Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal

With Spring right around the corner, now is the best time “spruce” yourself up with one of our many services offered at Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group. Although you have emerged from “hibernation,” your skin may say otherwise if it appears dull, dry and rough. From exfoliating body and foot scrubs to laser hair removal, our staff can help you regain your glow!  In this week’s blog, we will explore one of our most popular services, laser hair removal. So before you pick up a razor, waxing strip, or phone to schedule your laser hair removal appointment, read this for information about the procedure and what to expect. Also, now until the end of March, you can save 15% on a package of FIVE Laser Hair Removal sessions!
About Laser Hair Removal  

Do you have unsightly hair and want a quick and easy way to permanently remove it?  Laser Hair Removal is an effective method of permanent hair reduction. It works by destroying the hair follicles using a laser that combines pulsed, high-intensity light with carefully-modulated RF energy. An actively-cooled treatment head helps to soothe and the upper skin layer, while the pulsed light and RF energy gently work together to disable active hair follicles.

Due to the fact that large areas can be done at a time, it can be cost effective and faster than most other methods on the market. Furthermore, any pigmented hair can be removed from the bikini area, underarms, legs, chest, back, and even faces.

Typically, Laser Hair Removal is purchased in sessions, since it takes a couple of treatments to effectively treat an area. The number of sessions is also determined by the body area chosen, as well as the heredity of the individual.

Pre-Procedure Consultation

Patients interested in laser hair removal should consult a dermatologist or trained laser professional at a medical spa who will assess:

• Thickness and location of hair
• Skin type (i.e., ability to tan or to burn)
• Hair color
• Presence of tan
• Medical history including ovarian or thyroid disease, medications, history of abnormal scarring, history of cold sore (herpes simplex) outbreaks in the treatment area, or past isotretinoin use
• Previous hair removal methods
• Presence of tattoos or moles in the treatment area

What to Expect

Before your first laser hair removal treatment, consider these few steps as they can affect the safety and comfort during your appointment.  First, avoid sun exposure for at least three weeks as a recent suntan or sunburn can sensitize the area and affect the effectiveness of your treatment.

On the day of treatment, the area should be shaved, clean and free of cosmetics. This includes lotions, creams, makeup, sun block, perfume, and any other skincare products.  A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to treatment to protect the skin from excessive heating as well as the potential of skin darkening or lightening.

The laser itself feels like a snapping rubber band or warm pinpricks up against the skin, and is not considered painful by most.   The laser causes the immediate evaporation of the hair shaft, thus it is normal for treated skin to appear pink or slightly red for a day or so. After treatment patients can use ice packs, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers.

It is very important patients avoid sun-exposure and use broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF or 30 or higher after treatments; however, cosmetics are safe to apply to treated skin. Keep in mind, it is completely normal for hair to continue to grow after treatment. Some of these hairs are being expelled from the newly disabled treated follicles, and some are from dormant follicles entering their active phase after the treatment.

Laser Hair Removal should only be performed under the supervision of a dermatologist, physician, or certified laser technician who specializes in cosmetic treatment of hair and skin.

DON’T FORGET for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can save 15% on a package of FIVE Laser Hair Removal sessions! For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact us at 865.342.5823(Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Shades of Blue Reveal a Refreshed You

With Spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time for skin to emerge from hibernation and reveal its youthful radiance! However, factors such as environmental stresses, unhealthy diet and lack of sleep are tough to reverse, so skin needs extra help. Developed by OBAGI® Medical, the Blue Peel Radiance is a superior chemical peel that helps skin rebound from these factors and improve skin’s clarity and tightness.

Those with blemish prone skin, acne scars, wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, scars, large pores, and sun damage are the most ideal candidates.  Furthermore, this treatment fades hyper pigmentation (sun spots) very well for darker complexions. The Blue Peel Radiance by OBAGI is suitable for most skin types, except those with severe Rosacea.

The peel works by forcing dead skin cells up to the surface, then kick starting collagen production underneath. Moreover, ingredients such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids work to clean out pores and stimulate cell renewal. With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid, the Blue Peel is an improvement to traditional Trichloroacetic Acid Peels.

As the peel is administered in layers, the number of peeling layers is determined by the condition of your skin as assessed by the licensed aesthetician and/or dermatologist.

Skin will take five to seven days to fully peel; during that week it is crucial to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Over the next 30-40 days, skin condition will become firmer, clearer, smoother and healthier as fresh skin continues to replace old.

As the skin peels in a regulated manner, it will not cause any long term skin problems.

Known as the “new lunchtime peel,” this in-office service is gaining popularity because it can be fitted in to a normal work day, since it leaves minimal redness. In addition, the service is not limited to facial areas; the peel can be administered to the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.

Medi-Spa of Knoxville Dermatology Group is proud to add this superior chemical peel to our menu of services. For more information, please schedule a complimentary consultation to find out what shade of blue is right for you!