Sleek, smooth skin never goes out of style. Excess hair can certainly get in the way of that sexy look. We try to shave, wax, bleach, and pluck the hair away, but the process is sure to be uncomfortable, time consuming, temporary and, in most cases, ineffective. That’s why so many men and women choose laser hair removal in Oakland County from Oakland Hills Dermatology
Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Dr. Buatti performs hair removal with the Sciton® BBL. Using this advanced laser system, hair removal is fast, reliable, and comfortable. These benefits are possible because of ‘s Sciton® BBL advanced technology.
No anesthesia is required prior to laser hair removal with the Sciton® BBL (although we do make it available).
During the procedure for laser hair removal, laser energy is delivered to the hair follicle using a special device. The laser is specially designed to not damage the skin. The heat from the laser damages the hair follicle, removing unwanted hair and preventing hair from growing in the future.
Treatments take such a short time to perform that most patients choose to treat multiple areas on each visit. Areas commonly treated include:
- Face
- Underarms
- Bikini area
- Legs
- Ears
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
After Treatment
Because hair growth is cyclical and laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase, 6 treatments are generally required to achieve permanent hair reduction. Immediately after treatment, the treated area may temporarily appear pink or red and, possibly, slightly swollen. However, most of our laser hair removal patients are able to return to their usual routine right away.
How The Sciton® BBL Laser Treatment Works?
A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted by the Sciton® BBL laser is well absorbed by the pigment located in hair follicles. During the procedure, the laser pulses for a fraction of a second, long enough to heat up the hair and significantly impede the follicle’s ability to re-grow. This process also treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously. Therefore, Sciton® BBL is appropriate for treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively.
The combination of this cooling method and other key parameters allows for safe and effective treatment in all skin types, including ethnic and tanned skin.
An important part of the procedure is the cooling of the skin. A special contact-cooling hand piece allows your physician to treat even the most sensitive skin. It protects and cools the upper layer of the skin before, during and after each laser pulse while directing the laser energy to the hair root.
Call today to schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation (248) 858-2255
How Many Treatments are Recommended?
It is important to know that the hairs in an active growth phase are most affected by the laser. As all hairs are not in this phase at the same time, more than one treatment will be necessary to achieve the best result. In general, five to six treatments are required at 4-week intervals. Many factors can affect treatment results: hair color, hair thickness, skin color, hormones and age.
What are the Advantages of the Sciton® BBL?
The three main advantages to the Sciton® BBL hair removal technology are comfort, safety and reliability. The Sciton® BBL has a patented contact-cooling hand piece that helps to cool the skin and reduce pain and burning at the treatment site.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
The laser treatment itself may cause some discomfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure well but because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, topical anesthesia can be an option. The laser pulse is often described as a wave of heat with a pinprick or rubber band snapping sensation.
What Should I Do Before Treatment?
Do not tweeze, wax, use a depilatory or undergo electrolysis in the areas you wish to have treated for 6 weeks prior to laser hair removal.
Do not tan the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
Avoid using self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Shave the area to be treated prior to your appointment, as skin should be clean of stubble.
Apply anesthetic cream at least 30 minutes prior to appointment time and cover with plastic wrap.
What Should I Do After Treatment?
Some redness and swelling in the area is normal after treatment and may feel similar to a sunburn. This should resolve within several hours to several days after treatment.
Gently clean area twice daily.
Avoid irritants (glycolics, retinoids, etc.) for seven days after treatment.
Apply sunscreen for SPF 30 daily over the treated area.
No deodorant if underarms are treated.
Avoid exercise until redness has cleared.
Do not pick, scratch, or tweeze.
Apply hydrocortisone 1% or aloe vera until erythema (redness) is gone.
You may apply ice immediately after treatment.
How Much Does The Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the area being treated and how many treatments are needed. We use the gold standard Sciton® BBL which is the most effective and safest method in comparison to other technology in use at other clinics. We can treat larger areas in less time and, because it is so effective, overall, fewer treatments are needed. As a result, the price will be lower. For example, another clinic may quote a lower price but since they do not utilize the most effective laser machine, you may need more treatments than you need with Sciton® BBL. Therefore, one should be aware that the price does not mean much until you know who is performing the procedure and what type of technology they are using.
