:: Hair Removal
At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we utilize the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system for permanent hair removal. Currently, there are a number of hair removal devices on the market. Studies have shown that IPL hair removal is as effective as laser hair removal, but is much less uncomfortable. Also, unlike many hair removal lasers, we are even able to treat patients with dark skin safely and effectively.
What IPL Hair Removal Is Good For
Permanent reduction of unwanted darkly colored hairs. Because the IPL targets pigment in the hair follicle, light or white colored hairs do not respond well to treatment. IPL hair removal is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs in the beard and bikini areas.
How It Works
The Intense Pulsed Light system utilizes a large spectrum of wavelengths to treat the skin. Different handpieces are used which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as hair reduction. The hair removal handpieces emit pulses of light into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair.
What Can I Expect?
At your initial consultation, one of our providers or experienced laser nurses will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. Depending on the treatment area and skin color, we usually recommend repeat treatments 3-6 weeks apart. With each session, there will be decreased hair growth and density.
It’s extremely important to not be tan (including artificial tans), as this may interfere with the hair removal procedure. No anesthesia is necessary, although we will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment. The handpiece will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the handpiece is being pulsed.
Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation and possibly some minor swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cool compressed or ice packs. The treated hair will continue to appear for 7-30 days post-treatment. This is not new hair growth, but the treated hairs being expelled from the skin. At any given time, some of your hair is not in an active growth phase. Therefore, you will need more than one treatment to affect the growth of all your unwanted hair. Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve permanent hair reduction.
:: Vascular Lasers
Rosacea, redness, and broken blood vessels are some of the most common complaints that patients have. At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we have three different machines that can treat blood vessels: IPL, V-Beam laser, and Aura KTP laser. This gives us tremendous versatility in tailoring your treatment. If you have sun-damaged skin with a combination of redness and brown spots, IPL Photofacial Rejuvenation may be right for you. If you have rosacea, generalized redness, or a port wine stain (birth mark), V-Beam laser may be most appropriate. Or, if you have individual broken capillaries or red spots, Aura KTP laser may be your best option. During your cosmetic consult, Dr. Reichel or Dr. Chiu will determine the ideal treatment plan for your desired results.
:: V-Beam Laser
The V-Beam laser is the gold standard for treating vascular skin conditions. This includes the treatment of rosacea, port wine stains, and broken blood vessels. At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu have each had 8 years experience with the V-Beam laser and have treated thousands of patients.
What V-Beam Treats
- Rosacea
- Port Wine Stains
- Dilated Blood Vessels
- Spider and Cherry Angiomas
- Stretch Marks
- Keloid Scars
- Superficial Leg Veins
How It Works
The V-Beam laser deliver utilizes a wavelength that selectively targets your blood vessels, heating them and causing them to collapse. An Integrated Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) emits a short cooling spray just before each laser pulse, making the surface of the skin cooler and more comfortable.
What Can I Expect?
At your consultation, Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. Typically, for rosacea, it will take at least 2 V-beam treatments, one month apart. For port wine stains, stretch marks, and keloid scars, more treatments may be required.
It’s important to not be tan for this procedure (including artificial tans). Anesthesia is not used as this may actually constrict the blood vessels, which is your laser target. With each laser pulse, you will feel the cooling spray first followed by a rubber band snapping sensation.
Immediately after the treatment, you will feel like you have a mild sunburn, with some redness and swelling. Depending on the nature of the condition, some bruising is also possible. Ice and a mild topical steroid are applied immediately after treatment and recommended for the first 1-2 days after the procedure. It is also important to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen for the first week after the treatment. Swelling typically worsens around the eyes and upper cheeks over the first day or two and subsides in 3-4 days. We recommend propping your head upright on a couple of pillows when you sleep to help minimize this swelling. Redness and bruising (if present) is usually gone by 1 week. Make-up may be applied immediately after treatment.
:: Aura KTP Laser
The Aura laser also treats vascular lesions, however, is especially suited for treating individual broken blood vessels as well as spider and cherry angiomas. At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, the response from many of our Aura patients is: “It’s a miracle!” When they look in the mirror and see the immediate and dramatic results.
A pencil-like wand is used to literally erase dilated capillaries on the face. The effect is immediate and there is virtually no downtime. You may experience mild redness and swelling, but may return to normal activities immediately after treatment. Moisturizer with sunscreen is recommended for a week after treatment. For larger lesions like cherry angiomas, the lesion may turn purplish in color after the procedure, and then disappear in 1-2 weeks. No anesthesia is required and the treatment feels like a series of hot needle-like sensations.
This laser may not be as suitable for darker skin types. During your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Reichel or Dr. Chiu will determine if the Aura laser is right for you.
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