Laser Hair Removal (PPX™ Therapy)
Laser Hair Removal Regulation
Did you know that laser hair removal is NOT regulated in Alberta?
See the investigation on W5. (www.ctvnews.com) on Jan 28, 2012. You will be horrified to learn that people do not require certification or education to operate a laser hair machine! I have seen the after effects of untrained people from other clinics where the patient was burned, scarred and tattoos melted. Don't let this happen to you. Have your hair removal completed by a certified, educated medical personnel.
Service Reimbursement
Did you know laser hair removal is reimbursed by some health plans or may be income tax deductible if it's done by a registered nurse. It is usually always covered by a health spending account.
Photopneumatic™ (PPx) Therapy
Photopneumatic™ (PPx) Therapy is an FDA approved therapy and is the first painless treatment for permanent hair reduction.
Advantages of PPx over other laser and light based hair removal treatments include:
- Superior results
- Treatments are typically painless and do not require pre-treatment with numbing creams
- Treatments are fast (e.g., underarm approximately five minutes, legs approximately 20 minutes)
About the Treatment
The PPx System uses proprietary PPx technology. A hand piece is gently placed on the skin and in a fraction of a second, a vacuum gently draws the skin into the treatment tip bringing the targets such as hair follicles closer to the skin's surface. A painless light is applied which sends highly efficient photons to the target at four to five times the standard rate. As the hair follicles are closer to the light, a lower energy can be used, providing an overall safer, painless procedure that's extremely fast and effective. For further information on post and pre-treatment instructions, see: Laser Hair Removal Information Sheet. For best results, apply Post Laser Hair Removal Gel, available in Edmonton from Oncore.
Number of Treatments Required
An initial consultation will be completed for all new patients to determine medical suitability of treatment. During the consultation, your medical history will be reviewed and an explanation of the possible side effects will be discussed. The consultation will take up to 30 minutes and is free of charge.
Typically, one treatment every eight weeks for a duration of 6 to 10 visits is needed in order to achieve optimal results. The exact number will vary depending on the area treated. An annual visit for a maintenance treatment is recommended after the series of 6 to 10 treatments are completed.
What to Avoid
Prior to undergoing treatments:
- Avoid indoor and outdoor tanning four weeks prior to treatment. Use sunscreen when outdoors.
- Avoid waxing or tweezing for 8 weeks prior to treatment.
- Avoid self tanning creams 1 week prior to treatment.
Who may not be a Candidate
The following patients may not be candidates for PPx treatments:
- Patients with light hair may not be candidates.
- Patients with certain medical conditions may not be candidates.
- Patients who are dark skinned or tanned.
After Care and Possible Side Effects
Unlike other treatments, the PPx system does not cause sensitivity to light. Treatments are relaxing and do not include side effects such as redness or other common post-treatment discomforts; patients can go right back to normal activities immediately after treatment.