Suzanne Haman and her team are wonderful. She is very professional and well informed. Her office is comfortable and inviting, and her staff work hard to make patients feel safe and well cared for. The laser hair removal is very effective.
Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair can be embarrassing and a hassle to remove. Imagine if you could significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted hair. Now you can. Laser hair removal, available in our Northern California medical facilities from Napa to Fresno, can safely reduce, with minimal risk, unwanted hair from any part of the face or body. It’s an effective option for most men and women.
About Laser Hair Removal
This noninvasive laser treatment uses gentle beams of light to get rid of hair. The hair’s melanin (the part that gives hair its color) absorbs the light, which turns into heat. The heat damages the follicle (but not the surrounding skin or tissue) and prevents it from producing more hair.
Laser hair removal can treat hair anywhere on the face or body. Women often treat the bikini area, chin, upper lip, and legs. Men can safely eliminate unwanted hair from places such as their chests and backs.
What Is the Treatment Like?
Administered by a licensed nurse or physician, a small hand-held laser device used to deliver the light beams is placed on the treatment area. You might experience some mild discomfort during the session-like the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin. A topical anesthetic can be applied 60 minutes before your session, if needed, and some people like to briefly apply an ice pack afterwards. During the procedure you’ll wear tinted goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.
For each treatment area, we typically schedule 3 to 7 sessions about 4 to 5 weeks apart.
View Before & After Photos
Am I A Candidate?
Laser hair removal works when the light beams are absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. People with dark hair are considered the best candidates. Blonde, gray, and strawberry-blonde hair may not absorb the laser light. And contrast between the hair and your skin is also important, so people with dark skin may not have enough contrast for the beams to be absorbed by the hair follicle.
Each person responds differently to laser hair removal. Some may require more treatments than others. And sometimes laser hair removal can’t eliminate hair completely. If some hair does grow back, it’s usually thinner and finer than before the treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Locations
What Can I Expect Before and After Treatment?
Before Your Treatment
You can prepare for laser hair removal by not waxing or plucking hairs in the treatment area for 4 to 6 weeks before your treatment; hair follicles must be present to be treated. You can still shave and, in fact, you’ll be asked to shave your treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
Because laser hair removal depends on the color of your skin and hair, you should not sun tan for a minimum of 6 weeks before your treatment.
After Your Treatment
There may be some redness or bumps immediately after the treatment, but nothing expected to keep you from your daily activities. Some people briefly apply an icepack to their treatment area. You don’t need time to recover after your session, so you can participate in almost all your regular activities immediately after your appointment. You should, however, avoid exposure to the sun for the following 4 to 6 weeks.
What Should I Look for in a Laser Practitioner?
The treatment should be performed by a registered nurse or physician who’s trained to operate a laser. Different treatment choices must be made for each patient. Side effects, such as skin discoloration, can result if the laser is operated by an inexperienced practitioner. At Kaiser Permanente, we provide only laser trained RNs or physicians to deliver high-quality care to our patients.
Are There Any Risks?
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure, but there are some risks. Some people may experience redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, or superficial skin erosions that are temporary and heal with time. Another risk is skin discoloration, which can last for several months or may be permanent.
I have seen nurse Haman for both laser hair removal as well as for broken capillary treatment, each over a period of several years. I find her to be excellent and thorough, and she has a fine eye for detail. Her service, care, and knowledge always seems excellent and I have been very pleased with the results achieved.
I have been coming to Cosmetic Services for many years now. My provider, Dr. Helen Deng knows me and my medical chart very well and her knowledge in Cosmetic Services is why I will only trust Kaiser Permanente. I have received Botox® injections, fillers and laser hair removal on a regular basis, as well as brown spot removal. I feel heard by Dr. Deng and she always understands what results I am looking for.
I feel as cared for as a personal family member by Dr. Deng and her staff whenever I am seen, will only see Kaiser for all and any cosmetic services. You get to see “real doctors” here!
I have received laser hair removal treatments from Deirdre Campbell, RN. Deirdre is very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all my questions about the procedure and after care. Her knowledge combined with a friendly demeanor helped me throughout the process. I am very happy with my results and look forward to exploring other types of laser services because of Deirdre. She is always a professional and at the same time a very caring person.
I’m Interested! What’s My Next Step?
If you’d like to learn more about laser hair removal, request a consultation with Kaiser Permanente Cosmetic Services.