Unwanted Hair Treatments

Unwanted Hair

About Laser Hair Removal

Lasers can now effectively remove in-grown hairs, known as hair bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae. We have many such lasers that are FDA approved to treat this distressing condition. Patients see noticeable results after just one session, and best of all, the reduction of in-grown hairs are lasting.

Treatment Videos & Testimonials

Watch Dr. Berman removing unwanted hair as seen on ABC7News

Watch Dr. Berman removing unwanted hair as seen on The Discovery Channel

Benefits

Our center has 20 hair removal lasers to better optimize patients treatments
FDA approved for pseudofolliculitis (hair bumps)
Fast
Affordable
Treatment areas include the beard, bikini line, face and many other sites
Any area with dark hair may be treated
Large areas done at a time
Multiple areas done at a time
Minimal risk

How Does It Work?

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 technological advantages of our lasers over older laser systems are:

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 penetrates the skin and targets the hair follicles below
a longer pulse duration which also permits deeper penetration of the skin
a quicker treatment, important for treating larger areas

Who is Candidate?

With 12 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.

What Can I Expect?

The end result is reduction or elimination of in-grown hairs and pseudofolliculitis barbae. In fact, our lasers are FDA approved for pseudofolliculitis barbae and for hair reduction.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

It is important to perform test spots with increasing energy settings on every individual considering this procedure at the time of the initial consultation. In this way, we can later 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 as is possible.

The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Recovery Time

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 3 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.

Does it Hurt?

The procedure is well tolerated, though sensitive areas require a topical anesthetic cream.

Before Treatment Instructions

On the treatment day, closely shave the treatment areas. If needed, place a 1/8th inch layer of over the counter 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.

After Treatment Instructions

Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol for a few days following the procedure. Ice packs can help to minimize swelling should it develop.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses perform the procedure.