LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Lasers produce specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by certain pigments. In the case of hair removal, melanin, the pigment in hair, is the target. This preferential absorption causes damage to the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. When the hair follicle is damaged, it no longer properly produces hairs.

WHAT IS USED FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

At South Coast Dermatology, we achieve great results with our Palomar Vectus Laser. It provides fast, uniform hair reduction for a wide range of skin and hair types. Patients also report that it is very comfortable.

Sapphire treatment tips with Advanced Contact Cooling system help protect the surface of the skin and keep patients comfortable, while Photon Recycling and the uniform beam profile allows for the most thorough destruction of hair follicles. It also has a large spot size, allowing our providers to quickly treat unwanted hair in large areas, such as the legs and back.

Thanks to the Skintel Melanin Reader, the only FDA-approved melanin reader, the Vectus laser is safe for a variety of ethnicities and skin types.

Your skin will be cleansed, and we occasionally apply topical numbing cream, although it is usually unnecessary. You will wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment. Cold gel is applied to the area being treated. The smooth surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the skin and delivers pulses of light. Immediately after treatment, you will be a little flushed, blood vessels may be more visible, and brown spots may appear slightly darker. There may be mild swelling. These changes gradually fade over hours to days. Be sure to avoid sun exposure in the days and weeks before and after treatment. Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.

HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?

On the whole, hair follicles are in different stages of growth at any given point in time. A follicle's stage during laser hair removal determines how it will respond to the session.

Hair treated during the active growth phase responds the best. That means, although there is usually a noticeable decrease in hair growth after only one treatment, multiple treatments (usually four to six spaced four to six weeks apart) are typically required for the best possible result.

The location of the unwanted hair is also a factor in how well it responds to laser hair removal. Hair on the bikini line, underarm, leg, back, and arm tends to respond best to the treatment, while facial hair can be a bit more resistant.

Most patients tolerate laser hair removal very well, noting minimal discomfort. The sensation is often described as similar to being snapped lightly by a rubber band. If desired, a topical anesthetic cream can be applied one hour before treatment.

HOW WILL I LOOK AFTER A LASER HAIR REMOVAL SESSION?

The treated area will appear slightly pink and swollen right after the treatment, but should return to normal within minutes to hours. Cool compresses will speed the process.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

With our experienced team of laser hair removal providers, patients can achieve excellent unwanted hair removal results. Nearly 80 percent of individuals will, after a series of treatments, achieve a lasting reduction in hair growth. Some factors—including hair color and thickness, skin color, and hormones—can cause an eventual need for touch ups, but most individuals will achieve the reduction in hair growth they are seeking, especially with multiple treatments.

Hair may eventually grow back in certain cases, but it is often finer and lighter in color.

When laser hair removal is performed properly by a trained staff member, there are rarely any lasting side effects. Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) is a rare but possible side effect, especially in darker-skinned individuals. These changes in color usually gradually fade away, but they could be permanent. To minimize these risks, it is important to carefully follow post-treatment instructions—especially strict sun avoidance.

WHAT ELSE ARE LASERS USED FOR?

Aside from laser hair removal, patients can choose laser tattoo and lesion removal, IPL for visible veins and spots, and cosmetic dermatology treatments that use light to rejuvenate the skin, smooth wrinkles, and more.

We can help determine which laser or light-based treatments are best for your needs.