Because your skin deserves the best

Does Latisse Work?

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Latisse is one of the most popular eyelash growth serums available on the market. With Latisse being the focus of the eyelash growth serum market, many people are wondering just how effective an eyelash growth serum can be.

Keep reading to find out how Latisse keeps your eyelashes in their natural growth cycle, and learn the likeliness of your results with Latisse.

Latisse Active Ingredients

Latisse, the prescription eyelash growth serum, has an active ingredient of 0.03% bimatoprost. Bimatoprost works to keep your eyelashes in their natural growth stage, rather than cycling through growth and dormant periods.

By keeping your eyelashes in their natural growth phase, Latisse bypasses the typical dormant stage of your eyelashes, allowing them to grow fuller, longer, and thicker.

How Long Does Latisse Take to Work?

Latisse can show amazing results in as little as 8 weeks. However, to get the full effects of Latisse, it’s best to continue using the eyelash serum for a full 16 weeks. After the 16 week period, and your eyelashes are at their full potential with Latisse, a healthcare professional can help you create a maintenance plan that works for you.

The Safety of Latisse

Latisse is the only FDA approved eyelash growth serum. The FDA approval of Latisse also requires the product to be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Both of these safety measures mean that Latisse is a safe, regulated product in general, and the added layer of a prescription ensures that your medical history makes you a safe candidate for this product.

At Rocky Mountain Skincare Clinic, our healthcare professionals will review your medical history to ensure Latisse is a safe product for you to use. Rather than schedule an office visit to complete this medical history report, you can fill out a form during your purchase of Latisse, and have Latisse delivered to your front door.

The Likeliness of Latisse Results

Since Latisse is FDA approved, it has been through rigorous clinical studies. While this helps to ensure it’s safety, it also proves how effective the solution is. In a clinical study, Latisse was found to provide significant growth in 78 percent of participants’ eyelashes.

After you have achieved the full potential of Latisse with your eyelashes, typically at 16 weeks, it is best to keep applying the serum on a regular basis. Otherwise, your eyelashes can expect to resume their regular growth cycles, eventually reverting back to their original state.

Latisse Best Practices

To help Latisse work as best as possible, there are a few tips and tricks that are important to keep in mind. For every application of Latisse, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the product will not result in faster or better results. Apply Latisse on your clean eyelash line, ideally at night. Finally, make sure that you use a clean applicator, included with your Latisse prescription, each time you apply Latisse to your lash line.

Bottom Line

Latisse, the prescription eyelash serum, uses the active ingredient bimatoprost to keep your eyelashes in their natural growth stage. Latisse is the only FDA approved eyelash growth serum, ensuring it’s safety, as well as it’s results. Latisse users can expect to see results in as little as 8 weeks, achieving full results in 16 weeks. In a clinical trial, Latisse was found to provide significant growth in 78 percent of participants.

At Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic, we offer an online Latisse purchase option, saving you the cost of an additional office visit. While purchasing Latisse, simply fill out a medical history form for our professionals to evaluate. Then, Latisse is delivered directly to your door.

When will you be starting your Latisse journey?

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Latisse: What to Expect

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If you’re tired of clumps of mascara on your lashes or spending so much money trying to find the right mascara for you, it may be time to consider other options for your eyelashes. A safe and effective way to grow your lashes is with Latisse. But before going out and trying Latisse, it’s important to know a little bit about the product and what to expect when using it.

To know about Latisse and what to expect when using it, continue reading.

What is Latisse?

Before jumping in and trying a new product, it’s important to know what exactly it is that you’ll be using. So what exactly is Latisse? Latisse is a prescription serum that works by increasing the number of hair follicles produced in the growth stage of the hair follicle lifecycle. It is made by Allergan Aesthetics, and it is used for making your eyelashes thicker and longer. Latisse contains 0.03% bimatoprost solution, which helps to promote longer lashes after around 4 to 16 weeks of consistent use.

Since Latisse is a cosmetic drug, it can’t be bought over the counter. In order to get Latisse, you have to have it prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Meeting with your healthcare provider or dermatologist can also allow you to get advice and more information on Latisse before deciding if it’s right for you. Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic offers both one-month and three-month plans for Latisse.

What to expect when using Latisse

When using Latisse, there are some things that you should expect when using it. The first thing you’ll start to notice upon using Latisse is changes in eyelash length. This can start at around week 4 of using the product.

As you continue to use Latisse, over time, you’ll start to notice your eyelashes becoming fuller and darker. This tends to start happening at around week 8. When you’ve reached week 8 of using Latisse, don’t stop just yet. Your lashes are still growing. If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes may return to their normal length over the course of several weeks or several months. Most people experience the full effects of Latisse after 8 weeks. At week 12, your eyelashes will continue growing and getting thicker. Around week 16, your lashes should reach their potential with Latisse. At this point, you should speak with your doctor about continued use.

In one study, 137 people were put on the treatment to see if their lashes would grow longer and thicker over the course of 16 weeks. By week 16, 78 percent of the participants’ eyelashes were fuller, darker, and longer.

What side effects to expect when using Latisse

As with all products, Latisse has some side effects to look out for while using it. Most of the side effects are very mild, but there are also some that could potentially be more serious. The most common mild side effect is eye itching or redness. These mild side effects only affect about 4% of users.

Other mild, but less common side effects you can expect are skin darkening, eye irritation, eye dryness, or redness. The skin darkening tends to happen due to an increase in melanin around the areas where Latisse was applied. After stopping the treatment, you can expect the skin darkening to decrease over the course of several weeks to months. If, while using Latisse, you suddenly develop an infection or decreased visual acuity, speak with your doctor immediately to see if it is still safe for you to use Latisse.

Consult your healthcare provider on other possible side effects associated with Latisse.

Bottom line

Latisse is an FDA-approved eyelash treatment for achieving longer, thick lashes. But, like any drug, there are some things to keep in mind before using it. It is important to review the side effects of Latisse and what to expect while using it. It is also vital to know when to speak to a doctor if side effects worsen.

At Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic, we make sure you receive the best possible care. If you’re interested in Latisse treatments, you can reach out and speak with one of our qualified experts to see if Latisse is right for you. Let us help you obtain the eyelashes you’re looking for. Schedule a free consultation to find out how to achieve longer, thicker, beautiful lashes.

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How Do Lipotropic Injections Work?

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So you’ve been on your weight loss journey for months and it seems that you’re not losing enough to achieve your target weight. While you might feel like you’re alone, there are millions of people around the world struggling with the same problems. Almost 50% of adults have tried to lose weight in the past year.

To help you boost your weight-loss efforts, you might benefit from lipotropic injections. A healthcare professional may recommend it to those who have reached a plateau stage when it comes to losing weight. Read on to learn how lipotropic injections work and whether they might be right for you.

What are Lipotropic Injections?

Lipotropic injections are injections containing many important nutrients like vitamin B12, methionine, inositol, and choline. The combination of these ingredients has been reported to help individuals lose weight faster. The mixture of vitamins and amino acids may help boost the body’s metabolic functions.

How do they work?

Lipotropic injections act in direct and indirect ways to help your body burn calories. The mixture of vitamins and amino acids may help your liver to process fat more efficiently. They also optimize the crucial steps in the natural fat burning processes. With lipotropic injections, you may be able to give your cells the extra push to work harder.

For example, vitamin B12 can help convert fat into energy, especially when combined with a low-calorie diet. Methionine can help reduce fat buildup in the liver while choline can help increase feelings of satiety. Inositol can help improve insulin sensitivity while preserving lean body mass. Lipotropic injections can act like a fuel that kickstarts the body’s natural fat-burning processes.

Are lipotropic injections effective?

It’s important to note that lipotropic injections are not a one-stop solution for weight loss. Instead, lipotropic injections may be recommended to help promote weight loss in those who have reached a plateau with their fitness goals. Lipotropic injections may work more effectively when used in combination with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. There is no such a thing as an overnight weight-loss program. However, lipotropic injections may be a great option for certain people who have tried other weight-loss solutions to no avail.

When do lipotropic injections start working?

Compared to pills or capsules that have to undergo extensive processing before they enter the bloodstream, injections deliver vitamin B12, methionine, inositol, and choline straight to the bloodstream. Thus, the lipotropic injections start acting right away. However, it may take some time before visible results are seen. To get maximum benefits, it is recommended to get lipotropic injections every three weeks. Consult a healthcare provider for more information on how long it takes for lipotropic injections to start working.

Are lipotropic injections safe?

Lipotropic injections contain natural vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can often be found in many food sources. However, lipotropic injections help provide these nutrients without the extra calories that come with consuming certain foods. With supplements like lipotropic injections, the nutrients are provided in their purest form.

Since each person has a different body mass, the appropriate dosage of lipotropic injections is usually determined by a qualified healthcare professional. A healthcare provider will usually inject the first injections. However, lipotropic injections are often safe enough to self-inject at home. These injections are typically administered in the muscle (IM) or under the skin (SubQ).

Bottom line

It’s true that, in order to lose weight, you need to eat smart and exercise regularly. But if you’re feeling stuck or not seeing the results you want, you may want to consider lipotropic injections. These injections typically contain vitamin B12, methionine, inositol, and choline, which are nutrients that can help boost the body’s metabolism.

Consult a health professional at Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic for more information on lipotropic injections and where to get them. The experts at Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic are qualified to give advice on effective weight-loss regimens.

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Microneedling with PRP

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You may be familiar with microneedling as a popular skincare treatment. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is targeted toward boosting natural collagen levels in the skin. The procedure uses a device with fine needles to prick the skin and promote a clear, smooth appearance.

While many people may opt to undergo microneedling by itself, there is another version of the procedure available. Sometimes referred to as a “vampire facial,” microneedling with PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, has several benefits versus regular microneedling.

PRP Microneedling

Platelets are crucial in wound healing and tissue repair. Platelet-rich plasma not only contains a high level of platelets, but it is also abundant in proteins, growth factors, and cytokines. When the plasma is applied on the skin during microneedling, these cells can help stimulate faster repair without increasing the risk of adverse events.

Some clinics apply serums or creams on the skin during microneedling. However, microneedling with PRP uses your own blood cells as a natural healing source to improve skin restoration. After a sample of your blood is collected, platelet-rich plasma is extracted and added to your face during the microneedling procedure.

Preparation for Microneedling with PRP

Prior to the actual cosmetic procedure, your health practitioner may take around 5 to 10 mL of blood from you. The blood sample is centrifuged, or spun at a fast rate, to separate the PRP from the red blood cells. The preparation of PRP usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. During the preparation process, your cosmetic aesthetician can also prepare your face by applying a numbing cream. This helps ensure that you’ll remain comfortable during the entire PRP microneedling session.

When the PRP and your face is ready, the practitioner will begin using the microneedling device. Tiny needles on the dermaroller will create pores in the dermis ranging in size from 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Your practitioner will then apply the PRP on the microscopic injuries to encourage collagen and elastin production and promote cellular repair.

Benefits over Regular Microneedling

There are several benefits of microneedling with PRP over regular microneedling. Because of the high amount of plasma proteins and platelets, the PRP can promote faster inflammatory responses from the body. This means that once the PRP is absorbed into the skin of your face, the added proteins, platelets, and growth factors will start recruiting more cells to stimulate repair.

Based on studies and observations, microneedling with PRP can often produce better results than microneedling alone. Clients have also reported longer lasting results and greater satisfaction with PRP microneedling versus regular microneedling. In one split-face comparative study, PRP microneedling was found to produce enhanced results and significant improvement of acne scars.

PRP Microneedling Sessions

PRP microneedling may require multiple sessions in order to get the best results. While many people experience visible effects after the treatment, the full benefits are not often seen until after several sessions.

The number of sessions needed greatly varies depending on the severity of the condition being treated. But generally, each session is done on a 4 to 6 week interval. This period allows the skin to fully repair before subjecting it again to injury.

Over time, blemishes, scars, or other types of damage will start to fade. Many people have reported noticeable improvement in less than 6 months after consistent microneedling treatments.

Side Effects

Compared to other procedures, PRP microneedling is considered to be a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure with lower risk of side effects. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this procedure is safe with minimal pain during the procedure.

Recovery is often quick with minimal soreness and tenderness seen right after the treatment. In some cases, there may be mild bruising and redness. However, these effects usually disappear within 2 to 3 days.

In very rare cases, adverse effects may include increased swelling and bleeding. Other serious side effects can include infections and scarring. Because of the risk of these effects, it’s strongly recommended that you only get PRP microneedling treatments from a licensed medical professional.

In order to prevent the risk of serious side effects, you’ll want to follow a pre- and post-treatment care plan. This plan may include avoiding sun exposure and the use of harsh chemicals or exfoliants right after the treatment. If possible, you should also avoid vigorous exercise since excessive sweating may irritate the skin.

Precautions

Your practitioner should assess your medical history and overall condition to see if microneedling with PRP is best for you. Pregnant women as well as people with active acne, eczema, history of bleeding, platelet disorders, and/or an active infection are not advised to have microneedling with PRP.

While you may benefit from the anti-aging effects of microneedling, it’s important to keep your health and safety in mind. If you are ineligible to receive PRP microneedling, your beauty provider can recommend other procedures that will give you the results you want.

Is PRP Microneedling Right for You?

Microneedling with PRP is the latest innovation when it comes to renewing your skin’s natural glow. The minimally invasive procedure induces natural collagen production to erase the signs of aging like sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Compared to microneedling alone, PRP microneedling uses your own blood products to help stimulate cellular rejuvenation and tissue repair.

The procedure is highly recommended for those who are not getting the results they want with the use of skin creams or other procedures. Treatment sessions usually take less than an hour to complete with many people experiencing noticeable results after just a few sessions.

PRP Microneedling at Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic

At Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic, we offer PRP microneedling and a range of skincare services to help your skin look more radiant, firm, and glowing. We also provide laser hair removal, Botox injections, and lipotropic injections to support all of your beauty goals.

Try out the vampire facial today and experience all of its skincare benefits. Contact us at (720) 625-8020 or schedule a free consultation online to learn more!

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Microneedling Pre- and Post-Treatment Care

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Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that naturally restores the skin’s youthful appearance. As a minimally invasive treatment, microneedling uses tiny needles to create microscopic injuries to the skin. These newly created tiny wounds stimulate the skin to repair itself by producing new collagen. This in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles, erases scars, minimizes large pores, and improves the overall appearance of the skin.

While the procedure itself is straight forward, some people might not consider how to care for the skin before or after microneedling. In order to enjoy all of the benefits, it’s important to be aware of microneedling pretreatment care and microneedling aftercare. Here are some things to keep in mind so you are well-prepared for your microneedling sessions.

Microneedling Pretreatment Care

Because microneedling creates small pricks in the skin using needles, it’s important to make sure your skin can handle the procedure. The first step of microneedling pretreatment care is to avoid creams or medications that can increase skin sensitivity. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide should be avoided at least a week before the actual treatment session.

If you are taking any medication or have other health conditions, it is important to let your skin care professional know. While microneedling is relatively safe, it is not recommended for everyone. Your health practitioner will assess whether the procedure is appropriate given your medical history. Some conditions that might disqualify you from pretreatment care include pregnancy, actively inflamed skin, and allergies to lidocaine or other topical medications.

What to expect on the day of the treatment

Untreated, natural skin is one of the basic requirements for microneedling pretreatment care. On the day of treatment, you will be asked to wash your face and remove any cream or makeup. Your doctor or aesthetic clinician may also apply topical anesthesia to reduce the pain and make the procedure comfortable for you.

If you are undergoing microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a medical practitioner will draw some blood from your arm. Your own blood will be used to extract plasma cells that will further stimulate healing and collagen formation in the skin. In other cases, your provider may use hyaluronic acid, stem cells, or human growth factor serums to promote skin restoration.

Microneedling Aftercare

Right after the procedure, a calming cream or moisturizer will be applied to your face as part of microneedling aftercare treatment. You may notice redness after the procedure, but don’t be alarmed. It usually goes away within 24 hours. Some people may experience slight bleeding and bruising in the treated area.

In the following week after treatment, your skin may experience some swelling or inflammation. During this time, it’s recommended to refrain from using an anti-inflammatory drug as this could lessen the total effects of skin rejuvenation. If you need to wear makeup, light mineral types are the most preferred.

Within a few days after treatment, you may experience a mild sunburn feeling followed by peeling. The skin may be dry during this time and a moisturizer will be recommended by your clinician. Don’t forget that microneedling aftercare involves regularly washing your face with a gentle cleanser. You can start a gentle facial cleanse 6-hours post-treatment and pat dry using a soft towel.

It’s important to avoid increased sun exposure to prevent your skin from getting more irritated. Remember, your skin is healing at this time and the last thing you want to do is cause further damage from the sun’s harmful rays. If you have to go out in the sun, apply sunscreen as part of your microneedling aftercare routine, according to your specialist’s instructions.

Microneedling requires multiple sessions for you to see the best results. Most people opt to receive 5 to 8 sessions with a 4 week break in between each session. Maintenance treatments may be required semi-annually or annually to help keep the skin youthful and glowing.

Personalized Microneedling Services

Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic specializes in the most advanced skincare treatment services. Using the most up-to-date techniques, our clinicians provide personalized care with results that make a difference. Book a consultation to learn more about our microneedling treatments.

Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy that naturally promotes skin rejuvenation. While this is an effective method for achieving healthier, younger looking skin, you’ll experience the best results when you follow proper pre- and post-treatment care.

If you want to learn more, you can call us at (720) 625-8020 or use our online contact form!

Brazilian vs Bikini Laser Hair Removal

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Summer will be here before you know it. And that leaves you with a decision to make: Brazilian or bikini laser hair removal? Before you go to the clinic for your treatment, you may be asking yourself what the difference is between Brazilian and bikini laser hair removal. While your aesthetic clinician can discuss the exact area covered by each option, both laser hair removal processes get rid of unwanted hair in the pubic area.

In order to help you decide which option to choose, we’re here to give you the main differences between Brazilian and bikini laser hair removal.

Area Covered

While the two procedures ensure that you look great while you’re in your swim suit, the area covered by each option is different. The bikini line covers the area outside the panty line – the crease at the top of your thigh where your underwear would end. Most clinics can treat up to three inches beyond the line so that you can look flawless in underwear or in a bikini. Some women may also opt to have laser hair removal at the top of the pubic region and around the sides of the labia.

Brazilian laser hair removal, on the other hand, goes beyond the bikini line. This is the maxed out option if you wish to have greater coverage. This is a more popular approach, which includes removal of hair around the perianal area and the labia, making your skin completely bare.

In both cases, the laser hair removal treatment can be customized depending on your overall preferences.

Preparation and Post-Treatment

In both Brazilian and bikini laser hair removal, the preparation is the same. You will be asked to shave the area to remove any visible hair and prevent any hair burning. You may opt to do the shaving at home if you are not comfortable having another person do it for you.

Laser hair removal targets the rapidly dividing cells in the hair follicles. Since not all cells have the same life cycle, you will likely undergo several sessions of laser hair removal treatments. While regrowth is possible, the hair becomes thinner and fewer in number.

Is There a Difference in Pain?

Pain during Brazilian and bikini laser hair removal is more tolerable compared to hair removal by waxing. The sensation is a fast and immediate tingling as the beam of light brushes the skin. However, the pain during Brazilian laser hair removal may be more apparent especially if you go completely bare. The thinner skin and the denser nerves in the labia and perianal area may also make it more sensitive. This can often be the reason why some women prefer not to go with Brazilian laser hair removal. In any case, if you wish to be completely hair free down there, you can also ask for topical anesthesia to numb the area during the treatment.

For bikini laser hair removal, the pain is comparable to treatment on other areas of the skin. It can be tolerable even without the use of numbing creams.

Number and Duration of Each Session

The number and duration of sessions vary depending on the size of the area being treated. Overall, it may take up to six treatments or more before you start to see optimal results. Each session typically doesn’t take longer than 15 minutes, including the preparation time. This means that you can do it at anytime of the day — even on short breaks from work. After a session, there may be some redness in the area, which usually subsides within a day or two.

Find out if Brazilian or Bikini Laser Hair Removal is Best for You

Preparing for your summer in the sun can mean getting rid of all that hair from your bikini line. After treatment with Brazilian or bikini laser hair removal, your skin will look flawless and spotless so you can stay confident in your bathing suit.

If you’d like to learn more about the difference between Brazilian and bikini treatments, contact Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic for a free consultation. We offer time-based packages that are customized to remove hair in your preferred areas.

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Laser Hair Removal: Pre and Post-Treatment Care

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If you’re tired of always seeing unwanted hair growth in different areas of your body, laser hair removal could be your next best option. Shaving, tweezing, and waxing are only temporary ways to remove the unwanted hair. But sooner or later, hair grows back. With laser hair removal, you can permanently say goodbye to them.

Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser light to kill the hair follicle. But while it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of hair, there are things that you need to know before and after treatment to reap the most benefits.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Avoid harsh chemicals

In order to make the most of your laser hair removal session, you need to prepare your skin at least one month before your schedule. Do not use skin peeling chemicals on the area, stop medicated creams that can make you photosensitive and avoid tanning your skin. Self-tanners and tanning beds can cause skin discoloration and may cause some pain and blistering during your session.

Do not wax, tweeze or use chemical epilation

Waxing, tweezing and chemical epilation disrupts and pulls the entire hair from the skin. Because laser light directly acts on the hair follicle, this portion must still be present during your session. The wavelengths target the pigment located at the root of each hair follicle. If you’d like to get rid of hair before a treatment session, shaving is the most recommended procedure as it leaves the roots of the hair intact.

Shave before your actual appointment

Some aesthetic clinics will shave the hair prior to treatment while others will require that you do it at home at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Shaving the area is recommended to reduce the chances of burning visible hair.

During Treatment

Laser hair removal should be performed on clean skin. Some patients like to use a numbing cream to prevent even the slightest bit of pain during the treatment. But for some, they can tolerate the tingling sensation when the light pulses hit the skin.

You will be required to use a specialized eyeglass to protect your eyes from the laser light. Do not remove this until your laser technician tells you to do so.

Post-Treatment Care

Your skin may need to recover after your laser hair removal session. Like aftercare for other procedures such as microneedling, you may notice slight redness and swelling in the treated area. This is a normal effect that usually goes away within a few days and there is nothing to worry about.

Soothe the skin

To ease the redness, you may apply aloe gel or calamine and put ice packs or cool towels to reduce any discomfort. If irritation persist, you may consult your laser technician.

Avoid UV exposure

Allow the treated area to recover naturally. Avoid extended UV exposure within the first week after treatment. You should also avoid additional laser treatment or chemical procedures on the treated area for 2 weeks.

Time your treatment sessions

Follow the correct interval of treatment to enjoy best results. This is because each individual hair has its own growth cycle. Multiple sessions scheduled at 8 to 10 weeks apart is recommended for permanent hair removal. Sessions may also depend on which part of the body is being treated such as the face or bikini line.

What to Expect

You can expect hair falling out or shedding over the next 2 weeks. However, keep in mind that you might not get rid of all hair after one session. It may take several sessions before you can totally get rid of all unwanted hair. Generally, most clients report up to a 30% reduction of hair after each treatment.

The effect of laser hair removal varies from one person to another. Some may need up to 12 sessions while others may require less. Generally, success depends on how well the person manages proper pre- and post-treatment care.

Follow the above recommendations to get the most out of your laser hair removal treatment.

At Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic, we make sure your skin is treated the best so you’ll be looking and feeling better in no time. In addition to laser hair removal, we also provide microneedling and facelifting treatments.

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