Unwanted and unsightly hair can now be reduced or eliminated
from areas such as the upper lip, armpits, bikini area, groin and thigh,
as well as arms. Similarly, blemishes caused by small blood vessels
and sunspots can be treated. Patients generally require four to six
treatments which are fast and are only minimally uncomfortable. No anesthesia
is required. A maintenance program is recommended annually after the
initial treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a proven method to remove hair from
all parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms and
back. It can also treat sensitive areas like the chest, nipples and
bikini line. The use of such lasers such as the Coolglide Excel allows
for treatment of patients with all skin tones, including African-American,
Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian and even patients with a suntan. During treatment
the handpiece cools and soothes as it glides along your skin; neither
local anesthesia nor pain medication is required.
Most patients require 3-6 treatments, but the number of treatments you
may require for optimal long-term results depends on various factors
such as your hair’s thickness, the area treated, and your hair’s
growth cycle. Interestingly, not all hairs are actively growing at the
same time, but actually go through three distinct phases: growth, regression,
and resting. The laser works by disabling the hair that is principally
in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs
will enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments
may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.
Immediately following your laser hair treatment, the area may appear
a bit red and swollen. Around 3-7 days after treatment hairs may be
shed. Following the treatment, you can return to your normal activities
immediately. Since redness may occur, you should plan your work or social
engagements accordingly. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any
treated area exposed to sun.
Laser Hair removal is a safe and effective alternative to the tedious
and painful process of electrolysis and/or waxing or plucking techniques.
The cooled handpiece we use increases patient comfort.
Spider Vein Removal
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are those small red,
pink and blue blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face
and legs. In contrast, varicose veins are usually larger in diameter
and may appear raised with a bluish color. The laser we use, Coolglide
Excel, has a long wavelength, allowing treatment of patients of all
skin tones. The delivery of light pulses causes the blood within the
veins to coagulate, eventually obliterating the vessels. The specific
laser wavelength targets the vessels, leaving the surrounding tissue
intact. Treatments usually take several minutes, depending on the number
of vessels treated and their location.
Multiple treatments may be necessary, although the number of treatments
necessary depends of the number of vessels being treated and the color
and size of those vessels. Most patients experience a stinging sensation
as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Many patients
opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Afterwards, the
pain is minimal to non-existent. Following your treatment, some redness
or bruising may occur. When larger veins are treated, a tan or brownish
pigment may persist for a weeks or months following treatment. Patients
who have leg vein treatments may also be advised to wear support hose
for a short period of time to help keep pressure on the veins.
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown
significant improvement within 2-6 weeks of treatment. However, your
final result may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is
possible for new veins to appear, but these also, can be removed with
the laser treatment. Patients resume most normal activities immediately.
Strenuous exercise and hot baths should be avoided for the first 24
hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated
areas exposed to the sun. Side effects may include slight reddening
and local swelling of the skin, which may last 24 hours or less. Some
patients may experience bruising.
Removal of Age Spots, Freckles and Brown Spots
Just about everyone has a few obvious brown spots on their skin. Although
most brown spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and
can detract from your skin’s natural beauty. Melanin is what gives
our skin its color. High concentrations of melanin can be due to various
factors. Some types are present at birth, but most occur with age or
as a result of overexposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet
rays.
The latest in laser technology now allows for the removal of age spots,
sun spots, “liver” spots and freckles by targeting the dark
concentrations of melanin. The laser emits light in very short pulses
allowing for the treatment of only the darker areas. Most common pigmented
lesions are removed with one or two treatments. Afterwards an antibacterial
ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area and the treated
area should be kept clean. The area may remain red for two to four weeks.
After the redness clears, the skin returns to its natural and uniform
color and texture.
