Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted or excessive hair growth can leave you feeling down and less confident about your appearance, while ingrown hairs can cause a lot of pain and unsightly bumps. In the past, treatment for these issues was only effective for lighter-skinned individuals with dark hair, but fortunately, laser hair removal has become more accessible and advanced in recent years. At our practice, we are able to safely treat people with virtually all skin types and hair colors.
How does it work?
Lasers emit a specialized, pulsed light, which is absorbed by the pigment in your hair and then transmitted down the hair shaft to the root. The hair follicle is damaged by the heat of the laser, which prohibits future growth.
Before your procedure, we will evaluate your skin and hair type in order for us to select the best laser to suit your needs. We will also thoroughly discuss the possible risks, your expectations, and the best ways to prepare for treatment.
The duration of each session varies depending on what area of the body you are having treatment. A small area such as the upper lip may take only five minutes, while a larger area like the back or legs may take up to one hour. The area should be shaved or cut short prior to treatment. For best results, we recommend that you do not wax or pluck hairs for three weeks prior to treatment.
Laser hair removal is safe and effective when performed by a physician or other licensed professional specializing in laser technology. At our practice, you can expect the highest level of treatment from our qualified professionals.
FAQs:
What areas can be treated by laser hair removal?
Lasers can safely remove hair from almost any part of the body. The most popular areas to have laser hair removal include legs, armpits, face, bikini line, neck, upper arms, shoulders, and back.
However, virtually all areas that grow hair can be treated.
What should I expect during the treatment?
Laser hair removal is performed as an outpatient procedure in our office. A topical numbing cream will be applied before using the laser for your comfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure with ease and describe the sensation as “light prickling.”
Are the results permanent?
The results of laser hair removal will vary depending on the person and the area(s) treated. In most cases, hair removal will be long-lasting. Otherwise, hair growth may be significantly reduced, with new hair showing up finer, lighter, and more sparse.
How many treatments do I need?
Laser hair removal is performed over a series of treatments to ensure that hair is targeted at different stages of the growth cycle. The number of sessions required will also depend on the area(s) treated. For most people, six to eight treatments spaced approximately one month apart is sufficient. Any re-growths can be addressed with touch-up treatments.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office today. We will be happy to assist you!
Photorejuvenation
Just as the name suggests, photorejuvenation is a relatively new laser-like procedure that uses precise pulses of light to treat imperfections such as damaged skin, wrinkles, acne scarring, and large pores.
What is photorejuvenation used for?
Here at Tacoma Laser Clinic, we specialize in using photorejuvenation to treat wrinkles, skin laxity, brown spots, redness, cherry angiomas, acne scarring, and stretch marks. Photorejuvenation is a quick, painless procedure that rejuvenates your skin to restore your skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity. There is no pain associated with this treatment or recovery time, so you can continue with your day-to-day activities without any discomfort or visible changes.
To learn more and find out if photorejuvenation is right for you, call us today at (253) 272-0655 to schedule your consultation.
MaxG Photofacial Skin Rejuvenation (IPL)
The M22™️ Universal IPL photofacial is a device that uses light to diminish the appearance of broken blood vessels, redness caused by rosacea, and pigmentation caused by sun damage. The special light used ensures that patients have no downtime and will usually require only one session.
The IPL treatment specifically targets problem areas while leaving healthy skin alone. The procedure should only be performed under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist, ensuring efficacy and safety.
With no downtime, you’ll be back to all normal activities immediately. It is one of the most effective skin pigmentation treatments available today.
Call our office to make an appointment for your Photofacial today.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing (Resurfx)
Wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, pigment, and scars on your body can have you feeling less confident. Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a safe, easy, and effective way to remove and greatly reduce the appearance of these types of unwanted blemishes on the body.
How does it work?
Lasers deliver light to the skin, causing the cells to release proteins that stimulate new collagen and generate elastin. The laser tricks the skin into thinking it is injured, which evokes the response of fresh skin growth, much like when you get a small papercut. The new healthy tissue is formed over the wrinkles, scars, etc., leaving you looking and feeling your best.
Areas treated typically include face, neck, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs, and well as scars anywhere on the body.
The procedure is performed in our office, allowing you to return to all normal activities within the day. The procedure takes under 15 minutes for the face and under 30 minutes for other areas of the body, such as the hips and chest.
Our treatment will be personally tailored to your skin type and desired goals. With great results and a quick recovery time, laser skin resurfacing ensures you can get back to your normal activities immediately.
If you’re interested in brighter, more fresh and youthful skin, give us a call today.
Laser Leg Vein Removal (Vein Therapy)
Varicose veins (a.k.a. “spider veins”) are small blood vessels that are red, purple, and/or blue that twist and turn. They are easily visible through the skin, making them almost impossible to cover up with makeup. They are typically visible on the legs and face.
For varicose veins in the legs, we offer safe, effective, and fast laser treatment that will drastically reduce the appearance of the unwanted spidery webs.
Forget painful treatments and long recovery times, laser vein removal uses energy to destroy the blood vessel which is then absorbed back into the body. Patients describe the sensation as a light snapping sensation on the skin.
Sessions usually take 30-60 minutes depending on the veins being treated. Sometimes, two to three sessions are required for the desired results. There is no downtime and you may resume all normal activities immediately after treatment. Results will begin to show a few days after treatment and will continue to improve for the following six weeks. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today!
Ultherapy Non-Surgical Facelift and Tightening
The age of invasive facelifts, eternal recovery times, and minimal, unsatisfying results are finally over.
As we age, the collagen in our skin begins to lose its strength, creating drooping skin. Ultherapy jumpstarts collagen production deep below the skin, slowly and effectively tightening it over time.
Ultherapy is the only FDA- cleared procedure for non-invasive, non-surgical techniques to tighten the brow, jawline, chest area, and neck. By stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, Ultherapy provides lasting, natural results.
How does it work?
Ultherapy uses gentle ultrasound waves to safely create heat in the collagen layer deep below the skin. This creates a stimulation of growth proteins, which signal the layers of skin to produce more collagen. The collagen layer then naturally thickens and tightens over a 4-6 month period after the procedure.
By using your own body’s collagen, a natural result is able to be achieved without the use of fillers, injections, or radical procedures.
Sessions usually last 60-90 minutes, with no downtime after treatment. Patients report little to no discomfort throughout the process. We will consult with you prior to the treatment to ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible.
Results are not immediate, as it takes time for your body to create new collagen. Over a 4-6 month period changes will become noticeable without broadcasting to the world that you have had any work done.
Tattoo Removal
Unwanted tattoos can have you feeling self-conscious, bummed out, and downright angry. Luckily, with today’s laser technologies, what was once permanent can now virtually disappear with fewer treatments, faster recovery time, and greater results than ever before.
How does it work?
Advanced laser technology delivers pulses of energy into the tattoo ink, breaking up the pigment into smaller molecules which are then absorbed by the body. The result is less unwanted pigmentation and smoother, clearer looking skin.
Results may vary depending on the ink colors used in the tattoo. Typically, red inks and darker colors respond well to laser treatment. Other colors may be difficult to remove, although there will still be a noticeable improvement.
At our practice, we have different lasers, each designed to target specific ink colors.
What can I expect?
We perform laser tattoo removal on an outpatient basis in our office. Most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably, describing a light snapping sensation. For more sensitive patients or when doing work on large tattoos, a numbing cream may be used. Patients resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the concentration, depth, and type of tattoo ink, the number of treatments needed will vary. On average, professionally done tattoos will take six to eight treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. Amateur tattoos typically require three to four treatments.
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (253) 272-0655.