Laser Hair Removal
 Imagine never having to shave your underarms, legs, or bikini area again, or if you are a man, not having to deal with excessive back, chest or even ear hair. With the advent of
lasers, hair removal has never
been easier nor more effective. Traditional hair
removal techniques such as shaving, plucking or
waxing, provide only temporary relief and may
actually stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis often
requires years of ongoing treatments and is slow
and painful. At Sanders Medical we offer two
different hair removal systems to provide you with
the optimum treatment:
Epitouch Alexandrite Laser
Our Alexandrite laser uses an optical scanner which allows large areas (such as
the legs or back) to be treated rapidly and effectively. It is one of the fastest hair
removal systems on the market. A cool gel is applied to the skin with each
treatment to minimize any heat effect. The specific wavelength of light delivered
by the Alexandrite laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle bulb. Some
follicles are destroyed, while others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. As
with all laser devices only those hairs currently in their "growth" phase are
targets. Those hairs in the resting phase need time and further treatments to be
similarly disabled. A series of treatments is therefore required for lasting results.
This laser is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction.
Lumenis Vasculight Elite
The Vasculight Elite is one of the worlds best devices for both photorejuvenation
and hair reduction. This is an intense pulsed light (IPL) device that delivers a
range of wavelengths of light to the hair follicle injuring or disabling the follicle
much the same way a laser does. Special cut-off filters are used to select the
appropriate wavelengths of light for the application. A cool gel is applied to the
skin similar to that used with the Epitouch laser. The Vasculight Elite gives us
great flexibility in treating a variety of skin types including darker skin. It is also
probably the best device for treating red, grey or blond hairs, though as with any
laser device, the less pigment in the hair, the less well it responds to treatment.
The Vasculight is also FDA approved for permanent hair reduction.
Before your treatment
- Tanning of the treatment area should be avoided for at least
2 weeks prior
to laser therapy.
- Accutane should be stopped one month before treatments and
topical
retinoid products one week before treatments.
- The hair should not be waxed or plucked as this removes the
hair follicle
and pigment that the laser targets.
- It is best to shave 1-2 days before treatment so there is a
small 1 mm
stubble showing.
- No creams, lotions or makeup should be on the area to be
treated.
Side Effects
Mild redness and swelling can occur and usually only last a few hours.
Occasionally blistering and scabs can form at the treatment site but this is rare
and passes quickly. Changes in skin pigment can occur which also is usually
transient. The risk of scarring or infection is extremely low. There is minimal
discomfort with our treatments.
What areas can be treated?
Virtually any area of the body can be treated. Common areas include facial
areas, underarms, legs, bikini area, back, chest and arms. We also treat
unwanted ear, toe and finger hairs.
Can I expect permanent results?
Hair removal requires a series of treatments with all laser devices to achieve
lasting results. No reputable practitioner can promise permanent hair removal in
all cases since the response of hairs to treatment is highly variable. Hairs in the
"resting" phase of their growth cycle will not respond to the laser energy so it
is
necessary to wait for these hairs to enter their own "growth" phase before they
can become viable targets. Some hairs will return as much finer, softer hair.
Some will be permanently destroyed and still others will be rendered dormant.
After a series of treatments it is possible to achieve true permanent hair removal
in some cases. Although some practitioners will advertise "permanent hair
removal" the term "permanent hair reduction" is more honest and accurate.
About Your Visit
Prior to treatment we ask that you arrive a few minutes early to fill in a brief
medical questionnaire. We will perform a skin and hair type assessment to allow
us to tailor your treatments according to the amount of pigment in your skin and
the thickness and color of the hair to be treated.
Our knowledgeable and highly trained staff are extremely
sensitive and discrete
in responding to all your hair removal needs.
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