Permanent reduction of unwanted hair is quickly and effectively achieved with our fast Starlux Pulsed Light system. By disabling the hair at the root itself, permanent hair reduction offers the ideal alternative to traditional hair removal methods of waxing, chemical hair removers, shaving or electrolysis.
Effective on dense body hair, the Palomar system is particularly suited for mid to darker toned skins which easily hyperpigment. Dr. Sedgh uses the Palomar StarLux system. This fast system can be set at variable wavelengths and power to treat any skin color efficiently.
Physician Unspecified
Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction*
Patient results may vary
The selection of the correct power levels for your skin tone is crucial in obtaining lasting results while preventing the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening), hypopigmentation (removal of natural skin pigment), blistering or scarring.
Areas Treatable:
- Legs
- Back and Neck
- Arms and Under-arms
- Chest
- Upper Lip
- Ears
- Excess Facial Hair
- Bikini Area
- Hormone-induced Hair Growth
The "How" of Hair Reduction
Lasers and lights work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by pigment. This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the cells being targeted, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Palomar laser and light systems feature a patented contact cooling system which helps make the procedure comfortable – even for large areas such as the legs, chest or back.
Can I Expect Total Hair Removal?
Multiple treatments are required for effective hair reduction because the hair follicle must be "active" at the time of treatment; not all follicles are active at the same time. Total hair removal is not possible, but a permanent reduction in hair growth makes this procedure one of the most popular of all non surgical cosmetic treatments.
Palomar manufactures some of the fastest hair reduction systems available today. Treatment time per session depends on the amount of area treated. A lip may take only a few minutes whereas an entire back may take 30 minutes or more.
Photo courtesy David Van Dam, MD
Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction*
Patient results may vary
Does Hair Reduction Hurt?
You will feel a stinging sensation when the light is activated. A topical local anesthetic is applied before the procedure to reduce discomfort. The procedure causes a slight charring of existing stubble.
What about Side Effects?
Slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn, may occur in some clients. These effects typically last 24 hours or less. In some instances, slight blistering may occur. This is non-problematic and is managed easily with a topical cream.
Burns and scarring can occur if treatment providers are not properly trained. For your protection and safety, it's important to always make sure your treatment is being performed in a well-trained physician-supervised medical office. Lasers and light systems are capable of extensive damage if not used properly. Special training and knowledge is necessary to obtain effective results while protecting your safety.
Am I a Candidate for Hair Reduction Treatments?
Courtesy Alan Rockoff, MD
Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction*
Patient results may vary
Hair reduction treatments work best in lighter skinned, darker haired patients. Because the primary target in hair follicles is melanin pigment (the "color" in skin and hair), less light energy is absorbed by the skin and more by the hair follicle. This does not mean that any skin color will not respond to treatment, just that lighter skin may have faster results because there is not the need for the extra caution required in treating darker skin. Dr. Sedgh uses the Palomar systems because they allow treatment of all skin types and color.
Why Tanning Slows Hair Reduction
Dr. Sedgh will recommend that you stop tanning prior to and during your hair reduction treatments. Tanned skin absorbs some of the light energy as it passes through the skin to the hair follicle. To protect your skin from excessive heat buildup, your treatment settings must be set at a lower than optimal level when you have the additional pigment from a tan (natural or from tanning beds).
Although Dr. Sedgh recommends that you refrain from tanning prior to hair reduction treatments, with the Palomar system, even tanned skin can be treated, although you will need more treatments at lower powers to prevent damage to the skin itself.
What about White or Gray Hair?
Because the pigment in the hair is the target for the light energy, gray or white hair cannot be effectively treated with any laser or light-based device. You may see some minor growth reduction if the root area still has pigment, but white and gray hair is essential invisible to the light emitted by pulsed light and lasers.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Multiple treatments are necessary for best results. Pulsed light energy has its greatest effect on growing, or anagen hair follicles; as the dormant, or telogen hairs become active, usually within 3 weeks to 3 months, some new hair growth will be observed.
Usually 4 to 6 treatments over the course of a year will be necessary for satisfactory, long-lasting results. The female face, armpits, and bikini lines are areas which respond fastest to treatments; backs, arms and legs usually need more treatments over time. The scalp is very resistant to treatment.
The Case of Excessive or Abnormal Hair Growth
Excessive hair growth beyond what is considered normal can be caused by the hormonal shifts of puberty, pregnancy or menopause. You may also have unwanted hair growth patterns caused by heredity, medication, hormone replacement therapy, diseases or other reasons.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a medical condition that is defined as the abnormal and excessive growth of thick dark hair in women where hair is usually minimal or absent. Such male-pattern growth of body hair usually occurs in androgen-stimulated locations, such as the face, chest, and areolae (nipple area).
Pulsed light hair reduction successfully manages most all abnormal and excess hair growth issues.
Multiple treatments can prolong the duration of hair loss, but some hair re-growth is possible. Also as you age, unwanted hair growth inevitably continues in additional areas, and you may need repeat treatments in the future.
Call Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc., for a complimentary consultation to discuss your hair removal goals: 888-333-2515.
* Individual results may vary
