Laser Hair Removal
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Los Gatos Dermatology
Cosmetic Dermatologists located in Los Gatos, CA
If you’re tired of the tweezing and the plucking, the shaving and the waxing, it’s time to do something about your unwanted hair growth. Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Bruce Saal, offer laser hair removal at his Los Gatos, California office. At Los Gatos Dermatology, the team uses innovative equipment, including the Candela® GentleMAX™ laser, to eliminate your hair growth and keep your skin safe and smooth. Call the office today to schedule your appointment or book online now.
Laser Hair Removal Q & A
Where can laser hair removal be used?
Dr. Saal performs laser hair removal in various places across the body and face, including the:
- Chin
- Upper lip
- Cheeks
- Abdomen
- Bikini area
- Back
- Areolas
- Legs
- Underarms
- Arms
How does laser hair removal work?
At Los Gatos Dermatology, Dr. Saal uses the Candela GentleMAX laser to stop your hair growth where it starts — at the hair follicle. Using specialized laser light, he’s able to pinpoint hair follicles and destroy them, eliminating their ability to produce hair.
Although traditional hair removal treatments are brief — with shaving lasting 1-2 days and waxing lasting 3-4 weeks — laser hair removal permanently reduces your hair growth.
How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?
After meeting for an initial consultation, Dr. Saal determines how many laser hair treatment sessions to recommend. Because of your body’s natural hair growth cycle, multiple sessions are always necessary.
The light from the laser is only able to impact hair follicles that are in their growth stage, which at any given time is around 60% of your follicles. Therefore, Dr. Saal recommends getting 3-7 treatments over a 6-12 month period, increasing the laser exposure to more follicles each time.
If your hair isn’t destroyed by the laser the first time, it grows back thinner and lighter than before.
How do you prepare for laser hair removal?
Stop plucking or waxing the treatment area for six weeks before your scheduled procedure. Doing so ensures there’s a hair in each active follicle, increasing the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment.
Limiting sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your treatment may also increase its effectiveness, as the laser is less effective on tanned skin.
What happens during laser hair removal treatment?
When you see Dr. Saal for laser hair removal, depending on the length of the hair being treated, it may be trimmed or shaved. A cooling gel is applied to your skin, improving the treatment’s effectiveness.
Although some describe the procedure as nearly painless, you may experience a slight stinging sensation, much like a rubber band snapping. After Dr. Saal completes the treatment session, you’re free to go about your normal daily activities. He may recommend avoiding sun exposure for a few days.
If you’re looking for permanent hair removal, contact Dr. Saal at Los Gatos Dermatology today. Schedule your appointment by calling the office today.
