Cosmetic Procedures

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal | Laser Skin Resurfacing | Intense pulsed light (IPL) | Barrington Removing unwanted body hair is a constantly troubling process for many men and women. Patients who are tired of the temporary, painful methods of removing hair from the face, back, legs or other body areas may benefit from laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted body hair with intense pulsed laser energy. This minimally invasive procedure removes hair through a series of treatments while leaving the surrounding skin and tissue unharmed. Through this safe, painless and convenient procedure, patients can enjoy long-term hair removal from nearly any area of their body.

Laser hair removal is most commonly performed on the face, upper lip, neck, chest, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs, although it can be performed on virtually any area with excess hair growth.

The Procedure

During the laser hair removal procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area to prevent pain and discomfort. The laser is then moved across the targeted area with a hand held device to treat the area with intense laser pulses. Hair follicles in the active growth state are disabled. Patients may experience the sensation of a rubber band snapping the skin during this procedure, but most are able to tolerate the procedure well.

Multiple treatments will be needed in order to achieve optimal results, since hair grows in cycles, and one treatment will not be able to destroy all hair follicles. Most patients experience effective results after three to five treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart. The length and quantity of treatments depends upon the location of the hair and the patient's individual response to treatment. Patients who wish to remove hair in between treatment sessions can shave the treated area if they desire, but should not use any other type of temporary hair removal.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing Barrington As we age, our skin begins to change as a result of several different life factors. The natural collagen within the skin begins to diminish and skin may sag and droop. Smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, nutrition and more can also lead to the development of wrinkles and fine lines within the skin. Other skin conditions such as acne, brown spots and chicken pox can leave unattractive blemishes on the skin.

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular treatment option for restoring aging skin to a smoother and more youthful appearance. This term includes several different noninvasive techniques used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, brown spots, enlarged pores and more.

Different types of laser treatments are used to treat different skin conditions. Some of the most commonly used procedures include:

Intense pulsed light (IPL) - Light therapy that penetrates deep in the skin and does not injure the surface, best used to improve skin texture and color

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - Two-part procedure that makes the skin more sensitive to light and then uses the light to reduce redness, age spots and freckles with minimal downtime

Non-ablative laser rejuvenation - Used for early signs of aging and requires no downtime

Ablative laser resurfacing - Heats the skin to reduce deep wrinkles and other signs of aging, but causes a visible wound that requires healing

Results from laser treatments are usually not immediate and can take several months to appear. Several sessions may be needed in order to reach the patient's desired results, but laser techniques are often effective in completely eliminating age spots and other concerns.

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