Renew Aesthetics - Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	Why does hair removal require multiple treatments? Why isn't the process "one and done"?
A:	Long-term hair removal has to affect hair in the active cycle of its growth, namely in Anagen. All long-term epilating methods target hair at this stage; and since the growth cycle differs between body areas, each body area requires re-treatment at different time intervals to achieve maximum results. The normal hair cycle is comprised of three stages: active growth – Anagen, transition – Catagen and resting – Telogen. Hair follicles go through these cycles in a non-synchronized manner. Remember, the hair must be in the growth stage in order to be affected by laser/IPL/Laser-RF therapy. It is important to understand the hair growth cycle in order to have realistic expectations.

	Realistic Expectations Permanent hair reduction means that when a follicle is thermally destroyed it is not able to grow a terminal hair again. Because there are so many millions of follicles that can potentially grow on the body, it is not realistic to expect that every single follicle in the treatment area will be disabled. Over several treatments at appropriate treatment intervals, many of the follicles that cycle through hair growth will be affected by elos and will be critically injured so they are permanently disabled. The follicles that are dormant or vellus hairs are not affected during these treatments. It is important to remember that the body can convert these inactive or dormant follicles to grow later in life as a result of many factors: hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, menopause, disease or medications, obesity, or idiopathic causes. Hirsutism, or hypertrichosis, can also affect cycling times and hair growth patterns. This is why there can be no guarantees or promises of "all the hair gone forever". The FDA permits only the claim of "Permanent Hair Reduction" by any laser/IPL/laser-RF device. However, since there is gradual and cumulative reduction with each treatment session, the hair density (or number of follicles that are growing hair) should decrease. Although the actual percentage of reduction can only be calculated by performing hair density counts, the majority of patients who undergo treatments are pleased with the marked reductions in unwanted hair. Elos is safe and effective on all skin types and the Radio Frequency has been proven effective on lighter hairs that might fail laser/IPL therapy alone.
Q:	How do I know if it is safe for me to undergo any of your aesthetic procedures like hair removal or skin rejuvenation?
A:	You should be aware there are certain conditions that impact the safety of receiving treatment with a Laser/RF or IPL/RF device. We encourage you to review the list below prior to your consultation. However, the clinician will also review contraindications with you prior to beginning treatments.
	Contraindications • Pacemaker or internal defibrillator. • Superficial metal or other implants in the treatment area. • Current or history of skin cancer, as well as any other type of cancer, or pre-malignant moles. • Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders. • Pregnancy and nursing. • Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive medications. • Diseases which may be stimulated by light at the wavelengths used, such as history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Porphyria, and Epilepsy. • Patients with a history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, may be treated only following a prophylactic regimen of antiviral medications. (Please consult your physician prior to beginning treatments and inform the clinician who will perform the procedure.) • Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or Poly Cystic Ovary. (Diabetic patients who suffer sensory nerve damage and might not be able to give feedback about what they are feeling during the treatments. PCO patients may receive treatments as long as the proper expectations are set, as they may require prolonged treatment with periodic follow-up visits, as hormone changes may stimulate dormant follicles.) • Any active condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis eczema, and rash. • History of skin disorders, keloids, abnormal wound healing, as well as very dry and fragile skin. • History of bleeding coagulopathies, or use of anticoagulants. These patients may suffer bruising caused by the firm pressure and heating of superficial blood vessels during treatment. • Use of medication and herbs known to induce photosensitivity to light exposure at the wavelengths used, such as Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months, tetracyclines, or St. John's Wort within the last 2 weeks. • Use of medications that may stimulate hair growth, such as Minoxidil. • Facial laser resurfacing and deep chemical peeling within the last 3 months, if face is treated. • Any surgical procedure in the treatment area within the last 3 months or before complete healing. • Tattoo or permanent makeup in the treatment area. • Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds or tanning creams within last the two weeks. • Electrolysis, waxing, and plucking within 6 weeks prior to treatment. There must be an intact bulb in the follicular growth phase for treatments to be effective. We may refrain from treating any condition we observe which might make it unsafe and encourage patients to inform their physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, and would like to discuss general health issues or specific concerns about the cause of your aesthetic condition, we are happy to help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefner. As a Board Certified Family Physician, he can assess unusual hair growth, skin lesions, or any of the above contraindications and determine if you have a condition that requires a different or augmented approach to aesthetic services. *The medical office staff is accessible Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 502-243-3161.*
Q:	What are the possible side affects of treatments?
A:	We will strive to give you the most comfortable and outcome you desire through proper evaluation and application. However, any laser/IPL treatment could result in possible side effects. Although these effects are rare and expected to be temporary, any adverse reaction should be reported to our office immediately. Side effects may include any of the conditions listed below. Side effects may appear either at the time of treatment or shortly after. Some dark-skinned patients may have a delayed response one-to-two days after treatment. The side effects may include: • Discomfort • Excessive skin redness (erythema) and/or swelling (edema) • Damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, burn) • Change of pigmentation (hyper- and hypo-pigmentation) • Scarring • Bruising


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