Questions @ The Laser Clinic | Laser Hair Removal | Cosmetic Laser | Hair and Vein Removal | Mid-Missouri

Are procedures done daily?
How long have they been doing these procedures?
Do they have qualified technicians to operate the laser(s)?
Are the technicians certified?
Do they offer a FREE patch test?
Do they offer a FREE consultation?
Do they expect the entire treatment payment in advance?

Is it safe?

Yes! Thousands of patients have undergone laser hair removal with a very low incidence of complications. When used properly by trained professionals it is extremely safe. Our lasers are even safer than most lasers because of the patented active cooling system which protects the skin during treatment.

Does it hurt?

No. Laser hair removal is gentle and does not require anesthesia. Our laser is even more gentle than most because of its patented cooling system. A cool mist is sprayed onto the skin just prior to each laser pulse. This temporarily diminishes sensation so that most patients feel only the brief puff of coolness and experience very little discomfort, if any.

What areas are treatable?

Women: Face, Eyebrows, Legs, Bikini Lines, Thong Lines, Private Area, Arms, Under arms, Toes, Neck, Fingers, Feet, Back, Chest, Abdomen

Men: Face, Ears, Between Eyes, Eyebrows, Neck, Beard, Mustache, Nose, Hairline, Back, Shoulders, Chest, Hands, Arms, Feet, Abdomen, Private Areas

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for consultation. Prices will vary depending on the amount of hair and body area to be treated. Individual consultation is necessary to determine the exact cost. Long term results usually make laser a very cost effective treatment. Plan on multiple treatments for optimum results.

Why do you need multiple treatments?

The laser is primarily effective on hair in the active growth phase. Only some of your hair is in the active growth (anagen) phase at a time. It is necessary to repeat the treatment over time and treat the follicles when they are susceptible. Different areas of the body have different growth cycles but usually it is necessary to do a minimum of three treatments at one to three month intervals to obtain maximum results.

What if my results are temporary?

Even prolonged temporary results are preferable to other means of hair removal. Our treatments are designed so that follow ups, if needed, are available at an affordable and reduced cost. The FDA allows us to say our treatments provide "90-95%" permanent hair reduction.

Does it work?

Yes! There are a number of lasers capable of producing long term hair removal. There are differences in effectiveness based on the specific wavelength and power of the laser used. Remember, the technology to remove hair with a laser is only 5-6 years old.

What about side effects?

Laser has far fewer side effects that electrolysis, or even waxing. This treatment has virtually eliminated inflammation, ingrown hairs, allergic reactions, and pain associated with other methods of hair removal. A mild sunburn effect, possibly a little swelling, may be felt in 5% of patients. This resolves within a day and requires no special treatment. There is no "down time" and normal activities may be resumed immediately. Sun tanned skin and darker skin shades posed a problem for laser hair removal in the past. Now we own a laser that specifically treats sun tanned skin and darker skin shades effectively and without difficulty.

Who does the treatment?

The Laser Clinic is directed by a licensed physician with specialized training in lasers and laser hair removal. A nurse with laser technician certification completes most of the treatment under the direction of a physician.

Why laser?

How do vascular lesion lasers work?

To treat red (vascular) lesions, we use a pulsed dye laser: the Candela V-Beam produces an intense, but gentle, burst of laser light which has the proper wavelength to be absorb by the red pigment in lesions such as small blood vessels. Absorption causes "photothermolysis," or heat damage, to the visible blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue. Laser light penetrates the skin only to a depth of 1.5 millimeters, or about 1/20th of an inch. This sets up an inflammatory reaction which causes the vessel to close and heal.

Are there other ways to treat my vascular lesion?

Over the years, patients have had their vascular lesions removed by surgery (cutting), cryotherapy (freezing), or tattooing with a lighter pigment. These procedures often caused scarring or other unsatisfactory results. Other lasers, like the ruby laser, the argon laser, and the CO2 laser, have also been used to treat vascular lesions. These lasers produce light whose wavelength, or color, is not as specific and well-suited to destroying blood vessels as pulsed dye lasers. Their use has sometimes caused scarring, Because of this potential risk, using these other lasers are not recommended.

Are there any reasons why I may not be a candidate for pulsed dye laser therapy?

We do not recommend pulsed dye laser treatment for patients who have moderately dark or black skin. Increased pigment in such skin may make the laser less effective on the blood vessels in the vascular lesion.

What should I expect from this laser treatment?

Successful treatment of superficial ("broken") blood vessels and rosacea usually will involve one or two treatments. Darker blood vessels of more intense redness are more likely to need a second treatment (touch-up). The follow-up should be 8-16 weeks after the initial procedure.

Are there any adverse side effects?

Treatment causes temporary purpura, or bruising, which lasts 1-2 days, or sometimes a bit longer. You can use makeup to cover this.

During the first few days after treatment, the skin may swell slightly, flake, or crust. This is normal and does not represent infection or scarring. The treated area may also hyperpigment, or turn darker. Although this rarely occurs, if it does happen, normal skin color usually comes back in a few months.

Scarring is a risk with any laser, but pulsed dye lasers have a remarkable safety record, producing mild scarring in well under 1% of cases.

Will the treatment hurt?

The laser causes mild discomfort. Patients describe the feeling of a laser pulse as feeling like "being snapped by a rubber band," or like a slight sting of a mosquito bite. Most patients tolerate laser treatment well.

How long will the treatment last?

Most laser treatments last anywhere from a few moments to a half an hour.

Will my treatment be documented?

Yes, we will record area to be treated, sizes color, and location of lesion. If needed we will take photographs of the specific area treated before and after the laser treatment. This is done to allow you and the Physician to follow your progress. If these photographs are used for educational purposes, such as lectures to Doctors, we will ask you to sign a consent form allowing us to use them.

What safety measures are needed during laser treatment?

The laser produces a very bright beam of light. Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective eyewear while the laser is in use.

What will I have to do to take care of the treated area?

We provide each patient we treat with typewritten aftercare instructions, which clearly describe appropriate care for the period after treatment. We encourage each patient to read these before leaving our office, and to let us know if there are any questions. You will be able to shower. We recommend however, that you avoid rubbing or picking at the treated skin, since that might lead to hyperpigmentation. You may wear camouflage or other makeup if you wish. You may apply makeup at any time. You should, however, be careful to remove it gently and do not rub or irritate the area.

Will I have to stay out of the sun?

No. You should, however, use a full-strength sunscreen (SPF 15) to protect the treated area if you will be outdoors.

What should I do if I still have questions?

Ask us! Because we do not want you to consider laser treatment until you are completely comfortable, we encourage that you bring any questions and concerns to our attention. We will do our best to answer them.

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deeply into skin tissue, where it delivers a controlled amount of targeted therapeutic heat. Candela's patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long-pulse laser and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

What can i expect during treatment?

Treatment will take place in the clinic, with Dr. Nemer performing the procedure. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. The laser light will be guided to the treatment area with a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may be preceded and followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. The treatment may take from a few moments to an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort resolves in several seconds and is minimized by Candela's DCD cooling. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Nemer at your free consultation.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. Many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

How do I prepare for treatment?

If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Your skin should be thoroughly cleansed and dried, remove any makeup, creams, oils, or self-tanning products before laser treatment. Topical anesthetic, if used, will be removed for you prior to treatment. The intended area of treatment should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?

A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve within a few hours.

What precautions should I take after treatment?

Prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock. In the first few days after treatment, don't scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Dr. Nemer may advise you of additional precautions.

Are there side effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura (a laser bruise) in the treated area. If any of these were to occur--they usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects are rare. Be sure to discuss potential side effects at the time you visit Dr. Nemer for your free consultation.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information.

Do you want a more youthful and vibrant appearance?

Both women and men experience the need and the desire for improvement of skin tone and texture. This is due to many factors such as environmental damage, aging, acne scars, etc...

What is vibradermabrasion?

The patented Vibraderm system delivers non-particulate superficial abrasion, which may significantly improve your skin tone and texture. The VIBRADERM is clinically proven to effectively exfoliate and produce NEW COLLAGEN. It helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and acne/scarring.

How does the vibraderm work?

The new VIBRADERM employs a patented vibrating surface that removes layers of damaged tissue, leaving you looking healthier and more radiant.

When will I notice a difference?

You will see and feel a difference after just one treatment. Significant improvement to tone and texture may take several treatments.

How long does the treatment take?

Depending on the area to be treated the average time is 30 minutes.