ProWave and ProWave LX Hair Reduction

Are you tired of shaving/waxing body hair and dealing with its associated side effects? The ProWave hair removal system allows you to permanently reduce unwanted hair by targeting and destroying follicles. This FDA-approved device delivers a specially tailored light source into the skin and disables the growth of future hair follicles.

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we have the Cutera ProWave and ProWave LX system. The latter is a recent design that allows higher peak powers and shorter pulse duration for a fast and comfortable hair reduction treatment. The ProWave system can treat a range of skin types and large areas such as the men’s back and women’s legs. 

How it works

The ProWave system emits an infrared light that targets the germ cell of the hair follicles. The light focuses and targets hairs on the anagen stage (growing phase), zapping the pigment in the follicle bulb. This then destroys the pigment, helping to permanently reduce the amount of hair in the treatment area.

The Cutera ProWave system has two features that separate it from other hair removal treatments:

• Above 770 nm frequency – the system operates at the highest infrared wavelength frequency available in the market. Above 770 nm is also considered the optimal level in achieving hair removal/reduction.
• Output spectrum with 3 distinct programs – enables customizing the wavelength and pulse width to suit the specific needs of each patient.

The ProWave LX improves on the older IPL technology, targeting finer and lighter hairs. It can effectively treat small areas (like the upper lip) and large areas (such as the back and chest). This then helps you get rid of unwanted or excess hair with shorter treatment times and longer-lasting results. 

• Suitable for finer and lighter hairs
• Short pulse duration for high peak power and high efficacy
• Treatment settings supervised by doctors
• Suitable for skin types I - IV

Take note: Since not all hairs (even in the same area of the body) may not be in a similar growth cycle, you cannot expect a single session of ProWave to remove all of your unwanted hair. For this reason, multiple treatments are needed to disable all of the follicles or completely reduce hair in the desired area. 

FAQs

What are the treatable areas?

The ProWave system can treat nearly every part of the body, including the:

• Face
• Chest
• Legs 
• Underarms 
• Back
• Bikini area

Does the treatment hurt?

It is common for some patients to experience a mild stinging or pinching sensation when the light source is delivered into the skin. Some may prefer using a topical anesthetic, particularly on sensitive areas, but pain medications or local anesthetics are not required.

You may also be glad to know that ProWave has a cooled handpiece that increases patient comfort. This also reduces the likelihood of negative skin reactions, which are a common concern among other light- or laser-based treatments.

How many treatments will I need?

Generally, most areas require 3 to 6 treatments. The number of sessions required will depend on a number of factors, including the area treated, hair thickness, and your hair’s growth cycle. At the time of the treatment, the ProWave system disables hairs in the active growth phase. 

Additional sessions may be required to disable the follicles because other hairs will enter the active growth phase at different times.

What are the possible Side effects?

There may be some redness or mild swelling after the treatment, but this usually dissipates within several hours. In rare cases, blistering may occur. It is recommended to avoid artificial tanning, sun tanning, and tanning lotion until at least 6 weeks after your treatment course is completed.

What results can I expect after the treatment?

About 3 to 7 days after the treatment, patients may experience some sort of hair regrowth. These hairs, however, are not regrowing, but are being shed due to the ProWave treatment. It is advisable not to pluck or wax these hairs, but shaving is permissible. The ProWave system provides permanent hair reduction for lasting results.

Want to learn more about ProWave hair reduction to get rid of your unwanted hair? Get in touch with us today to book your consultation.