The Sciton laser in our Skincare Center offers the most effective treatment for reduction of unwanted hair. Areas commonly treated in women are the legs, bikini area, underarms, forearms, and face (chin, upper lip, eyebrow area, and cheeks). For men, hair can be removed from the back and chest, as well as the beard.
To reduce unwanted hair, our ClearScan infrared laser selectively targets and heats the hair follicles. If enough heat is absorbed into the follicle, its base (called the bulb) will die and no longer grow hair. Hair growth naturally progresses through 3 stages: a growth stage, an intermediate stage between growth and rest, and a resting stage. Hair removal treatment is effective only during the active phase of hair growth.
Unfortunately, the hair follicles in any given body area are not on the same schedule. Because of this, hair reduction cannot be completed quickly but must be repeated in several treatments until all hair follicles have had their bulbs “vaporized” during the active growth phase. The typical treatment regimen requires 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart, depending on your hair type and how quickly it grows.
The ClearScan laser makes treatment of large areas possible because it scans and heats all follicles in an area rather than targeting each follicle individually. A computer-guided scanning system automates the laser to make sure the infrared energy is applied evenly. Your surgeon will set the computer’s parameters to guide the laser beam in the optimal pattern for your skin. This guarantees a safe, rapid, and gentle treatment.
Our laser is effective for all skin and most hair colors, and may be used on people exposed to the sun within the preceding 3 weeks or those who use tanning products. Adjustments to the laser are required if you have recently been tanning (because it alters the melanin in the skin), so always notify your surgeon before a treatment so the laser’s computer can be properly programmed.
After a laser hair reduction treatment, some redness and slight swelling may be present, but it should subside within a few hours. Your surgeon’s instructions will include keeping the treated area clean and using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when outdoors.
