Laser Hair Removal | Spa Radiance Medical | San Francisco Med Spa

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted facial and body hair plagues almost everyone. Regardless if the unwelcome fuzzy zone is on your face, your legs, bikini line, or under your arms, the expert nurses at Spa Radiance Medical can banish those pesky ingrown hairs, painful waxing treatments, and constant shaving. Our top-of-the-line Sciton BBL Laser ensures the safest, fastest, most efficacious laser hair removal on the market. The Sciton BBL is also known for providing the most comfort in the laser hair removal process with their continuous cooling technology, which means your discomfort will be minimal. Our patients see the best results for hair removal in a minimum of 6 sessions, though face and bikini areas tend to need additional sessions.

Pre-Treatment Procedure
  • Please shave the entire area you desire to be treated the day before your planned treatment. (The use of waxes, depilatory creams and plucking are not allowed prior to treatment.)
  • Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 (or greater) sunblock before AND after your treatments. No natural or artificial tanning (which includes tanning beds and spray tans) anytime within 2-3 weeks before your session.
  • Avoid exfoliating agents like Retin-A, alpha or beta hydroxyl acids, toners or any irritating creams for one week prior.
Post-Treatment Procedure
  • Immediately after your treatment there likely will be some slight redness, swelling around the hair follicles and mild discomfort similar to a sun burn. Use Biologique Recherche Body Exfoliating Massage Glove. Cool packs may be applied.
  • During and immediately after your session you may notice the smell of burned hairs which is normal.
  • Do not rub or pick the treated area. Do not use any loofahs or abrasive scrubs for a few days.
  • Avoid strenuous sports activities or hot water/saunas/jacuzzis for 3 days.
  • Contact our office if the area shows signs of infection or blistering or if there is evidence of a burn.
  • Continue to use sunblock for the duration of your treatments.
  • After your treatment, the hair may appear to grow for up to two weeks. This is simply the treated hair being shed from the follicle, and is not new growth.
  • Your session typically is scheduled in four weeks for facial areas and 6-8 weeks for areas on the body. Make sure to make your next appointment before you leave.
  • Electrolysis, waxing, threading, tweezing, or plucking is to be avoided between sessions. However, shaving is acceptable. Please shave the day prior to your next hair removal appointment.
Treatment Plan
  • Future appointments are scheduled based on the treatment area. We recommended coming in every 4 weeks for facial areas and 6-8 weeks for areas on the body. We highly encourage you to make your next appointment before you leave.
  • To reach desired results, laser hair removal typically takes six to eight treatments for areas below the shoulders, and eight to ten treatment for area from the neck and above. In some cases, more may be required.
  • We recommend purchasing a series for extra savings.
Product Recommendations
  • Any Coola Sunscreen Product designed for the treatment area
  • PFB Vanish
  • Magic Exfoliating Glove
FAQ's, Science + Research

What can I expect?

  • During your treatment, you may experience some slight discomfort. Some patients describe the treatment as a sensation like the snap of a rubber band. We use a special cooling system that helps to ease any discomfort at the treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure. The treatment is generally not painful and is well tolerated.
  • During and immediately after your session you may notice the smell of burned hairs, which is normal.
  • After your treatment, the hair may appear to grow for up to two weeks. This is simply the treated hair being shed from the follicle, and is not new growth.

What are the most common treatments areas for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal can be performed virtually anywhere on the face or body. The most popular areas for laser hair removal include the underarms, bikini line, legs, arms, back, upper lip and chest. If you have another area you’d like to have treated, chances are we can accommodate your

 

How many treatments are recommended?
The exact number of treatments depends on the amount of hair, the size of the treatment area and how well you respond to each treatment. Most people get anywhere from 6 to 8 treatment sessions spaced about a month apart.

 

Do I have to let my hair grow out between treatments?
No. You should refrain from waxing and plucking your hairs between treatments, and avoid shaving for the first 3 days after each session. Otherwise, you can continue to shave your hair as usual.

 

Is the treatment painful?
During each pulse of the laser, you may feel a slight pricking sensation, but most people find the procedure only slightly uncomfortable. Typically, no anesthetic is necessary.

 

Is there any downtime?
You should avoid direct sun exposure for 2 to 4 weeks before and after each session, and keep the area clean and moisturized, but otherwise, there is no downtime required. You can resume your normal routine immediately following your appointment.

 

Contraindications:

  • Have been in the sun within the two weeks prior to treatment appointment
  • Current use of Retin-A, alpha or beta hydroxyl acids, hydroquinone, toners, or any irritating creams
  • Current skin infection at the planned injection site
  • Please inform your nurse if you:
    • are taking any prescription medications or antibiotics, and/or take any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
    • are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed