Advanced Laser Hair Removal: Faster, More Comfortable, and Highly Effective

Warmer Weather Means It's Time to Think About Unwanted Hair

This is a great time of year.  The weather is getting warmer, and we can go out with less clothes than the cold winter months.  For some of us this means being annoyed by unwanted hair.  Fortunately, laser hair removal is an option that has recently undergone major advances.

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How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal started to take off in the late nineties.  There was huge demand for this procedure and it took off like a rocket.  Lasers remove hair by emitting a beam of light that passes through the skin and targets the pigment or melanin in the hair.  This light energy is converted to heat energy to destroy the hair follicle.  The lasers pulse on and off so fast that, in theory, no heat is spread to surrounding skin structures.  This minimizes the risk of scarring.  

Most lasers used for hair removal protect the outer layers of the skin by cooling.   The laser may use contact cooling where the laser tip is chilled and comes in direct contact with the skin or with dynamic cooling where a cryogen or cooling spray hits the skin just as or before the laser fires protecting the skin.  This allows the laser to deliver more energy to the hair follicle while protecting the pigment in the epidermis or outer layer of the skin.

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Introducing the Primelase Device

For many years we used one of the gold standards for laser hair removal.  This year we added Cocoon’s Primelase laser hair removal device as it is a dramatic improvement over the existing technology we were using.  We are one of the first laser centers in the United States to add this device.  The major advantage of this device is that it combines the same great results we have been able to achieve, but treatments can be performed comfortably and in far less time.

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Who is an Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

The ideal candidate for laser hair reduction has light skin with dark hair.  This scenario results in the maximum amount of energy destroying the hair follicle with minimal absorption by the outer layers of the skin.  

Darker skinned patients with dark hair can be successfully treated but will usually require more treatments and with more conservative energy settings.  People who are tan should postpone treatments as far lower, less effective settings have to be employed. Unfortunately, lasers are ineffective in treating light colored hair or peach fuzz.  Other technologies are being investigated to remove light colored hair but they are still off on the horizon.

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Common Treatment Areas for Men and Women

In our office men and women typically seek treatment for different areas.  Women usually seek treatment for any facial hair, armpits, legs and bikini area.  Men often seek treatment for hairy backs and shoulders.  Most people will require at least 3 treatments spaced about 8 weeks apart.  Some will require some ongoing maintenance.   Cost depends upon how large of an area is treated.  Now that you’re out and about in a swim suit we can help you get rid of unwanted hair.

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Schedule Your Hair Removal Consultation

If you have unwanted hair and are interested in laser hair removal call us today at 925-838-4900 to schedule a hair removal consultation.

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