Epilight^TM Photo-Epilation
Hair Removal System

Including Intense Pulsed-Light Treatment of Spider Veins and Unwanted Blemishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Does It Work?

The EpiLight^TM system is a state-of-the-art, noninvasive light therapy device designed to eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. By using flashes of pulsed light this system safely and effectively penetrates the skin to destroy hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously and impairing hair regrowth. Instantaneous flashes of light remove over 100 hairs per flash.

Q: How does it work to eliminate pigmented skin lesions?

An intense pulsed light is adjusted to safely reduces melanin, the dark pigment in the skin, so that pigmented lesions fade and slowly disappear.

Q: How does it work to eliminate unattractive veins?

The same pulsed light can be adjusted to destroy small blood vessels so that they will fade and slowly disappear.

Q: What is a treatment like?

Your treatment will be customized by Dr. Hertzman according to your hair texture, color and skin type. A transparent, cooling gel is applied to the area to be treated. A handheld treatment unit is then gently applied to your skin. A quick pulse of light penetrates the skin, safely destroying hundreds of hair follicles in a single flash.

Q: What parts of the body can be treated?

The EpiLight^TM system can remove all hair colors from all parts of the body, including upper lip, chin, beard, legs, arms, hands, underarms, back, bikini line, torso, etc. leaving your skin smooth and hair-free. The pulsed-light can also be adjusted to remove light and dark brown skin lesions, as well as spider veins on the face, extremities or trunk.

Q: Is it more difficult to treat people with certain hair colors?

As for hair color, generally, removal of hair with light roots is harder to achieve than removal of hair with black roots.

Q: How permanent is permanent?

It's as permanent as you can get. Advanced Medical Skin Care offers the most technologically advanced hair removal system available today. Many hairs are eliminated immediately; others fall out a few days to weeks later. A second treatment is usually scheduled 3 to 4 weeks later. Since hair grows in three staggered cycles, usually three to five sessions are necessary to ensure that all hairs are treated during their growth cycle. A maintenance session may be required after 6-8 months. It appears that when hair does regrow it is typically more sparse and regrown hair may continue to thin even more with repeated treatments over time.

Q: How does epilight compare to other methods for removing hair?

Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis. Hair removal with EpiLight ^TM offers a faster and easier alternative to existing hair removal methods. The years and years of people dealing with plucking, shaving, electrolysis and waxing are over -- after the EpiLight treatment, large areas of hair are gone with great results.

Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive, and often painful process that involves inserting a needle into each hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to destroy them one at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatments at regular intervals. Epilight ^TM non-invasively treats hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously. So, in a few minutes, Epilight ^TM can effectively treat an area that would take hours with electrolysis.

Q: How long is a session?

This will be determined at your initial consultation. The quality and quantity of hair and the size and nature of the area to be treated will be considered. Sessions for an upper lip can be as short as 15 minutes, while back and leg areas can last 30 - 60 minutes or longer.

Q: Is Epilght safe?

Yes. The system we use has been approved by the FDA and has not been found to have any adverse long-term side effects. There are no needles or injections. There is no risk of infection or scarring as with other methods of hair removal. Some patients may experience a slight reddening of the skin which goes away within a few days.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

The sensation differs from person to person. Some people may experience a mild discomfort like the snap of an elastic band; others experience a brief stinging or feeling of heat; while others feel no discomfort whatsoever. Virtually all agree, however, that Epilight is relatively painless, and far less painful than waxing and electrolysis.

Q: What about ingrown hairs?

Unlike other forms of hair removal, Epilight leaves you free from any form of ingrown hair. In fact, Photo-epilation is particularly effective in treating ingrown hairs.

Q: Should I undergo any other form of hair removal before my session?

Please refrain from any hair removal (shaving, waxing, and so forth) for 2-3 days prior to your session, and bleaching for at least two weeks prior. For optimal results 2-3 days growth is recommended.

Q: Is the Epilight System for everyone?

There are a few medical conditions to be considered. They will be addressed at your initial consultation. We will review an easy medical check list to make sure that nothing is overlooked.

Q: Is there a recovery time after my session?

No. Normal activities may be resumed after treatment. The treated area should not be exposed to sunlight until the skin color has returned to normal in several days.

Q: What should I wear?

If the area you are having treated requires disrobing, you will be provided with an appropriate cover-up. Generally you will be able to keep some or all of your clothes on.

Q: Will tanning have any effect on my treatment?

It is strongly recommended that you stay out of the sun for a minimum of two weeks prior to your treatment. We strongly recommend that you always apply an SPF 30 before going in the sun.

Q: Can I wear makeup?

It's best that you come in without makeup if we will be treating your face.

Q: When can I begin?

First set up an appointment for a consultation. The fee for a consultation is $50 and is subtracted from the cost of your first treatment. Dr. Hertzman will determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure and will discuss the options available and then the treatments can be scheduled.