Hair Removal

Recent studies suggest that medical laser systems grew 15% worldwide in 2006 and are expected to grow an additional 14% in 2007. One of the fastest growing segments of this market is lasers for hair removal. The number of hair removal procedures was projected to increase from 14 million to 45.4 million by 2009, according to a report from Medical Insights released in 2005. Over the past couple of years, the competition among device manufacturers has led to continued refinements and incremental improvements that have made these procedures easier, faster, and more efficient.

The Lumenis Light Sheer Diode Laser, which is one of two laser systems used at the Sullivan Centre, has been the most popular hair removal device in the U.S. market. It continues to be the gold standard to which other lasers systems are compared. The next step in hair reduction technology is a move towards more efficiency, using devices that can be used on a wide range of skin types, allow for faster treatments and keep patients safe and more comfortable.

In early 2007, Palomar introduced the LuxYs Pulsed Light hand piece for its StarLux laser and IPL platform, which is the second laser system used at the Sullivan Centre. The LuxYs allows us to treat patients with light, fine hair, including vellus hair. The StarLux system already included the LuxRs for permanent hair reduction in all skin types, including tanned skin.

Patient comfort is another area of emphasis and concern at The Sullivan Centre. There has been continued refinement in the manner in which lasers cool the skin during hair removal. Today's cooling systems are far more exacting and ultimately make the hair reduction treatment more comfortable.

 What is Laser Hair Reduction?

Laser Hair reduction is the process in which special laser is used for reducing unwanted hair. Most of the human body is covered with hair. Because most of the hair is fine and pale, it usually isn?t visible to the naked eye. When darker, coarser hair appears in places which may make you uncomfortable it may be time to consider hair removal with the Lightsheer Diode Laser. 

How does the laser work?

The Lightsheer laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light which is well absorbed by the pigment located in hair follicles. During this process, the laser uses for a fraction of a second, long enough to heat up the hair and significantly impede the follicle?s ability to re-grow. This process treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously therefore it is appropriate for treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively. The Lightsheer Laser can be used on any skin type. 

Will this procedure burn my skin?

An important part of the procedure is the cooling of the skin. A special contact-cooling handpiece allows your cosmetic therapist to treat even the most sensitive skin. It protects and cools the upper layer of skin before, during, and after each laser pulse while directing the laser energy to the hair root.

 What can I expect during and after my treatments?                                                                 The length of a laser treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated. Hairs in an active growth phase (anagen) are most affected by the laser. Because all hairs at not in the growth phase at the same time, more than one treatment will be necessary to achieve the best result. The laser may come some discomfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure well with a topical anesthetic option.  The appearance of the treated hair immediately following a treatment will vary from patient-to-patient depending on the extent of the procedure and skin type. Side effects, if any, are generally mild and most people are able to immediately return to their normal activity.

Who should perform my Laser Hair reduction?                                                                          Laser hair reduction should be performed by a Nurse or a Cosmetic Therapist under the direction of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. The Therapist should consult with you prior to a treatment to discuss your medical history, the procedure, the side effects, the fees, and answer any questions that you may have regarding the procedure.

FRANCINE MELVIN, CT

Francine Melvin, C.T. performs Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis at The Sullivan Centre. Francine received her training from the Ohio College of Limited Practice at Canton, Ohio and was issued her license by the Ohio State Medical Board in July of 1983. Later, she completed her laser certification in Naples, Florida.

Francine is a member in good standing of a number of professional organizations including the Cosmetic Therapy Association of Ohio of which she has served as president. She has also given lectures to community and social groups and has appeared on the Columbus news channels. To learn more about how the laser program works, please see the procedures page.

To schedule an appointment with Francine Melvin, C.T., please call 436-8888 for a private complimentary consultation. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Saturday with evening hours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

BETH RIVERA, CT

Beth Rivera, C.T. performs Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis at The Sullivan Centre. Beth received her training for Electrolysis at The Columbus Medical Electrology and Skin Care Institute in Columbus, Ohio and was issued her license by the Ohio State Medical Board. Beth also received training in Laser Hair Removal at The Cosmetic Therapy Training Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Beth is a member in good standing of a number of professional organizations including the International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists. She has also been a regional make-up artist for various national make-up brands. She has also given talks to social groups and is available to speak at group events.

To learn more about how the laser program works, please see the procedures page.

To schedule an appointment with Beth Rivera, C.T., please call 436-8888 for a private complimentary consultation.