Cosmetic & Laser

Hair Reduction

Significant reduction of unwanted body and facial hair can be achieved with laser therapy.  The lasers target melanin pigment within hair follicles, unfortunately this means that only pigmented hairs can be treated.  Because the laser targets hair in its active phase of growth, four to six treatments are typically needed for marked reduction.  However, noticeable reduction is usually noted after 2-3 treatments.  Coarse dark hair responds best.  We use the Alexandrite laser for lighter skin tones and occasionally the ND:Yag for darker skin tones.  Great for armpits, bikini area, upper lip, or anywhere else you are bothered by unwanted hair.

Vascular lesion treatment

Facial spider veins, port wine stains, rosacea, scars, sometimes varicose veins and new stretch marks can be treated with the pulsed dye laser.  The primary side effect seen with the pulsed dye laser is bruising which will resolve over a week or two.

Tattoo removal

A Q-switched ND:Yag laser can be used to diminish the appearance of an unwanted tattoo, although typically some remnant may remain, the treatments can lighten and sometimes nearly erase the original tattoo.  This generally takes 6-12 treatments over 1-2 years.

Pigmented skin lesions

The Q-switched ND:Yag laser can also be used to treat unwanted lentigines (sun spots) and larger freckles.

What to expect

For hair reduction, do not pluck hair for several weeks to a month before treatment, this places those particular hairs in the resting phase that the laser cannot treat.  Please shave 24-48 hours prior to treatment.  The treatment is associated with a slight pain similar to being snapped with a rubber band with each pulse (“zap”) of the laser, the pain is temporary.  There may be a mild redness for several minutes to a few hours following the treatment.

For the pulsed dye laser treatment, there is similar temporary pain associated with the pulses of the laser.  Typically the area treated will be bruised for 1-2 weeks after treatment.

For tattoo removal and pigmented lesion treatment, a temporary pain can be expected as well and a white change to the surface of the skin occurs and heals over several weeks.

Other Cosmetic procedures

Botox helps minimize dynamic facial wrinkles (or those that occur with muscle movement).  The procedure involves injection with a very small needle, the effects are noted within 2-7 days and generally last for 3-6 months.

Sclerotherapy treats small to medium sized varicose and spider veins on the legs.  The procedure is performed by injection of a concentrated saline solution into blood vessel which subsequently destroys it.  Several sessions are usually required.  It is recommended to wear an ACE bandage or compression wrap for several days following the procedure to maximize the effects.

Chemical peels are used to treat some forms of uneven pigmentation of the skin, certain acne lesions, uneven texture, and occasionally precancerous lesions on the face.