90% hair gone, which according to the FDA, is considered success.  However, we know that due to biology, hormones, or other medical issues can cause dormant hair to wake up and that a hair may pop up here and there.

Unfortunately, however, not everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal. There is not a laser known to man currently that can permanently remove hair that does not contain melanin (pigment). What does this mean? It means that the unwanted hair must be a color with melanin pigment, which is what the laser targets. The laser cannot see hair that is blonde, white, grey, or extremely light red… these hair colors do not have melanin. If you have a mix of pigmented hair with these colors, you can at least be reassured that the laser will be able to treat the hair that does have pigment, giving you results that you may be happy with.

If you have questions and would like to visit with one of our trained and certified technicians to get a better understanding of what can be expected from your laser hair removal sessions, please give us a call to schedule your free laser hair removal consultation.

  • Since the lasers used for laser hair removal are attracted to melanin (pigment), it is important to AVOID sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, and bronzers for 4 weeks before treatments. Sun exposure and tanning beds increase the melanin production in the skin which will cause the skin to absorb the laser more than the hair follicle. Spray tans and bronzers have pigment and/or pigment enhancing agents that will also absorb the laser more than the hair follicle, resulting in a burn and/or skin pigment changes.
  • Please DO shave the area of treatment the night before your visit. DO NOT wax, thread or pluck the hair for at least 4 weeks prior to your laser treatment.
  • PAIN – Tell us to stop the procedure if pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10 during treatment. Most patients feel pain scale of 2 to 3.
  • If treatment area is the face, preferably come with your makeup off.
  • Do not use on treatment areas: any skin lightener, exfoliation products or bleaching creams at least 2 days before and 2 days after treatment or until all pinkness has subsided.
  • Do not apply any creams, lotions or deodorant on the area to be treated prior to treatment.
  • Notify us of any change in medications or medical history since last visit – eg. Pregnancy or new tattoos or moles (on the area of treatment).
Yes!
However RESULTS WILL VARY & CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
Generally speaking, after 4 treatments, you should see & feel noticeable results! Patient’s individual skin conditions, hair density, skin color, hormones, and the type of laser used play a role in final results.
No, It should not.
Pain / Discomfort – Many patients describe the sensation as ‘warm sensation’ or snap of a rubber band with pain scale of 2 to 3. It is your responsibility to inform us if your pain during the procedure is more than 4 on a scale of 10. 1 being the least and 10 being the worst pain you ever had.
  • After you leave the clinic, if there are any problems in the next 24 hours, please contact the clinic immediately especially if pain or burning sensation is at level 4 or more and is not improving OR if a burn or a blister formation has occurred.
  • After treatment, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning on treated area for 3 days to prevent complications.
  • Use Sunscreen – Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is highly recommended.
  • To wash, use tepid water and mild soap. Do not use hot water on freshly treated areas until pinkness has subsided.
  • Please note the important risks of this procedure – Scarring & Discoloration that can be permanent.
  • FOLLOWING THESE IS IMPORTANT FOR BEST RESULTS

Although it has proven to be very effective and safe, laser hair removal still has side effects and risks just like any other elective cosmetic procedure. Side effects are quite minor and usually temporary such as perifollicular edema (swelling of the dead hair follicle that looks like an ant bite) and erythema (redness). However, there are risks and side effects that can be more serious. Therefore, it is important to know about these side effects and their causes, so you may decrease your chances of experiencing them during or after treatments.

The 3 main risks are:

  • Burning
  • Scarring
  • Discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation)
  • THESE CAN BE PERMANENT

Normal and minor side effects of Laser Hair Removal

  • Erythema – redness – this redness can last for a few minutes to a few days on the treated area.
  • Perifollicular Edema – swelling of dead ruptured hair follicles – this slight swelling that looks like ant bites at the site post treatment can last 1 to 3 days.
  • Itching – itching may occur post treatment
  • Slight pain or tingling – most patients report that they feel a slight sensation with the laser such as a minor snap that is often described as a rubber band against their skin. While very few find it painful, some patients feel it a bit more if they have sensitive skin or an extremely low pain tolerance.

Rare but serious side effects of Laser Hair Removal

  • Bruising and/or Purpura – patients with sensitive skin may experience slight bruising on the treated area or the appearance of purplish spots which are the result of slight bleeding under the skin, but this is usually temporary and heals.
  • Burning – burns to the skin are caused by the laser being absorbed by the skin more than the hair follicle itself.
  • Change in skin pigment – like burn side effects, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) are rare but can happen if the laser is absorbed by melanin in the skin tissue instead of the hair follicle. If this happens, it can either stimulate or inhibit melanin production, causing darkening or lightening of the skin tone in the treated area. This can be permanent.

  • Low first-time, introductory prices – $25 to $150. Try it before you commit to a package. You have nothing to lose… except for nagging hair!
Yes. Your package goes with you. Transfer to any of our 5 clinics if you move.
We will “freeze” the package.
Yes, however, American Laser Med Spas is dedicated to minimizing the risk of infection by establishing guidelines and policy for the cleaning and disinfection of equipment. The policy provides guidelines for the recognition of clean or soiled equipment and guidelines for storage or treatment after use. The procedures define and establish standards for assuring items that come into contact with skin or shared patient equipment is clean before use and that all used contaminated equipment is appropriately cleaned before reuse. American Laser Med Spa does not reprocess single use/disposable items.
American Laser Med Spa requires a pre-wipe and cleaning of the area of treatment with a baby wipe prior to exposure to any treatment equipment. The equipment is disinfected and sanitized with disposable germicidal surface wipes from McKesson Medical-Surgical, Inc. These wipes are typically used in autopsy rooms, bathrooms, blood centers, cadaver work areas, cardiac catheterization labs, EMS units, emergency rooms, morgues, and endoscopic rooms just to name a few. For more information on McKesson wipes, please visit the link below.
https://imgcdn.mckesson.com/CumulusWeb/Click_and_learn/MSDS_MGM16_WIPE_GERMICIDE_XLG.pdf

MICRONEEDLING FAQs

  • Our Mesopen technology prevents skin damage caused by other “roller” types of microneedling.
  • Fractional laser resurfacing burns the epidermis while microneedling does not.
  • Skin tightening lasers have longer recovery time as heating and burning of the skin layers is part of the treatment process.
  • Intense Pulse Light, or Fotofacial is more expensive and somewhat riskier.
  • We provide anesthetic cream for your comfort before the procedure.
  • Home devices are not as powerful and therefore do not work as well. They are more appropriately a supplementary option in addition to clinical microneedling.
  • Expect to see a difference in the appearance of your skin with each Microneedling treatment.
  • Your face will be red and warm immediately following the procedure, this will reduce within 12 hours.
  • PAIN – Tell us to stop the procedure if pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10 during treatment.
  • Preferably come with your makeup off.
  • Do not use on treatment areas: any skin lightener, exfoliation products or bleaching creams 2 days before and 2 days after treatment or until all pinkness has subsided.
  • Do not apply any creams, lotions or deodorant on the area to be treated prior to treatment.
  • Notify us of any change in medications or medical history since last visit –e.g. Pregnancy or new tattoos or moles (on the area of treatment).
Yes!
However RESULTS WILL VARY & CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
Generally speaking, after 4 Treatments, you should see & feel noticeable results!
No. It should not.
Pain / Discomfort – Many patients feel nothing, although some sensitivity may occur on the edges of the face or near lips. It is your responsibility to inform us if your pain during the procedure is more than 4 on a scale of 10. 1 being the least and 10 being the worst pain you ever had.
  • No exfoliation. Let the scabs heal naturally.
  • Keep the skin moist. We prefer you use a high quality coconut oil.
  • Use Sunscreen – Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is highly recommended.
  • To wash, use tepid water and mild soap. Do not use hot water on freshly treated areas until pinkness has subsided.
  • Please note the important risks of this procedure – Scarring & Discoloration that can be permanent.
  • FOLLOWING THESE IS IMPORTANT FOR BEST RESULTS

The 3 main risks are:

  • Skin Infection
  • Discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation)
  • Skin Infection
  • THESE CAN BE PERMANENT

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT FAQs

An Ultrasonic treatment is a high tech “facial” that uses ultrasonic waves to gently exfoliate and give your skin a soft, youthful and radiant glow. A vibrating blade uses ultrasonic waves to buff away the top layer of skin. The exfoliation can leave pores clearer and faces more even toned and free of acne, blackheads, and rough patches for up to one month.

Your skin will have that “lit from within glow”, making it the perfect treatment to indulge in before a big event. Procedures take less than 10 minutes and the results can last up to one month.

An Ultrasonic:
  • Exfoliates dead skin cells
  • Cleanses your skin
  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Unclogs and cleanses pores – improves blackheads, whiteheads and improves acne
  • Enhances skin care product penetration & efficacy
  • Is non-invasive and has zero down time
  • Treatment takes less than 10 minutes
  • Results are immediate and last up to one month.
  • This is a medical treatment, not a spa facial.

No, it is not painful at all. You can expect to have no redness or irritation after your facial. It’s not rough on the skin, and there’s no messy crystals left over on your skin after.

This treatment doesn’t use crystals or chemicals and is perfect for sensitive, sun-damaged and acne prone skin.

  • The procedure is generally safe, but there are some minimal risks involved that you need to be aware of before undergoing this procedure.
  • There is a risk of burns if the spatula stays on the skin too long.
  • Our burn rate is less than 0.1%.
  • It’s best to skip the ultrasonic treatment if you have an autoimmune disorder, heart disorder or cancer.

COOLSCULPTING® FAQs

The CoolSculpting® procedure is designed for people who want to eliminate fat bulges in specific areas. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution (unlike weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass). People who choose CoolSculpting often want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable fat bulges in certain areas.
You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for obesity. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.
The frozen fat cells become crystallized, then die. The dead fat cells then are naturally processed and eliminated by your body. Some patients wonder if the results are permanent. CoolSculpting results are long term because those fat cells, and that fat bulge, are gone for good.
You may start seeing changes in your body as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment. The most dramatic results are usually visible after 2 months. Several months after your treatment, your body will still continue to flush out fat cells.
After your CoolSculpting treatment, no special supplements are required. You won’t need to change any of your lifestyle habits because it’s not a diet and exercise program. Many people do feel more motivated to take good care of themselves after a CoolSculpting treatment. They look better, they feel better, and they want to keep their reshaped body healthy.
It can be uncomfortable. As the name suggests, the CoolSculpting procedure can be a little chilly. Controlled cooling is delivered via an applicator to freeze the targeted fat. Though you may feel intense cold initially, this feeling usually subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area numbs. Because most applicators use a vacuum to draw fatty tissue into the applicator cup, you may also feel some pulling, tugging, and/or mild pinching.
Some people may experience pain or discomfort after CoolSculpting as the nerves “wake up”. If this happens, let us know. There are methods the doctor can suggest to help minimize the pain.
It may take as little as one office visit to achieve your goals. With different applicators to choose from, we can design a treatment plan that can give you your desired results. For some people, a customized treatment plan may include more than one CoolSculpting treatment. For example, you may want freeze away fat from your inner and/or outer thighs – and also get rid of that muffin top.
The CoolSculpting procedure will NOT help you lose weight. However, if you want to lose unwanted fat and look slimmer in your clothes, then CoolSculpting may be right for you.
Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, feel even more motivated to stay close to their ideal weight. However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body, not just in the treated areas.
During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental area treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. Though rare, some additional side effects may occur. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

JUVÉDERM® FAQs

Different formulations are approved to either lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines, smooth vertical lip lines or plump the lips. The results are subtle and long lasting.
We will take your medical history and Dr. Kanase will do a facial analysis. Be prepared to discuss your aesthetic areas of concern. This is not a surgical treatment. Actual treatment with JUVÉDERM® injectable gels can take 15 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on which area of your face is being treated.
JUVÉDERM® injectable gels labeled with “XC” contain pain-reducing lidocaine to help manage pain or discomfort during the injection. You may also enquire about topical numbing cream or ice to help further minimize discomfort.
The JUVÉDERM® collection of fillers is made fom hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural substance in the skin that delivers nutrients, helps the skin retain moisture and softness, and adds volume. Each product in the JUVÉDERM®collection of fillers is made from a modified form of HA.
You will see results immediately/instantly. Results may last one year to 18 months, with optimal correction and depending on the formula used.

For lip augmentation, most side effects were mild or moderate in nature with duration of 14 days or less. The most common side effects were temporary reactions at the treatment site such as tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps/bumps,and bruising.

For treating lines and wrinkles, most side effects were mild or moderate in nature with duration of 7 days or less. The most common side effects included temporary injection-site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, selling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration.

Do not receive JUVÉDERM® injectable gel fillers if you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or if you are allergic to lidocaine or the proteins (Gram-positive bacterial proteins) used to make hyaluronic acid (HA) in JUVÉDERM® injectable gel fillers.
JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC is injected into the areas of facial tissue where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur including the “parentheses lines” around the nose and mouth. JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC is designed to temporarily correct facial wrinkles for a smoother appearance to the face for adults over the age of 21.
The most common side effects included firmness, swelling, tenderness to touch, lumps/bumps, redness, pain, bruising, itching, and discoloration at the injection site. These side effects were usually mild or moderate in nature (causing little to some discomfort and impact on daily activities) and lasted 14 days or less.

BOTOX® COSMETIC FAQs

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults.BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most extensively studied medical aesthetic treatments and is approved for cosmetic use in 78 countries.* BOTOX® Cosmetic has a record of experience that aesthetic specialists know and trust. And, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been evaluated in both Allergan sponsored clinical trials as well as in 417 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.

BOTOX® Cosmetic contains tiny amounts of a highly purified botulinum toxin protein refined from the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Formulations, potency, and approved doses vary among botulinum toxin products, which means that one product cannot take the place of another. Those are a few reasons why there is no such thing as a “generic” form of BOTOX® Cosmetic. There have been no studies to support that other products are Unit-to-Unit equivalent to BOTOX® Cosmetic.

BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet – the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to the doctor about the results you want from treatment.
Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
Dr. Kanase will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatments for you. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.
You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines, with results lasting up to 4 months.
In clinical studies, 3% of patients experienced eyelid drooping in the frown lines studies and 1% of patients experienced eyelid swelling in the crow’s feet studies. Other possible side effects include: dry mouth; discomfort or pain at the injection site; tiredness; headache; neck pain; eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight and dry eyes; and allergic reactions. These are not all of the possible serious side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Please see the Important Safety Information including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, and talk to the doctor.

WHAT ARE YOUR REFUND POLICIES FAQs?

Your payment is based on purchasing number of treatments. Refund is based on unused treatments not based on unused time, e.g. Laser Hair Removal Series – Your payment is based on purchasing 6 treatments. NOT 2 yrs. In the 2 yr. Appearance Plan phase (after your 6th treatment), we reserve the right when to treat you and how many times to treat you. If you receive 6 treatments, no refund is due. All refund prorating will be based on unused treatments. There is no prorating for time, e.g. If you purchased a package of 6 and received only 4 treatments in 8 months and request a refund. You have 2 unused treatments and 16 months left before your 2 yr. appearance plan expires. A prorated refund (see below) will be given for 2 unused treatments, NOT based on remaining 16 months. This policy will be voided if you transfer services to another location and will be replaced by the receiving clinics current policy.
YOU WILL BE CHARGED FULL PRICE PER TREATMENT of the procedure. The price per treatment of the procedure you purchased is on our price list sheet and will be provided to you on request. All discounts (e.g. monthly specials) and credits issued when you bought the service will be lost. Service will be prorated using price per treatment listed on the price list sheet. If you earned friends and family credit – this will be LOST if you cancel/break this agreement. A prorated balance will be refunded.
You will NOT be charged FULL PRICE per treatment of the procedure to calculate prorated balance. You will be charged the price per treatment based on your package. The balance will be used towards a new package. You will be eligible for the month’s special etc. If this results in you owing money, you can pay the difference and start the new package. If this results in us owing you money, this will be kept as credit for future use. (Credit expires 90 days from new purchase).
You can buy a new package at 2 yr. Appearance Plan (maintenance) price.
This is part of the risk of the procedure and will be/was explained to you when you signed the contract. Our goal is to eliminate/minimize the risk of burn or any other adverse event, but we want to be upfront with you so you can make a well informed educated decision.
No refunds will be given after services are rendered.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES?

No Show Fee: $75 – If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment
Cancellation Fee: $75 – If you cancel appointment without giving us a 24hr notice
Photocopy Fee: $10 – For a copy of your records. Please submit a written request.

 

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