The objective of laser hair removal in San Luis Obispo County is to “zap” each hair follicle in the targeted treatment area at the opportune moment in its growth cycle. The laser targets the melanin, or pigmentation, in the hair and heats it up within the follicle, damaging it enough to stop it from producing additional hair growth in the future. Because all of our hairs are in different stages of growth, this takes between 6-8 non-invasive sessions for complete removal.
Laser hair removal in San Luis Obispo County is a fairly straightforward process. If we are only treating one area, your appointment usually takes only 20 minutes or so. We use an ultrasound jelly to help glide the laser probe over the treatment area, and the device itself has a chilled probe to help soothe your skin and minimize any discomfort.
Most people say that our device is more comfortable than any others they have tried before, and those that do experience some discomfort classify it as a one or two out of ten on the pain scale. Generally, it is tolerable. We do ask that you shave the day before your appointment, as long stubble can get in the way of effective treatment and make your experience a little more painful.
Because the laser targets melanin, or dark pigmentation, the best candidates have lighter skin and darker hairs. For example, the light-colored hair on the face, also known as “peach fuzz”, cannot be treated using laser systems. Dark-skinned individuals will also have difficulty with laser hair removal. Please call the office for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate.
Yes, as long as the hairs being treated are dark, laser hair removal in San Luis Obispo County is suitable for most areas of the body.
Laser hair removal will make significant improvements, but is not considered a “permanent treatment”, as new hair growth can always present itself in the same treatment areas. However, complete treatment to an area (six to eight full sessions) will have results lasting one or more years. You may notice that you need “touch-up” sessions a few years after treatment, but if hair does start to regrow in these areas, it comes in much thinner and finer.
All energy or heat-based treatments will carry some risks. These include but are not limited to increased susceptibility to sun damage, burns, blistering, or scarring, prolonged redness or sensitivity, pain, unsatisfactory outcome, or the need for additional procedures. Our laser machine is only operated by our physician and physician’s assistant to minimize these risks.
At-home units have not been through a rigorous testing phase to ensure their safety and efficacy. These devices are often reported as being ineffective and extremely painful. Our medical devices have been FDA-approved to provide safe, effective hair removal without significant risk. In addition, all the above-listed risks are also applicable to at-home laser hair removal devices, but when operated by a non-professional the results can be more severe. At home units can be powerful enough to inflict permanent disfiguring scars and burns. Our trained medical professionals have extensive experience that minimizes these risks.
Common laser hair removal systems on the market include Rohrer Spectrum Laser System (our machine), SharpLight Omnimax S3, Zyyini Professional Hair Removal Machine, Cynosure Vectus Laser, Alma Soprano Ice Platinum, and Candela elōs Plus.
Laser hair removal can provide an increase in self-confidence and free you from the annoyance of regular shaving or waxing. Reach out to our team of aesthetic experts to learn more about laser hair removal and our other non-surgical services we offer in San Luis Obispo County.
Our clinic welcomes patients from across the country and throughout California, including Paso Robles & Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Santa Barbara, Templeton, and Santa Maria.
