Laser Hair Removal

If you are tired of temporary, often painful, methods of removing unwanted hair, laser hair removal might be an excellent solution for you. Lasers produce highly focused, intense beams of light that are absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface and vaporizes hair while the rapid cooling technology protects the skin.

Treatments are fast, safe, and virtually pain-free, so they do not require anesthesia. Most people feel nothing more than a slight sting like the snap of a rubber band. Lasers are considered less painful than waxing, shaving, plucking, or electrolysis. The other advantage of laser hair removal is that large areas of hair can be removed simultaneously.

Laser hair removal is popular for both men and women. Men commonly use it for the back, chest, and face. Women commonly treat the face, bikini, legs, and underarms. The laser is suitable for almost any part of the body.

While there is no permanent method of hair removal available, laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction. Any subsequent hair growth comes in light and downy. Some patients receive touch-up procedures periodically, often on an annual basis.

Laser hair removal only works on hair that has pigment darker than the skin surrounding it. This means that light colored hair in blond, white, gray, or even light red will not respond to the laser light.

At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments are done by our registered nurse under the supervision of our doctors. Our nurse has performed laser hair removal successfully on numerous male and female patients, using state-of-the-art laser equipment. A thorough examination and a detailed medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

The Laser Hair Removal Procedure

While the procedure is not painful, we can apply a numbing cream to the treatment areas to ease any discomfort. This requires 30-60 minutes for the anesthetic cream to take effect. The nurse then passes a handheld laser device over the area of unwanted hair, during which the light destroys the hair follicle.

Hair grows in cycles, however, and not all hairs are in the same cycle at the same time. The laser only works on the hair during a specific cycle. For this reason, only a percentage of the unwanted hair follicles can be destroyed during in each treatment.

Therefore, you must have several treatments in order to remove the maximum amount of unwanted hair. During your consultation, we will provide you with an estimate of the number of appointments you will require. Most patients require at least four to six treatments every four to six weeks.

Laser hair removal treatments should be avoided while you are tanned or sunburn. We also ask that you avoid plucking or bleaching hair for two weeks prior to your treatment. Leaving stubble in the areas where hair will be removed is also helpful.

Recovering from Laser Hair Removal

You can return to work or any other activities immediately after laser hair removal. Your skin may swell slightly or become a bit red, but the skin irritation is usually minor and temporary.

We will provide you with after-care instructions in terms of cleansing and moisturizing. Your skin will be more vulnerable to sunburn, so please wear sunblock when outdoors.