LASER HAIR REDUCTION
Imagine having smooth, hair-free skin without having to shave, wax, or pluck. Now it is possible to achieve permanent hair reduction with minimal discomfort using laser hair removal. We can treat almost any body area. Most sites require only a few minutes per treatment.
Gresham Cosmetic Laser Center
We offer laser hair removal using the Alma Harmony IPL (intense pulsed light) system or the Cutera CoolGlide 1064. Laser hair removal targets the melanin (the dark colored pigment) in the hair follicle, permanently killing those hair follicles that are in their active growth phase and which contain an intact hair at the time of the laser treatment. Light-colored, white or gray hair will not be effectively treated with laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to achieve adequate hair reduction. This is due to the fact that not all of the hair follicles are in their active growth phase at the same time. Only those follicles in the active growth phase of their growth cycle will be affected by a laser treatment. We perform treatments about every 4- 8 weeks depending on the part of the body and the individual patient response. A minimum of 4 -7 treatments will be needed to achieve adequate hair reduction results in an ideal candidate (someone with light-colored skin and dark hair). It is important that you avoid sun exposure while undergoing laser hair removal with the IPL system. The Cutera CoolGlide 1064 laser does enable us to treat darker skin types or very lightly tanned skin. If you develop a significant suntan, your treatments will have to be postponed until the suntan fades to your baseline skin tone. We perform a Fitzpatrick skin typing analysis on every patient to determine your skin type and to be certain you are a good candidate for treatment.
Pain Tolerance Depends on the Individual
Most people tolerate laser hair removal treatments well, and describe the sensation as a rubber band snap to the skin. A cooling gel is used and other measures such as numbing cream or a Zimmer chiller can be utilized if necessary for comfort. Immediately following your treatment the area may be a bit red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. Three to seven days after the treatment, you may experience what seems to be a regrowth of hair. Actually, the hair is being shed. You may return to normal activities immediately and should wear a sunscreen.
History of previous treatments, medications, allergies, and pigmentation problems should be discussed prior to the laser treatment. The following medical conditions are some of the contraindications to the use of laser hair reductions: pregnancy, active herpes or infections, lupus, immunosuppressed patients, melanoma, keloid scarring, psoriasis or other serious diseases. Some medications are photo sensitizers and make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and laser light and may lead to an adverse reaction. Accutane, certain antibiotics such as tetracycline and others may require a waiting period. For those who cannot have laser hair removal we do offer waxing services.
Immediately following your treatment the area may be a bit red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. Three to seven days after the treatment, you may experience what seems to be a regrowth of hair. Actually, the hair is being shed. You should not wax or pluck hair in-between treatments, but you can shave with an electric razor. You may return to normal activities immediately and should wear a sunscreen.
While undergoing hair removal you should avoid plucking, waxing or use of depilatories in the treated area since this removes the follicle which is the target for the laser. Shaving is permissible and should always be done the day of treatment prior to your appointment. .Limiting sun exposure, wearing an SPF 30 sunblock containing zinc or titanium, and avoiding the use of self-tanners will help to prevent unwanted side effects such as blistering, burning or pigmentation changes.