Our center has more experience in laser hair removal than any other clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1997, we have performed thousands of treatments, and consider ourselves the experts in this field. Today, laser hair removal is one of the most popular laser treatments in the world. Its safety and effectiveness have made most other treatments for excessive hair growth obsolete.
- Our center has 8 hair removal lasers to better optimize patient treatments
- FDA approved for permanent reduction of hair
- Fast
- Affordable
- Treatment areas include the face, lip, bikini line, legs, back, buttocks, feet, shoulders, abdomen
- Any area with dark hair may be treated
- Removes hair and hair bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae), ingrown hairs
- Large areas done at one time
- Multiple areas done at one time
- Minimal risk
Shaving, waxing, plucking, threading and chemical depilatories yield temporary results.
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time, requires years of treatment, and carries risks of scarring, pitting and infection.
This comparison table will help you see the differences between hair removal
options, and the benefits and limitations of laser hair removal.
The laser is passed over the skin, and light energy is absorbed by dark pigment in hair follicles beneath the skin, disabling hundreds of hairs at a time. The proper selection of the optimal laser, depending upon hair and skin type is imperative.
Our center has tested other systems, such as the Softlight laser, the long pulse Ruby lasers (Epilaser®, Palomar E2000), and other non-laser devices such as Aurora, Vasculite, IPL. None of these systems were adequate for all skin types. The significant technological advantages of our lasers over older laser systems are:
- a longer wavelength of light which allows for deeper penetration, permitting the light to preferentially by-pass the overlying skin and target the hair follicles below
- the longer pulse duration which also permits deeper penetration while sparing the skin surface
- a quicker treatment, important for larger areas such as the back or entire leg
With 8 lasers for hair removal available at our center at all times, we are able to treat all skin types from the fairest to the darkest, and even tanned skin.
The end result is permanent reduction of hair. In fact, our lasers are all FDA approved for permanent reduction.
It is important to perform test spots with increasing energy settings on every individual considering laser hair removal at the time of the initial consultation. In this way, we can start the treatments at the highest energy to destroy the greatest number of hair follicles, while knowing that the overlying skin will not be injured. Test spots will thus allow the patient to undergo the fewest number of sessions possible. Risks include blisters, scarring and change of pigment to the skin.
Usually no down time, though some patients can have some mild swelling for a few hours. Patients will require multiple sessions; however the number of treatments needed is dependent on the laser energy setting, and the patient's skin and hair type. The laser treatments work by actually disabling the hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of the treatment. Not all of individuals' hair follicles are producing hair at the same time, but actually go through three different phases: growth, regression and resting. Since other hairs will eventually enter into the active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to inactivate other hair follicles in a given area. Following the treatment, most patients return to their normal activity immediately.
Most patients require a topical anesthetic cream to alleviate pain. This should be applied for 30 to 45 minutes prior to the procedure under an occlusive dressing (i.e. saran wrap). One can pruchase "ELA-MAX" anesthetic cream without a prescription.
On the treatment day, closely shave the treatment areas. If needed, place a one-eighth inch layer of anesthetic cream on the areas to be treated 45 minutes prior to the appointment. After the white cream is absorbed, reapply the cream again for an added anesthetic effect.
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol for a few days following the procedure. Ice packs can help to minimize swelling should it develop.
Dr. Berman, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.
