Laser Hair Removal
At Sherber+Rad, we use a combination of CoolGlide and ProWave LX technologies to address unwanted hair in a number of areas. CoolGlide is an Nd:YAG laser that is FDA-approved for all skin types, making it an excellent option for patients with darker skin tones. ProWave LX is an IPL hair removal device and is not as suitable for deeper skin tones.
Laser hair removal targets melanin pigment in the hair, so the best candidates have hair color that is darker than their skin color. For safety, it’s critically important that skin not be tanned or self-tanned prior to a laser hair removal treatment. We generally view this as a “winter sport” since it isn’t compatible with sun exposure. Typically a series of at least 5 monthly treatments is required. You should shave before treatment, but must avoid tweezing and waxing as those remove the root of the hair which is the target for an effective laser treatment. Depending on your clinical presentation and treatment goals, Dr. Sherber may prescribe a topical hair growth inhibitor containing Eflornithine (formerly available as Vaniqa) to speed up and enhance the reduction in hair growth.
Lasers use specific wavelengths to target melanin (removal of dark spots, hair removal), hemoglobin (treatment of redness and visible veins), or water (collagen stimulation for skin rejuvenation). Through this targeted approach, the new generation of lasers provide skin-perfecting results that aren’t achievable through skincare alone. Dr. Sherber’s extensive knowledge of the best wavelengths and amount of energy required to resolve skin issues allows patients to achieve optimal results while leaving the surrounding skin safe and unharmed.
01Consultation + Preparation
If we’re treating unwanted facial hair it is important to let us know if you have a history of herpes simplex cold sores, so that we may prescribe an oral antiviral to take as an adjunct to treatment to prevent an outbreak. For your first treatment, discontinue any retinoids (retinol, Retin-A) for a week prior to treatment. Dr. Sherber will then advise you on this for future treatments based on your skin’s response to the laser. It is also critical that the skin not be suntanned or self-tanned prior to any laser, light, or energy treatment. For laser hair removal, all areas to be treated must be shaved prior to your appointment, with no waxing or tweezing in between sessions. If you have had prior laser hair removal, it is helpful for us to receive those records to review.
During the consultation, our team will take high resolution photographs for your record so that we can observe the results of your treatment with accuracy. We will then ask you about your medical history, including current medications and any prior procedures. Dr. Sherber will talk with you about your specific goals and customize a treatment plan for you. Areas that we typically treat are the face, neck, and underarms.
02Procedure
A laser hair removal treatment does not require numbing treatment, but is available to patients as needed. This topical numbing can be arranged to be applied 20 minutes prior to treatment depending on the areas being treated, with a total surface area numbed that is not larger than your face in order to prevent too much topical lidocaine absorption.
Once the areas to be treated have been thoroughly cleansed and wiped with alcohol, the laser handpiece is used to precisely and evenly deliver the energy to the area. A warm ‘snapping’ sensation may be felt during treatment. Once the treatment is complete patients can often return to their daily schedule, but should avoid the sauna and intense workouts for 24 hours post-treatment.
long lasting
smoothening
no downtime
efficient
03recovery
Immediately post-treatment Dr. Sherber will apply a gentle calming serum and a broad spectrum sunscreen to leave skin soothed and protected. You may have pinkness or bumpiness in the treated areas for a few hours but this is expected to resolve by the following morning.
Your usual activity can be resumed immediately after treatment and makeup can be applied to the areas treated as you will not have peeling or other more noticeable after-effects. You should avoid public hot tubs in the days following treatment since that increases your risk of developing folliculitis. Be mindful not to apply harsh active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids, and not to use highly fragranced skincare products until the redness has resolved.
04results
With a series of laser hair removal sessions, patients will notice a gradual reduction in the density of hair growth in the areas that were treated. Permanent hair reduction can be achieved with a complete course of initial treatment, with most patients requiring an occasional touch up over the years. Hormonally related hair growth is the most prone to require additional treatments both in the initial series and over time.
On average, you will need at least 5 sessions 3-4 weeks apart to achieve long-lasting results.
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