Laser hair removal is a quick way to permanently remove unwanted hair. Some of the most common areas that people choose include the armpits, bikini area, legs, and face.

Laser is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” In simpler terms, a laser is a concentrated beam of light (energy) that travels down the hair and into the hair follicle, damaging it so that hair will stop being produced.

Many laser systems and types are available in professional salons and aesthetic centers today. Current devices are able to remove more hair with less pain and better results than ever before.

Types of Lasers for Hair Removal

There are three basic types of lasers:

1. Diode – good for all skin tones
2. Alexandrite – fast; works great on large body areas; light to olive skin tones
3. Nd:YAG – safe for all skin types; works better on thick or course hair

Medications to Avoid Prior to Treatment

Certain medications have a warning label on them because they cause photosensitivity in the skin. These medicines increase the skin’s sensitivity to light (i.e., laser treatment; sun exposure), thus making it more prone to damage.

Check the label of any antibiotics or medications you’re taking before scheduling your hair removal appointment. If you have questions, please check with your doctor first.

To Shave or Not to Shave

Laser energy works with the pigment in your hair to help drive the energy beam down into the hair follicle. In other words, the darker the color of the hair being removed, the better results you’ll get.

Your laser professional will assess your skin tone and hair type to let you know if you are a good candidate. Typically, people with darker, thicker hair and lighter skin tones see the best results.

When someone shaves the area to be treated, it makes it impossible for the laser to work properly. A small length of hair is needed so that the laser can “grab onto” the pigment in each individual hair and send the energy pulse down to the hair follicle.

Shaving is a big no-no. However, since several treatments are usually needed (about 6 to 8 in total), individuals can shave in between sessions, so long as they let their hair re-grow prior to their next session.

Get Laser Hair Removal in San Diego

Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine is your best choice for laser hair removal in San Diego. What sets us apart from other med spas is that our doctor does all of the laser treatments herself. Other places may have a technician doing treatments, which could put clients at risk for poor results or injuries.

Aeria Chang, MD, performs all laser treatments at Beatitude, providing top notch medical-grade services and results that can’t be matched.

Contact Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine today to meet with Dr. Chang for a private consultation at (619) 280-1609.