Is Ideal Image Good For Laser Hair Removal
Getting rid of excess hair using a laser is an excellent option. It’s important to note that not all laser hair removal devices are equivalent. There’s a common misconception that any laser hair removal device will do the job on any skin tone. This is totally false.
It’s crucial to think about your skin type and the device’s capabilities when selecting a laser for hair removal. Dermatologists have produced the perfect picture to treat all skin types and may be used anywhere on the body.
The third phase of hair growth is called the Anagen phase. This stage lasts for two to seven years. During this phase, hair grows at the rate of about 6 inches a year. This is the phase that laser hair removal targets because it’s more effective on hair in the growing stage than in other stages of its life cycle. Read on to learn more ON ideal image laser hair removal packages and ideal image reviews.
Is Ideal Image Good For Laser Hair Removal
It’s almost springtime again in the northern hemisphere, which means soon it will be time to break out bathing suits and shorts. Although no concrete statistics exist, it’s clear from anecdotal evidence that many people stop shaving during the winter months, and who can blame them? The average woman spends about 11 minutes shaving their body twice a week, including their legs, underarms, upper lips, and other body hair. If you can get a reprieve from the mundane task, why not? Yearly, that’s an average of nearly a full day spent on nothing but shaving. Some people even shave their entire bodies every day!
For women and others with a lot of shaving needs, taking a break during the winter months can be a relief. With laser hair removal services from medically-trained treatment providers like Ideal Image, anyone can feel that relief year-round.
Here’s what to expect when you receive laser hair removal from the #1 national aesthetic services provider: Ideal Image.
What’s Laser Hair Removal Like?
Laser hair removal is a lot more common than it used to be and is used by people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds to achieve their ideal body hair balance. It’s used for more than just elective cosmetics and is often used in gender affirmation procedures to help people minimize the impact of gender dysphoria.
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles with light pulses, eventually halting hair growth. Customers will come in for their first session to receive treatment, and hair will naturally fall out between two to three weeks. Laser hair removal requires several treatments, but with all subsequent treatment, fewer hairs come back, and hairs that do come back are lighter. Eventually, hair growth is so minimal that you can stop treatment and shaving altogether.
Some of the most treated areas of the body include:
- Bikini Line: Hair around the part of the public area that shows from a bikini and where your thighs meet your pelvis.
- Brazilian: Hair from all around the genitals.
- Underarms & Arms: Unwanted or thick hair under the arms and on the forearms.
- Upper Lip & Face: Unwanted hair on the face, including upper lip hair, chin hair, and hair from moles.
- Legs: Any hair on the calves, shins, knees, and thighs.
- Body: Any unwanted hair on body parts that might cause body image issues, including chest hair, back hair, and belly hair.
- Eyebrows: Any excess or unwanted hair around the brow region, especially the “unibrow” or connective hair between the two brows.
While unique areas of the body do take different amounts of time and require personalized treatment plans, many general questions about laser hair removal may be answered before you even go to a treatment center like Ideal Image.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
It’s natural to have questions about any body-altering procedure, including laser hair removal. One of the most frequently asked questions? What does it feel like?
Laser hair removal requires lasers, so it’s expected that some discomfort comes with the procedure. Luckily, testimonials commonly point out that discomfort is minimal. To quote Jasmine Alley, a beauty influencer and Ideal Image customer,
I’d describe the pain as a mild to moderate pin-prick sensation. Most moderate pain is in the center of your underarm, and the mild pain is around the edges. If you’re afraid of pain like I am, don’t worry! It only lasts for about 30 seconds. Then it’s over, and it’s on to the next underarm. Afterward, for about an hour or so (for me at least), there was a very mild stinging sensation- emphasis on very mild. It faded pretty quickly. By the time my second treatment came around, I no longer had a mild stinging sensation afterward.
What’s important to note is that while most people do not experience intense discomfort during a laser hair removal session, everyone’s pain levels are unique. Therefore, it’s essential to get a consultation before booking a session.
Some other commonly asked questions about laser hair removal include:
How are Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser hair removal different?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a procedure used to treat specific cosmetic and dermatological issues, such as dark spots or scars. IPL does not use lasers; instead, using intense light to do its job. Laser hair removal uses safe laser therapy to stop hair growth in follicles by pinpointing it directly.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is both FDA-cleared and permanent. Rather than removing hair from follicles, it treats the follicles themselves, permanently stopping hair growth.
Can laser hair removal be done for people of all skin tones?
An urban legend circulating beauty communities is that laser hair removal is impossible for people with darker complexions. While specific lasers cannot be used on people with darker skin, reputable laser hair removal providers offer removal via GentleYAG©. This laser system emits a different laser wavelength designed to be safe for people with darker complexions.
Should I be worried about my hair color for laser hair removal?
Although it is harder for laser hair removal tools to target hair removal for people with blonde hair, it is still possible for people with blonde hair to get laser hair removal. A simple consultation will help your provider personalize a plan for you based on your hair color.
Does it matter how thick my hair is?
Fine hair can be more difficult to pinpoint than medium and coarse hair. However, like your hair color, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from laser hair removal. Consultations will come in handy for those with fine hair.
How much is laser hair removal, and are there financing options?
Laser hair removal is a personal procedure, so the cost will vary from person to person depending on the number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently. Ideal Image does offer financing and membership options that can help with the cost of laser hair removal.
How To Choose The Right Laser Hair Removal Provider For You
As laser hair removal has become increasingly popular over the years, laser hair removal providers are available almost everywhere. So, how do you find the right provider for you?
It is essential for those new to laser hair removal to choose a provider with positive customer reviews, experience, and a medically-trained staff. Having these on their resume can reassure you that you will be safe and comfortable during your session. Ideal Image checks all those marks, with over 19 million laser hair removal treatments done nationwide in the span of their career. Ideal Image reviews show that customers are satisfied with the service they receive from their providers. Finding a laser hair treatment center with plans that fit any budget can be challenging but not at Ideal Image.
What To Expect From Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal
What helps Ideal Image stand out from the crowd is their medically-supervised staff and commitment to customer satisfaction. Laser hair removal procedures at Ideal Image are only performed by a trained staff of medical professionals and are always supervised by someone with medical training. Additionally, Ideal Image staff only performs FDA-cleared procedures, which laser hair removal treatments fall under. Their staff nationwide is backed by doctors and medically-certified board members who continually update their offerings to ensure product offerings are always safe.
Each Ideal Image customer receives a free personalized consultation and treatment plan based on their skin type, hair type, and budget. Here’s what a typical treatment plan with Ideal Image looks like.
- Free Consultation. Customers head into one of 150 locations in the United States and Canada to meet with a provider and learn about their treatment. During this time, the provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on hair texture, hair color, and skin color. You will be asked to avoid and limit sun exposure, self-tanning creams, and tanning beds for four weeks before your treatment date, and you will also be reminded to avoid using hair removal creams, waxing, and plucking hairs the four weeks before your appointment.
- 24 Hours Before Treatment. Patients should spend the day before treatment preparing. Set aside some time to shave the treatment area (do not wax, use hair removal cream, or pluck it). Layout clothing that will make accessing treatment areas easy – for instance, if you are going in for a bikini hair removal treatment, wear bikini-line underwear of a bathing suit.
- Day Of Treatment. Patients should avoid wearing makeup or lotion in treatment areas before they go in for their treatment. Arrive a little early to treatment if your provider needs to apply numbing cream or do a shaving touch-up. If you require this cream for other parts of your body, your provider will schedule a different date – as they can only use it in one area at a time. Additionally, you may not use this cream if you have certain medical conditions or become pregnant.
- During Treatment. You can expect your treatment to last just under 30 minutes. Staff will prep the area by drawing on the exact areas of treatment. During the treatment, you should experience minimal pain – which means it’s a great time to read, listen to your favorite podcast, or catch up on work emails.
- Right After Treatment. After treatment, your skin will likely be delicate from the procedure. You may notice discoloration or red areas around the areas you were treated. It’s unlikely that pain will persist, but in the event of any discomfort, you may treat the area with ice and aloe vera – as you would a sunburn. Although laser hair treatment does not damage your skin in the same way a sunburn would, your skin will still be sensitive to the sun. Your provider will have you avoid sun exposure and use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect that sensitive skin.
Keep an eye out a week after your appointment – this is when most people first start to notice the treated hair falling out, and it will continue falling out for another 21 days. After this, hair that does grow back may grow back lighter, in fewer places, and may look shorter than usual. After your skin begins to heal, use moisturizers as necessary.
- After Final Treatment. After your final treatment, you should expect smooth, healthy, hair-free skin. You won’t have to deal with irritating razor burn, stubble the day after you shave, or dermatitis bumps that pop up out of nowhere after treating your skin with hair removal creams.
Why Choose Ideal Image For Laser Hair Removal?
Choosing a laser hair removal treatment center can be difficult, especially with the vast amount of information available on the internet. What can be said about Ideal Image reviews is that they are overwhelmingly positive.
It’s clear why they break the mold in aesthetic treatments. Over the past 15 years, their trained and licensed medical staff has successfully performed over 20 million treatments with FDA-cleared products. They’ve made it easy for anyone to access their services by creating over 150 locations in America and Canada with virtually-accessible information. Finally, their services cater to everyone – not just the rich and famous – with a lifetime guarantee membership and payment plans to fit with every budget. Laser hair removal isn’t the most comfortable procedure globally, but Ideal Image tries to make it as comfortable as possible to look your best.
Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal Packages
Ideal Image is the leader in laser hair removal. If you want to get rid of unwanted hair, then Ideal Image is the place to go. Ideal Image offers several different packages to meet your needs. The packages are:
Basic Package – This package includes one treatment area and one touch-up treatment area.
Premium Package – This package includes two treatment areas and two touch-ups.
Ultimate Package – This package includes three treatment areas and three touch-ups.
Customized Package – You can choose any combination of treatments that meets your needs.
Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal Packages
Ideal Image Skin Care & Laser Center offers a variety of laser hair removal packages to meet your needs. Whether you want to get rid of unwanted hair on your face, underarms or bikini line, we have a plan that will work for you.
We offer three different types of laser hair removal treatments: GentleLase Pro, GentleMax and SmoothShapes. Each of these treatments uses a different wavelength and laser type in order to target the different colors in your hair. GentleLase Pro targets darker hairs that are lighter on the skin’s surface. GentleMax targets darker hairs that are darker on the skin’s surface. SmoothShapes is designed for very fine, light colored hairs typically found on the underarms and bikini area.
Our packages include multiple sessions so you can complete your treatment without having to come back for a long time period and our prices include everything from pre-treatment prep through post-treatment care so there are no hidden fees involved.
Women with PCOS have to deal with a range of distressing symptoms including excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) throughout their lives. Hirsutism is usually treated with anti-androgen medications and oral contraceptives. Long-lasting hair removal methods, such as electrolysis and laser therapy, have shown promising results when combined with hormonal treatments. But, do they work for everyone?
Hirsutism is a common clinical condition affecting women of all ages.1 It is characterized by excessive hair growth appearing in a male-type pattern.2 Affected women, especially young women, may experience a large psychological burden and an impact on their social life.3 Most women seek treatment mainly for cosmetic reasons, because excess facial hair outside of cultural norms can be very embarrassing.
Why does PCOS cause Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is not a disorder, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The majority of women with hirsutism may have PCOS.4 If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your ovaries are producing excessive amounts of androgens, such as testosterone (which is also called hyperandrogenism). However, testosterone per se is not directly responsible for the formation of unwanted hair growth but rather its more powerful byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).5
Can Hirsutism Be Cured Permanently?
Hirsutism can be treated by addressing the root cause of the condition. However, not all causes of hirsutism are reversible. Some women with unwanted facial or body hair have no identifiable cause (idiopathic): their androgen levels are normal; their menstrual cycles are normal; their ovaries appear normal on ultrasound.6 Fortunately, most women with unexplained hirsutism have mild symptoms, which can be treated with a variety of hair removal techniques.
With regards to PCOS, one type of treatment may not be enough. Medications, on their own, may not make the hair go away completely, but will stop it from getting worse. Mechanical hair removal methods like waxing, laser epilation, and electrolysis will further enhance the effects of hormone therapy.
How does Electrolysis work?
Electrolysis is a common hair removal technique that uses electrical pulses to target the root of the hair in order to permanently destroy each hair follicle and prevent regrowth. This method works best when treating small areas, although larger areas such as the legs or back may be treated with multiple sessions over time.7
There are two types of electrolysis based on the electrical current used: high-frequency (thermolysis), direct (galvanic), or a combination of the two (blend). Galvanic is the oldest and most widely used method of the two because of its high success rate and safety profile.
Effectiveness
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA8, but its success depends on the skill of the operator. Regulation of the process varies from state to state.9 In contrast with laser techniques, electrolysis is expensive and more time consuming because it treats each individual hair.
Electrolysis can be performed in all types of hair, but studies show that it is most effective on hair in the active or growing phase (anagen)10,11, as this stage is where the newly formed hair starts to grow. Hairs treated in the resting phase (telogen) tend to regrow. You may be advised to shave 1-3 days prior to treatment.
Side Effects
Post-treatment side effects, which include redness around the treated area, pain, and swelling, are generally temporary. Scarring, depigmentation of skin, burns, and keloid formation in susceptible patients are possible. Make sure to check in with a healthcare professional about side effects you’re concerned about.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser-assisted hair removal is a generally safe and effective technique for women who desire a long-term reduction of hair growth. It works by focusing a beam of light to induce selective damage to hair follicles. This technique produces a gradual but permanent reduction of hair regrowth and can be used in larger areas of the body.
It works best on light skin and black coarse hair.12 This is because light hair with very little to no dark pigments do not absorb sufficient light photons emitted by the laser, so it’s impossible to completely destroy them.
Effectiveness
While electrolysis has been approved as a “permanent hair removal” method, laser epilation is classified as a “permanent hair reduction” technique. Providers should inform their patients that it will require 8-12 sessions plus maintenance treatment every 6-12 months to provide satisfactory hair removal.
With laser treatment, finer and lighter hair often remain after treatment. In many patients, the treatment may be ongoing. Still, laser treatment has surpassed electrolysis because it’s effective, fast, and relatively less painful.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of laser epilation are swelling and redness, which typically resolve within 24 hours. The procedure itself can be slightly painful but an anesthetic cream can be applied in advance. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation may also occur depending on your skin color. If you’re concerned about any side effects of the laser treatment, make sure to check in with a healthcare professional.
Specialized hair removal techniques have high success rates but they must be combined with treatment of excess androgens. Both electrolysis and laser hair removal work for women with PCOS, but it’s important to manage your expectations. While some patients reported a growth delay of 2-6 months after just one treatment, most will need multiple sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction.
Note that hair can still grow even when many old hair follicles have been destroyed. Because hair grows in three different stages and your hair is not all in the same stage at the same time, destroying all follicles in a few sessions is unlikely. But when used in combination with other treatment options and tailored to the person, many will achieve satisfactory results.
Ideal Image Reviews
Ideal Image reviews are a mixed bag. While the company has an A+ rating with the BBB, it currently has 14 complaints that have been filed against it.
The Better Business Bureau has received a total of 18 complaints about Ideal Image since 2016. The majority of these complaints are from people who paid for services and never received them, according to the BBB.
However, one customer did complain that “the technician did not know what he was doing” and that “he did not complete my treatment.”
Ideal Image Reviews
Now that we have been open for over a year, we are getting many reviews from our clients. Below are some of the reviews that our clients have given us on Google and Yelp. If you would like to leave a review, please feel free to do so!
Google Reviews:
“I had my first laser hair removal session today with Ideal Image and I couldn’t be happier. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and I felt comfortable throughout the whole process.”
“I had my first laser hair removal appointment today at Ideal Image Laser and I cannot say enough how happy I am with my experience! The front desk staff was very friendly and informative when answering all of my questions. All of the technicians were extremely knowledgeable and took their time explaining everything to me before starting any treatment.”
“The front desk staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful when answering all of my questions. The technicians were also extremely knowledgeable and took their time explaining everything to me before starting any treatment.”
Yelp Reviews:
“I have been going here for over 6 months now for laser hair removal on my face and under arms. They are super sweet girls who make you feel comfortable even if it’s your first time getting laser hair.
Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers.
Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.
What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?
Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormone levels. Also, some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal, and illnesses can stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an area of the body where it may not be desired such as on a woman’s upper lip, chin, or bikini line.
How Many Electrolysis Treatments Will I Need?
Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete. Each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.
Myths About Electrolysis
Myth: Electrolysis is very painful. For most people, today’s methods don’t cause a lot of pain, but it can hurt. If you find it too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to give you an anesthetic cream.
Myth: The electric tweezer method is permanent. The FDA and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. Some states prohibit those using or selling the electric tweezer from claiming it provides permanent hair removal.
Myth: Temporary methods of hair removal can be better. Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove body hair. These products contain irritating chemicals and can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They may also discolor skin. Waxing is another temporary method of hair removal and is usually done in salons. A hot wax is applied to the skin and removed once it has dried over the hair. The hair is stripped off when the wax is removed. Waxing can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be messy and difficult to use. There are electrolysis devices available for home use, but they are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained in electrolysis.
How Do I Choose an Electrologist?
Electrologists are people who have special training to perform electrolysis. If you are considering electrolysis, it is important that you do your research before committing to sessions. The wrong decision can mean extra sessions and cost along with unnecessary discomfort and scarring.
- Know the professional’s qualifications. Many states require electrologists to be licensed or certified within the state to practice. If you live in one of those states, be sure the practitioner’s certificate is current and on display. For states that do not regulate electrolysis, look for electrologists who have certification from an accredited electrology school.
- Ask around. One of the best ways to find good services is to ask friends and family as well as your doctor for recommendations. If you know anybody who has undergone electrolysis, ask for their input.
- Get a consultation. Many places will give you a free consultation. During the consultation, be sure all of your questions are answered. Some things you may want to ask about include: how the procedure will feel; how many visits you will likely need; how much each visit costs; how long each session lasts; how long the practitioner has been in business; and the number of clients they have treated.
- Make sure the electrologist uses the right technique. The practitioner should use needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of hair removal. Some places may advertise electrolysis but use electronic tweezers or photoepilators instead. These are not permanent hair removal procedures.
- Use common sense. When you go to your consultation, look around. Does the place look clean? Do the workers look clean? Do they use disposable gloves or needles? Ask to meet the person who will be performing the electrolysis. Do they strike you as professional? If you are not comfortable with somebody, look for someone else to do the procedure. Personal comfort is essential to knowing you have made the right choice.