Palomar Systems use specialized handpieces which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Different treatments such as hair reduction, sun spot removal, or leg vein clearance require light of different wavelength bands. The Palomar hair removal handpieces emit pulses of light into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair.
How is Palomar pulsed light different from a laser?
Pulsed light systems and lasers are very similar, but Palomar Pulsed Light Systems use a much larger treatment window than most lasers. This spreads light over a wider area of skin and allows faster coverage of the skin and quicker treatments as a result.
What body areas can I get treated?
Any area, except around the eyes. The upper lip, face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, chest and back can all be treated.
What are Palomar treatments like?
Our technician will move the hand piece over your skin, pulsing it all the while. Each pulse will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the hand piece is being pulsed.
What should I expect after treatment?
Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold gel or ice packs.
The treated hair will continue to appear for 7-30 days post-treatment. This is not new hair growth, but the treated hairs being expelled from the skin.
At any given time, some of your hair is not in a phase of active growth. Therefore you will need more than one treatment to affect the growth of all your unwanted hair.
Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve permanent hair reduction.
How many treatments are required?
Because hair grows in cycles, the number of treatments required depends upon: skin color, hair color, and the coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 6 to 12 treatments in order to see reduction, as the process is only effective during the active growth cycle. Consider hair removal a life time experience from puberty to menopause.
How far apart are the treatments?
On every part of the body, the hair grows at different times. Treatments are required during the active growth cycle, one treatment every week on the face, one every 4 weeks on torso, and every 4 weeks on the legs.
Should I let the hair in the area to be treated grow out before I come in?
Yes and No, because the hair must be at least at the skin surface to be effectively treated by the laser, but also if the hair is too long it will need to be trimmed before treatment.
What if I recently tweezed or waxed area to be treated?
Because the root of the hair shaft is needed for the best results, it is required that you not wax or tweeze area 2 weeks prior to treatment.
What should I expect to look like after laser hair removal treatment?
The treated area may become pink within 30 minutes of treatment more sensitive skin types could stay pink for up to 24 hours after each treatment. The hair that was treated will still be in your skin, but the follicle root will slowly push it out. After 14 days, your skin should be completely smooth and clear, until about 2 weeks before your next treatment, when your new cycle starts to come in.
How does the laser destroy the hair?
A laser produces a highly concentrated light, different lasers use different types of light. The light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) located in the hair follicle and hair shaft. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just enough time to vaporize the pigment, but not long enough to damage the surrounding skin.
How much does laser cost?
Laser is charged by area. Please call for price details.
What if I have dark skin?
Most skin types can be treated with laser, few cannot. We do a free consultation, and if needed we can test the skin to be sure laser would be safe. If laser does not work, we do offer electrolysis, which can treat any skin color.
What if I have light hair?
The laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair. If the hair does not have enough, the laser will not see it. Light red, blond and gray hair does not respond well to laser, so we offer electrolysis, which can treat any hair color. Ask me about Meladine, a FDA approved spray that turns the root of the hair dark.
Is there any area that cannot be treated by laser?
Inside the eye socket, because the laser would be attracted to the retina in the eye and could burn it. This is the only area that can’t be treated with laser.
What if I am on medication?
If you are taking any medications which make you photosensitive (should say on your prescription bottle or ask your doctor), you would need to discontinue use for 2 weeks prior to treatment. The laser would have a chance of burning the skin, because it uses an intense light to destroy the hair.
What does hair growth depend on?
Age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnic background, medications, and other factors.
The Old Solutions
If you live with unwanted hair, you've probably tried some of the typical solutions, such as shaving, waxing, and electrolysis. If so, you've also found that:
Shaving is a daily nuisance.
Waxing is painful and only a short-term solution.
Electrolysis is effective, but since it only treats one hair follicle at a time, it's not practical for large areas and is extremely time-consuming.