Laser Hair Removal

If you are looking for a comfortable, effective way to remove unwanted facial or body hair, you owe it to yourself to consider CreekSide Laser Center. With a gentle beam of light you can achieve lasting hair reduction on virtually any part of your body, leaving you with smooth, hair-free skin. We also offer a process that is leading the way in laser hair removal. You will have a highly qualified professional who will take you through the process and perform the treatments. Our nurses are highly qualified and committed to excellence that is unsurpassed in the field of laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a simple process. One of our highly-qualified, trained RN’s will run over the targeted area with a specialized laser handset. The laser light passes harmlessly through your skin. The laser is targeting the base of the hair follicle, not your skin. After your treatment your skin might be a little red but that goes away quickly in most cases. It will take sometimes as long as two weeks for the hair that was targeted to fall out of the follicle. You might even experience a short, hair free time. Then you will see the hair begin to grow back; this is hair that was not in the growth stage at the time of your treatment. You will shave that area as needed until your next scheduled treatment time.Another element that sets us apart is our state-of-the-art laser technology. All of our lasers not only treat all skin types, but we can adjust our levels to help maximize your treatment for best results.

When you come to CreekSide Laser Center you have the peace of mind knowing you are in good hands, and that we have vast experience with all our lasers and equipment.

We give you the opportunity to do something that’s just for you – your program doesn’t end when you walk out the door. To maximize the effectiveness of your laser treatment, our nurses are here to answer any questions you might have after your treatment.

Laser Hair Removal
Q&A’s

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deeply into skin tissue, where it delivers a controlled amount of targeted therapeutic heat. Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long pulse laser and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

What can I expect during treatment?

Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may be preceded and followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort resolves quickly and is minimized by Candela’s DCD™ cooling. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal, multiple treatments are required, as the process is most effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Other conditions may clear up in only one treatment, but many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

How do I prepare for the treatment?

Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid plucking, electrolysis or waxing for six weeks prior to treatment. If you have a history of herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for laser treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Also, your skin should be clean and shaven, and be thoroughly cleansed and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics, or self-tanning products before laser treatment. The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth lights for 14 days prior to treatment (CreekSide recommends no exposure for 30 days prior to treatment). Before laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 and above).

What precautions should I take after treatment?

A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve within a few hours.

Are there side effects?

You risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, and purpura (a laser bruise) in the treated area-these usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects are rare. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your nurse.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Some carriers will, however, cover the treatment of disfiguring birthmarks such as hemangiomas. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information.

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CreekSide Day Spa & Skin Center

TEMPORARILY CLOSED
2824 W. Main St.
Visalia, CA 93291
559.625.3480

Michael B. Stevens, MD, PhD, FACS, Plastic Surgery Laser Center

2826 W. Main St.
Visalia, CA 93291
559.625.2737

Michael B. Stevens, MD, PhD, FACS

2820 W. Main St.
Visalia, CA 93291
559.625.8636