FAQs Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal process works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root while not harming the surrounding skin. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting melanin (the substance that gives skin and hair color). It is important to note that the laser process will not work well on people that have red, white, gray or light blond hair.

Contrary to statements made by those unfamiliar with this technology, when laser hair removal is properly performed, it is effective for the vast majority of candidates. Non-responders are primarily limited to those with light blond, white, gray, or red hair. With new technology, like the Cynosure Elite Plus, it is capable of 80-90% permanent hair reduction for ALL skin types, male and female, and for ALL body areas (except around the eyes).  Some patients even achieve 100% removal, and some get much less. The number of sessions needed to achieve these results can vary from person to person depending on many factors such as age, skin type, amount of hair, hair color, hair texture, hormones, and more.  In any event, if we agree to treat you, we stand behind our Guarantee.

most patients compare the feeling of the treatments to the “slapping of a rubberband”.  Some people even say it tickles depending on the location of the treatment.  The only discomfort, if any, will be during treatment and will not linger when you leave.  Most patients compare post- treatment to the feeling of a mild sunburn.

Treatment times will depend on the size of the treatment area.  Underarms for instance take about 10 minutes for both arms.

There is minimal to no down time related to laser hair removal treatments.  Some patients even come in on their lunch-break and return right back to work with no problems.  The feeling after the treatment is compared to a mild sunburn.

It depends on several factors. Thick hair responds better than thin hair and darker hair responds faster than the lighter ones. Six sessions of laser treatment for dark thick hair may induce about 75% to 85% of hair reduction. Legs are an example of dark thick hairs.  The most responsive areas of the body for laser hair removal are the legs, underarms, and bikini area for both men and women.  The male back and female face are more challenging and can take a few additional treatments. Of course results can vary from person to person and some get better results than others.

The average waiting period between treatments is 4 to 8 weeks. This period in between treatments gives your hair a chance to be caught in the “growth phase” of its life and this is when you will get the best results when performing laser hair removal.  Your treatment program will be decided at your initial consultation and you will know, and be instructed, on how to care for your treatment area(s) and when to follow up.

You will see results after the VERY FIRST treatment. You will have fewer hairs and they will be finer and weaker. Your skin will be smoother and your hair pores less visible. The results will become more impressive with each successive treatment.

The treated area will be cleared of the majority of visible hair during the treatment. Remaining treated hair will shed in approximately two weeks. Depending on the area, the skin will remain clear and smooth for 4 to 6 weeks before seeing fine hairs starting to grow again. Repeating the sessions on schedule, the area will remain hair free throughout the entire multiple session procedure. (The majority of hair that is visible are the hairs that are falling out due to the treatments).  The hair should be left alone during this shedding process.  Do not pluck or pull them out but shaving is fine.

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients should experience reddened and puffy skin. This is termed follicular edema and resembles goose bumps. It feels somewhat like a mild sunburn.

This effect disappears in a few minutes to a few hours. In the hands of an experienced laser technician using the right equipment, clients will not experience any damage to their skin. Many clients schedule treatments during their lunch-break and return to work with no visible indications.

Laser hair removal will not work on white, gray, light red or light blond hair.  Also, some medications such as Accutane or other photosensitive drugs will not be allowed during treatment.  Patients under 15, pregnant, or have skin cancer or open wounds in the treatment are also are not allowed to undergo any type of laser treatments.  We will go over all these factors, and any questions you may have at your initial consultation.

As a rule, multiple treatment sessions are necessary to obtain optimal results. This is due, in large part, to the fact that LHR is most effective on hair which is in the anagen growth phase. Hair grows in cycles and not all of your hairs are in the anagen growth phase at any given time. The combination of light skin and dark hair is ideal for laser hair removal.

Yes, absolutely. We can customize your treatments according to your needs and expectations. You can thin and reduce the amount of your hair in any area while still leaving a certain amount.

Yes absolutely. Even after one treatment you will notice that most of your ingrowns will start to go away. Within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the scarring and pigmentation caused by ingrowns, the skin appearance will be improved overall. The bumps will get smaller, the area will be smoother, and the color of your skin will become more even.

Yes we do!  We use Carecredit, the most trusted name in medical financing.  Carecredit has an over 82% approval rate and application results take seconds.  You can apply in our office or online for free. Carecredit has numerous plans to choose from including 0% interest for 24 months with no prepayment penalties or application fees. Apply here now.

Prices are usually based on the size of the area to be treated.  We offer treatment packages of 6 and 9 treatments. Since most patients need at least 6 sessions, buying a package of treatments is the most cost effective.  However, even our single treatment prices are very competitive. Multiple area and multiple treatment discounts are also available and can be discussed during your free consultation.  Or you can visit our laser hair removal pricing page.

Unlike our competitors, VADERMA does offer single treatments.  Here is a list of reasons we feel YOU deserve the benefit of deciding how YOUR laser hair removal process is structured.  Although we do not recommend buying single treatments, for some patients it is really convenient.

• Confidence!  We feel not making a potential customer sign their life away is what makes VADERMA different, and is the first sign of how confident we are in our services.  If you come to VADERMA, we offer free consultations and you can even get started the same day if you choose to.
• Curious?  Some patients are curious about the laser hair removal process and we find most patients are both relieved and excited once they see what VADERMA is all about.
• New to the area.  Some patients are new to Hampton Roads and are just trying to finish up their treatments that they started with their provider before they moved here.  Military folks are a huge example of these types of patients.
• Moving away.  Some people that have future plans to move will not be able to finish 6-9 treatments before they do so.  Single treatments are a great option for people that may be moving away but still want to get started.
• Money. If you come in for your initial consultation and would like to get started that day, you can if you are deemed a good candidate for laser treatments.  If you do not have enough money that day to afford an entire package of treatments, paying for one treatment and getting started is fine.  We do suggest buying a package of treatments if you are going to continue your sessions though.  Packages offer a steep discount over the typical single treatment cost.

Lasers cannot target red, white, gray or blond hair and most people have multiple colors of hairs. Laser technology provides for 75%-85% (give or take) permanent reduction in hair growth. We cannot say permanent removal without acknowledging the possibility of the remaining hair percentages.

The FDA defines permanent hair reduction as:

The long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions. The number of hairs re-growing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area.

Yes, absolutely!  In fact, if you are prone to ingrown hairs, the only clinical solution is laser hair removal to clear up this unwanted skin condition. Razor bumps, also known as Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), is common on the bikini line area and on the face, neck, and beards of men.  Darker skin types frequently suffer from this condition and sometimes the area can become irritated and even infected.  Starting laser hair removal treatments will not only lessen the hair in the effected areas, it can also help clear any uneven skin-tones this condition originally created.

If you have an underlying hormonal issue causing the hair growth, you won’t see good results from laser hair removal until you get it (your hormones) under control. Your body will be busy developing new hair and regardless of how much of the “current” hair is destroyed, it will be replaced by new hair. You will need to stop treatment and obtain medication to stabilize your hormonal levels. When the imbalance is under control, you can start your laser treatments and achieve excellent and stable results on the body. In most cases, the facial area will require “touchup” treatments every three (3) to six (6) months throughout life to remain hair free.

Do not tweeze, bleach or wax for at least three weeks before treatment. Shaving is completely safe. You will not grow more hair if you shave.  The best way to come in for treatments is cleanly shaven or with a very slight stubble. We suggest shaving the night before or the day of your scheduled treatment, but not more than one day unshaven.  If you come in for treatments with too much hair, we will have to shave you which takes time and could be irritating to the treatment area.

Yes, absolutely! Most darker skin types, especially African Americans, believe they can not get laser treatment. This was true five (5) years ago — not today. Vaderma has the most advanced lasers that work great on all skin types.  At your initial consultation, we will go over your medical history, give you a personal skin assessment, and discuss your candidacy for laser treatments.

Peach fuzz and very fine blond hairs typically do not respond well to laser hair removal treatments.  If you have this type of hair we would like to see you in person before we jump to conclusions.  Sometimes one patient’s definition of peach fuzz is not always the case for all.

Vaderma offers the most advanced lasers, the most effective results, and the most affordable prices along with a life-time guarantee*  Our Doctor came up with this motto over 5 years ago and it still rings true today,

“If we charge 1/2 of what our competetors charge for better results, and see twice as many patients, it a win-win for everyone except the competition”

Most of our business at VADERMA are referrals.  We gain these referrals from gaining the trust of our patients and giving them the results they can expect.  Give us a call to see what we can do for you!