Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root, but not enough power to harm the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photothermolysis, because it targets only the hair and not the skin. The surrounding skin is usually cooled with a gel, a spray, or a cooling tip. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting the substance that gives skin and hair dark color - melanin. Therefore, the ideal candidate for laser hair removal has dark hair and light skin. The laser will not work on people with red, white, gray or true blond hair. The hot laser light will also be attracted to the melanin in the skin, so people with suntans, or dark skin types are at more of a risk for discoloration of pigment and other side effects. Laser only destroys hair in its active growth phase, the anagen phase. This phase lasts several years, and up to 85% of our hair is in that phase at any given time. The good thing is that during this phase, the hair has an abundance of melanin and the hair follicle is easily targeted. There are four different kinds of laser light that are commonly used for hair removal: Aesthera PPx Pain Free system - a new pneumatic energy and broad band light combination that is faster and easier than any other laser hair removal device
Alexandrite- such as the Candela GentleLase Plus.
Ruby- such as the EpiTouch or the Epilaser.
Diode- such as the Coherent Light Sheer.
ND, and LP ND Yag- such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide. These are all effective, fast, comfortable and safe for permanent hair removal. There are several factors that a laser technician can often control to customize a treatment for efficacy, safety and comfort: Pulse length- long pulsed lasers are considered safest.
Fluence- Selection of energy levels can be varied for skin type.
Delay- The time in between pulses of light affects how much the skin and hair follicle are allowed to cool off
Spot Size- Affects the speed and penetration of the laser. A larger spot penetrates deeper. A good selection of spot sizes helps the technician reach the hair at the depth at which it grows.
Cooling- The surrounding skin may be protected by a gel, spray or cooled tip pressed against the skin. Complications from lasers built in the last few years are rare; however, you should discuss any potential complications with your doctor prior to beginning any medical procedure. As always beware of discount laser centers, not all lasers are the same, and this staff requires the proper medical knowledge, training and the ability to handle complications. Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Hair Removal
Brazilian Waxing vs. Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
FDA Information about Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal in San Antonio Texas
Kim Ross, MD Dr. Kim M. Ross graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She earned her medical degree from Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio, graduating at the top of her class. Dr. Ross completed one year of internal medicine at Metropolitan Hospital in Cleveland before obtaining the only Dermatology residency at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. As a Board Certified dermatologist, Dr. Kim M. Ross practices only the highest standard of medicine and surgery and strives to show compassion and care to all of her patients. At Laser Clear in San Antonio and Seguin, Dr. Ross offers Restylane, Botox, Sclerotherapy, laser hair removal, laser vein treatment, IPL, fotofacial, microdermabrasion, spider vein treatment, and chemical peel.  Board Certified Dermatologist Provides Head to Toe Healthcare, Seguin Gazette Enterprise , March 23, 2007
 Protect Skin From Summer Rays, Seguin Gazette Enterprise , July 18, 2004
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Kim Ross, MD also performs:
Acne Treatment San Antonio
BOTOX San Antonio
Chemical Peel San Antonio
Facial Fillers San Antonio
Laser Hair Removal San Antonio
Latisse San Antonio
Lip Augmentation San Antonio
Medical Spa San Antonio
Microdermabrasion San Antonio
Perlane San Antonio
Radiesse San Antonio
Restylane San Antonio
Sclerotherapy San Antonio
Sculptra San Antonio
Spider Veins San Antonio
Interesting plastic surgery and health facts about San Antonio
San Antonio is the home of the Spurs, the Alamo and is the 8th largest city in the United States. Famous for the Downtown Riverwalk and its cultural heritage, San Antonio is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Texas.
San Antonio Plastic Surgery includes Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tucks, Thermage, Mesotherapy, LASIK Laser Eye Surgery and many other procedures and specialities.
San Antonio Cosmetic Dentists provide the latest and most innovative procedures like Invisalign invisible braces, Porcelain Veneers, Laser Tooth Whitening and much more.
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