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Laser Hair Removal Options

Posted on: June 29th, 2016 by csiaccess

California Skin Institute providers can offer a number of treatment options to patients considering laser hair removal.* The key to a successful outcome is in selecting the best technology for your situation and a treatment regimen that takes into account hair growth cycles.* Our providers are highly trained in all aspects of laser hair removal and have helped thousands of patients get rid of excess hair in a comfortable and compassionate environment.* If you’d like to schedule a personalized laser hair removal consultation with one of our providers, please call a California Skin Institute practice near you, or schedule your appointment online.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

At the very basic level, laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle.* The laser delivers bursts of energy that are absorbed by the pigment in the follicles, causing them to overheat and lose their viability.*

However, one of the most important aspects of laser hair removal is to remember that our hair grows in very distinct cycles. At any given moment, some of your hair follicles are actively growing hair strands, while other follicles are in a resting stage. During the resting stage, the follicle doesn’t have enough melanin to be targeted properly by the laser. Therefore, a typical patient will need several treatments, spaced several weeks apart, to ensure that all follicles can be treated during their active phase.*

Laser Hair Removal Technology

There is a variety of laser technologies that can be used for effective laser treatment, including the Q-Switched Alexandrite laser, the Lumenis LightSheer Diode, and Intense Pulsed Light devices.*

The Q-Switched Alexandrite and Lumenis LightSheer lasers work by targeting the melanin pigment inside follicles.* They work by delivering rapid, short bursts of energy which are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles, thus causing micro damage.*

Intense Pulsed Light devices work on a similar premise as laser hair removal technology – they also target pigment – but can be more versatile due to the use of numerous filters that adjust the light wavelengths.*

California Skin Institute providers can use a number of other technologies during your laser hair removal appointment, including:*

Laser Hair Removal and Skin Types

The best outcomes with laser hair removal are achieved when the laser can easily target the pigment in the hair follicle.* Generally, individuals with dark hair color and a lighter skin tone will experience a more favorable outcome.* Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid tanning several weeks before treatment, to help the laser better target follicle pigment.* However, the expert providers at California Skin Institute have also successfully treated lighter hair colors.*

Unfortunately, dyeing your hair a darker color will not help, as the laser hair removal technology specifically needs to target the pigment in the follicle, which is located below the skin surface.

Typical Laser Hair Removal Appointment

When you visit us for your treatment, we ask that you please shave the treatment area the day before treatment. If there is hair on the skin surface, it may interfere with the laser targeting process, and the hair itself may absorb the energy, thus causing additional discomfort.*

Once the laser hair removal treatment begins, your California Skin Institute provider will ask you to wear protective eyewear. The length of the procedure will depend on the treatment area – whether you’re just treating the legs, or combining other areas as well.*

After the procedure has been completed, you may feel slight discomfort, which is completely normal, since the laser damages the hair follicles within the skin.* However, there is typically no down time with the procedure.*

To reduce chances of potentially serious side effects, it’s important to avoid sun exposure to the area for several days after treatment.*

Your Laser Hair Removal Consultation

To schedule your laser hair removal consultation, please contact a California Skin Institute practice near you, or schedule your appointment online now!

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.


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