Best Dermatologist for Laser Hair Removal Treatments in San Francisco
Ladies: do you have an unwanted perpetual or new and growing 5 o'clock shadow, or legs and/or "lady bits" that sometimes feel like sandpaper? Fellas: are you sometimes mistaken for Sasquatch when you take off your shirt at the gym or the beach? Have you suffered burns or other complications by laser treatments performed by non-qualified or non-experienced professionals, such as at medspas, or non-dermatologist doctors using a device that was not safe for your skin color? If so, it might be time for a hair removal intervention by an experienced board-certified dermatologist.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses light energy from a laser source, to remove unwanted hair. The laser emits a powerful beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. The energy from the laser is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles and over time with repeated treatments, prevents hair regrowth. When used correctly and in the right patient for treatment of unwanted body hair, it can result in permanent hair reduction in the treated areas. Laser hair removal is commonly used to target unwanted hair on areas such as the face, legs, underarms, bikini line, and in men, back and chest. It is considered a safe and effective method for achieving long-term hair reduction with minimal discomfort. However, it is important to note that because the laser energy used in this treatment targets the pigment in the hair follicles, which is also the same pigment that is present in our skin, inappropriate use of lasers for hair removal can result in severe skin burns due to absorption of the laser energy by the normal skin around the hair follicles and damage to this skin. It is thus very important to have all laser hair removal treatments done by a board-certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologists have extensive training in dermatology, are equipped to address a wide range of skin-related issues in all skin types, have access to medical grade lasers that are powerful and that many med spas do not have access to, and in the rare event of complications or side effects, are the best-equipped medical professionals to handle and manage any issues that may arise during or after laser hair removal.
How Do You Treat Unwanted Hair?
Other than waxing and shaving, unwanted hair can be treated through various other methods, including use of depilatory creams which contain chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair, allowing it to be wiped away, epilation using handheld devices that pull the hair from the root, electrolysis, use of prescription creams that inhibit hair regrowth, and laser hair removal. Of all these methods, only electrolysis and laser hair removal provide permanent hair reduction.
What To Expect from the Procedure?
Before the procedure, a numbing cream or an ice-pack is applied to the skin for several minutes. The skin is cleansed, then the doctor applies the laser handpiece to the skin of the targeted area, to which laser pulses are emitted to damage the hair follicles. The damaged hair follicles undergo a process known as photothermolysis, which results in inhibition or reduction of hair growth. If performed correctly, the surrounding skin should remain largely unaffected.
After the procedure, individuals may experience temporary redness and swelling in the treated area. Small bumps and pustules and some minor skin irritation may form around each treated hair follicle. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure and using sunscreen to protect the skin after treatment.
Laser hair removal is most effective when done in a series of sessions. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective during the active growth phase of the hair. For best results, multiple sessions, typically spaced a month apart, are required to target hair follicles in various growth stages
Do I Need Prepare for Treatment?
Depending on the area being treated, it is best to avoid sun exposure, self-tanning products, and certain skincare products such as retinol or tretinoin in the weeks leading up to the procedure. Shaving the targeted area before the treatment is recommended.
Is It Right for Me?
When done by a board certified dermatologist, laser hair removal is effective and safe for ALL skin types. The best candidates for laser hair removal however are those with dark, thick, coarse hair as opposed to fine, light (blonde or gray) hair. This is because the laser targets the pigment called melanin in the hair follicle. The darker and thicker the hair is, the more melanin that is present, and the more laser energy is absorbed by the follicle, which leads to much more effective destruction of the hair follicle.
Before and After Photos
Interested in seeing what kind of results you can achieve with laser hair removal treatments? Take a look at our before and after photos below!
Our Office Serves the Entire San Francisco Bay Area Including Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, the Peninsula and Beyond
Dermatologist Dr. Ekama Carlson in San Francisco offers Botox, dysport, xeomin, dermal fillers, anti-aging skin care products, cosmetic treatments, and laser hair removal in all skin types. Her office serves San Francisco, and the surrounding Bay Area.