Experience Smooth, Hair-Free Skin with Laser Hair Removal in Portland, Oregon

To ensure the best results and a safe experience, follow these preparation guidelines before your laser hair removal session:

• Shave the Treatment Area:
  Arrive with the treatment area freshly shaved the same day. A close shave is crucial because the laser targets the hair follicle beneath the skin. Electric clippers or similar devices don’t provide a close enough shave, so we recommend using a new razor for each session.

• Avoid Visible Hair or Stubble:
  For safety and effectiveness, hair in the treatment area should not be visible or feel stubbly. If an area isn’t shaved properly, we may need to skip it during your session.

• No Waxing, Plucking, or Other Hair Removal Methods:
  Refrain from waxing, plucking, bleaching, or using depilatory creams for 4-6 weeks before your first session and throughout your treatment plan. Shaving is the only approved method of hair removal before and between sessions.

• Avoid Lotions and UV Exposure:
  Do not apply lotions, creams, or topical products to the treatment area on the day of your session. Also, avoid tanning or exposing the area to UV rays in the days leading up to your appointment.

• Shave Safely:
  For hard-to-see areas like the bikini line, use a mirror to ensure you can shave all areas effectively.

Following these steps ensures your laser treatment is as safe, effective, and seamless as possible. If you have any questions about preparing, feel free to reach out to us!

Laser hair removal with our Candela GentleMax Pro is designed to be as comfortable as possible. These state-of-the-art lasers are equipped with built-in cooling technology, ensuring a soothing experience during treatment. Unlike the outdated stigma of laser hair removal being extremely painful, our GentleMax Pro lasers live up to their name, offering a more comfortable and faster treatment than ever before—even quicker than shaving!

Most patients describe the sensation as less painful than waxing, often comparing it to the light snap of a rubber band. Thanks to the GentleMax Pro’s advanced design, even those with lower pain thresholds can tolerate treatments without the need for topical anesthesia. Plus, our skilled team works to ensure every session is as quick and stress-free as possible, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

We’d love for you to experience the comfort of our Candela GentleMax Pro lasers firsthand! That’s why we offer FREE test pulses—a no-pressure way to try the treatment before committing to a plan. Discover just how gentle and effective our advanced technology is, and feel confident in your decision to begin your journey to smooth, hair-free skin.

The number of laser hair removal sessions required varies depending on individual factors such as hair volume, genetics, and the treatment area. On average, most patients need 6-12 sessions to achieve significant removal , but it may take longer for areas influenced by hormones, such as the bikini line, underarms, or face.

Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments over 1-2 years may be necessary to target all active growth phases effectively. Patients with conditions like PCOS or those undergoing hormonal changes (e.g., using birth control or transitioning) may require ongoing maintenance in hormonal areas due to the stimulation of new hair growth.

At the end of your treatment series, you may notice only fine or light hairs remaining, significantly reducing the need for shaving. Many patients report needing to shave just once every 3-4 weeks for silky, hair-free skin. The few hairs that do grow back are finer, lighter, and much slower, thanks to the laser’s weakening effect on the follicles.

The length of your laser hair removal session depends on the area being treated and whether it’s your first appointment. Your initial visit includes a complimentary consultation to ensure you’re an ideal candidate and to customize your treatment plan, making it the longest session.

For individual treatment areas, here’s what you can expect:

• Small Areas (e.g., upper lip, chin, underarms): Less than 15 minutes

• Medium Areas (e.g., full Brazilian): 20 – 30 minutes

• Large Areas (e.g., legs): 30 – 45 minutes

If you’re treating multiple areas, additional time will be needed. However, our advanced Candela GentleMax Pro laser is designed for speed and efficiency, gliding across treatment areas as quickly—if not faster—than you would shave thoroughly with a razor. This allows us to safely treat multiple areas in a single session, saving you time while achieving effective results.

Your time is valuable, and we’re here to make each session quick, comfortable, and productive!

Hair growth is influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, hormones, medications (like birth control or IUDs), and life changes such as childbirth. These factors cause new hair to appear at different stages of your life, varying in color and thickness. Dark, coarse hairs are the easiest to treat, as the laser targets the melanin in the hair to disable the follicle effectively.

However, laser hair removal works only on hairs in the anagen (active growth) phase, when the follicle is fully connected to the hair. Unfortunately, most of your hair is in the shedding or resting phases at any given time, during which the laser cannot neutralize the follicle. This means only 10-15% of active growth can be treated per session, requiring multiple sessions to target all hairs as they cycle through the growth phase.

Hormonally influenced areas like the face, underarms, and bikini region may need more sessions due to the steady stimulation of new hair growth. By completing a full series of treatments, you’ll achieve long-lasting removal and enjoy smoother, hair-free skin.

Your laser hair removal appointments are spaced strategically to align with your hair’s natural growth cycle, ensuring maximum effectiveness:

• Facial Hair & Neck: Appointments are scheduled every 4 weeks.

• Underarm and Pubic Hair: Treatments are scheduled every 6 weeks.

• Other Areas: Treatments are scheduled every 8 weeks.

• Full Body: Treatments are scheduled every 6 weeks.

This timeline allows us to target hair follicles in their active growth (anagen) phase for the best results. Following this schedule will help you achieve smooth, long-lasting hair removal as efficiently as possible.

Results from laser hair removal aren’t instant, as the process relies on your body’s natural hair cycle and shedding. Here’s what you can expect:

• Facial Hairs: Results typically start to appear 1-2 weeks after treatment.

• Body Hairs: Results generally begin to show 3-4 weeks after treatment.

Approximately 5-10 days after a session, your body will start shedding the treated hair. This may look like new hair growth, but it’s actually the hair shaft being expelled from the follicle. The shedding process can take 7-14 days, during which you’ll notice slower hair growth, finer and lighter hair, and the beginning of patchiness in the treated areas.

With each subsequent session, the patchiness will increase until you achieve up to 95% hair removal. However, results vary based on individual factors, including the amount of hair in the active growth (anagen) phase during treatment.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft, making dark, thick hairs the most responsive to treatment. The higher the contrast between hair color and skin tone, the more effectively the laser can identify and disable the hair follicle.

• Ideal Hair Colors: Brown or black hairs respond best because they contain enough pigment to absorb the laser’s energy and disable the follicle. The hair must have at least a medium brown pigment to achieve safe and effective results.

• Not Effective for: Red, blonde, gray, or white hairs lack sufficient melanin for the laser to locate and treat the follicle effectively, making these colors unsuitable for laser hair removal. Fine or light-colored hairs (vellus or “baby hairs”) also contain too little pigment for the laser to deliver enough energy to disable the follicle.

Every part of the body may respond differently to laser hair removal based on factors like hair color, thickness, and skin type. That’s why we carefully evaluate each area during your consultation to customize the process to your specific needs.

If you’re unsure whether your hair is suitable for treatment, we offer FREE consultations and can perform FREE  test pulses to assess if laser hair removal will deliver the results you’re looking for.

With the right approach and a consistent treatment plan, laser hair removal can significantly reduce unwanted hair, leaving your skin smoother, hair-free, and hassle-free!

Laser hair removal is not 100% effective, but it can reduce up to 95% of unwanted hair, offering a dramatic and lasting improvement. No laser, topical treatment, or medication can completely eliminate hair because hair follicles, like pores, are a natural part of the skin with a biological function.

That said, our treatments significantly reduce hair, leaving patients thrilled with their smooth, silky skin. Most clients find they shave far less often and eliminate the need for waxing or sugaring, which can damage the skin and cause scarring.

Laser hair removal also offers additional benefits, such as reducing or eliminating ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and even helping to manage conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa or preventing the recurrence of Pilonidal Cysts after surgery. Many doctors refer patients to us for these conditions, underscoring the medical and cosmetic benefits of our service.

With laser hair removal, you’ll enjoy smoother skin and greater convenience while addressing some common skin concerns.

Whether you’re looking for laser hair removal for the bikini area or male anatomy, we offer tailored treatments to meet your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of our options:

• Bikini Line:
  This treatment focuses on removing hair outside a standard bikini area. For women, we laser a palm’s width of the inner thighs and the top two inches of the pubic mound. For men, this includes areas outside standard swimwear. Custom pricing is available for additional coverage, or you may opt to add upper thighs to your bikini line treatment.

• Extended Bikini:
  The extended bikini covers the bikini line and includes a custom patch of hair on the pubic mound. Popular shapes for women include the champagne flute or martini glass. For men, this includes defining a tailored look. The treatment also removes hair from the labia or scrotum and the “tailfeathers” (backside).

• Brazilian:
  Our true Brazilian treatment removes all pubic hair—front to back—leaving no hairs behind. For women, this includes the pubic mound, labia, and backside. For men, it includes the pubic area, scrotum, and backside.

Preparation Tips:
For optimal results, we ask that you arrive fully shaved with a same-day shave. However, we understand that some areas may be difficult to reach. If you’re unable to shave completely, we offer a shaving service for an additional $20. To accommodate this, you must let us know during your intake or initial phone consultation so we can schedule extra time for your session.

Our Candela GentleMax Pro laser cannot treat areas with visible stubble or hairs outside the skin. If shaving isn’t completed in advance and we haven’t scheduled time for this service, we may need to skip areas or reschedule your appointment.

No matter your preferences or anatomy, we offer customized laser hair removal treatments designed for smooth, hair-free results. Choose the option that’s right for you and enjoy the confidence that comes with perfectly groomed skin!

Yes, our lasers are safe and effective for all skin types! At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we use advanced technology and expertise to ensure that every patient receives a tailored, safe, and comfortable experience.

Our team of Certified Advanced Estheticians is trained to evaluate each patient’s unique needs, considering factors like your Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history, and medications. The laser settings are carefully adjusted to your skin type, and our lasers even have built-in safety features to prevent adverse effects.

For patients with higher levels of melanin (darker skin tones), we use the 1064 Nd:YAG laser, specifically designed to treat melanin-rich skin without causing burns or blistering. This process may require more sessions—typically 10-12 treatments—compared to lighter skin tones treated with the 755 Alexandrite laser. Rest assured, we’re one of the few clinics in the area with the expertise and technology to safely treat all skin types.

We provide complimentary consultations and test pulses to determine the best laser for your skin and hair type. Each treatment is meticulously documented and customized to ensure we safely and effectively disable hair follicles while protecting your skin. With our commitment to detail and patient care, you’re in expert hands as we work toward your goal of silky-smooth, hair-free skin.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment, but like any procedure, there may be some temporary side effects. Common side effects include:

• Redness (Erythema):
  Mild redness around the treated area is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a day.

• Swelling (Perifollicular Edema):
  Small, localized swelling around the hair follicles, often resembling a mild rash or tiny bug bites, is a common and expected reaction.

• Warmth or Sensitivity:
  The treated area may feel slightly warm or sensitive for a few hours after the session, similar to a mild sunburn.

• Dryness or Itching:
  Some patients experience mild dryness or itching, which can be alleviated with a gentle, unscented moisturizer.

• Temporary Skin Darkening or Lightening:
  In rare cases, some patients may notice slight changes in skin pigmentation, which typically resolves on its own over time.

These side effects are generally mild and temporary. If you experience anything unusual or have concerns after your treatment, please contact our office for guidance. Our team is here to ensure your comfort and safety every step of the way.

No, you should not blister during laser hair removal treatments. If someone tells you that burning or blistering is necessary for the treatment to be effective, it’s a clear red flag—this is absolutely false. Burns and blisters are considered adverse events and should never be part of a properly conducted laser hair removal session.

Our clinical endpoint is erythema (redness) and perifollicular edema (small bumps resembling a rash or bug bites). These are normal, temporary reactions that typically fade within 24 hours or less.

In the rare event of a reaction, we encourage you to contact our office immediately for a thorough evaluation within 48 hours of your treatment. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we are committed to delivering effective results without adverse effects.

Burning and blistering have no place in our process—we prioritize safe, comfortable treatments that work!

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for most individuals, but certain conditions and circumstances may make someone ineligible for treatment. The following are contraindications:

• Health Conditions:

• • Immune system disorders

• • Hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation

• • Abnormal blood coagulation or clotting disorders

• • Active skin cancer

• • Diabetes mellitus

• Skin Conditions:

• • Light energy-sensitive skin

• • Psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis in the treatment area

• • Active herpes simplex in the treatment area

• Medications and Treatments:

• • Oral prescription Vitamin A (e.g., isotretinoin) use within the last six months

• Lifestyle and Expectations:

• • Unwilling or unable to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions

• • Unrealistic expectations or unhealthy psychology

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• • Those who may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding

It’s essential to disclose your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors during your consultation to ensure the procedure is safe and effective for you. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, our team is here to guide you through the evaluation process. Safety is our top priority, and we’ll work with you to determine the best course of action for your needs.

No, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is not as effective as laser hair removal. While some medispas advertise IPL as a laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to note that IPL is not a laser. Instead of a precise, focused beam of light, IPL uses broad-spectrum light, which is less effective at targeting hair follicles. As a result, IPL often requires more sessions and offers only semi-permanent results rather than the long-lasting removal achieved with laser treatments.

Laser hair removal, like the treatments we provide with our Candela GentleMax Pro, uses precise wavelengths of light that penetrate deeply to effectively disable hair follicles. Our laser is FDA-approved for permanent hair removal of up to 90%, providing superior results compared to IPL.

Additionally, IPL is more likely to cause burns or blisters because its broad wavelengths don’t penetrate deeply enough to safely and effectively target hair follicles. This can result in unintended damage to the surrounding skin.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro, a state-of-the-art device known for its safety, precision, and effectiveness. With its advanced technology and proven results, our laser offers the best solution for smooth, hair-free skin, making it the clear choice over IPL.

If you’re considering hair removal, be sure to ask:

• Is the device IPL or a true laser?

• What wavelength does the laser use?

• How advanced is the technology?

Trust our clinic to deliver safe, effective treatments with the best in laser hair removal technology.

Unfortunately, you should not get laser hair removal over a tattoo. The laser’s energy is attracted to pigment, and the ink in a tattoo will absorb too much energy, causing the laser to damage the skin at the site of the tattoo. This can result in burns, blisters, skin damage, distortion of the tattoo, and pain. If you have a tattoo, we will draw a white line around it during your laser hair removal treatment to provide a clear boundary for avoidance. We can treat skin up to one inch from the tattoo.

Yes, you can absolutely undergo laser hair removal while on your period! Your menstrual cycle does not affect the safety or effectiveness of the treatment.

If you are scheduled for a bikini, extended bikini, or Brazilian treatment, we simply ask that you wear a tampon or menstrual cup during your session for hygiene and comfort. Our team is professional and understanding, and we are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible.

If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out before your appointment—we’re here to help!

To ensure the best results and minimize side effects after your laser hair removal treatment, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid Heat and Intense Activities:
  Refrain from hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, intense workouts, or any activities that generate direct heat on the treated area for 24 to 48 hours.
• No Swimming:
  Avoid swimming in pools, oceans, or other bodies of water for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
  Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for four weeks prior and two weeks after your treatment. Laser hair removal makes the skin more photosensitive, so sun exposure can increase the risk of adverse effects. Ideally, avoid tanning altogether during your treatment plan to ensure the best results.
• Skip Chemical Products:
  Avoid fragranced lotions, harsh skincare products, or additional laser or chemical procedures in the treated area for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent irritation or infection.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing:
  Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton over the treated area to keep the skin cool and reduce the risk of overheating the follicles. If you’re treating facial hair and need to wear a mask, plan your session on a day off to give your skin time to recover.

By following these simple post-treatment care steps, you’ll support optimal results and keep your skin healthy and comfortable. If you have any questions about aftercare, feel free to reach out to our team!