San Diego Liposuction
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San Diego Breast Augmentation
An online resource dedicated to breast implants and breast augmentation in San Diego.
www.sandiego-breast-augmentation.com.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

Q: What areas can be treated with the laser for hair removal?
A: Virtually any part of your body with unwanted hair can be treated, including the bikini line, underarms, legs, chest, shoulders, back, lip, chin, neck, and feet.

Q: Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
A: No. After several laser hair removal treatments (usually 3-5), patients may need to “treat” the involved area once every several months.

Q: How many laser hair removal sessions do I need to achieve smooth skin?
A: Most people will need 3 to 6 treatments. In some areas, such as the legs, faster results will be achieved. Keep in mind that results will vary from person to person.

Q: How soon do I expect to see the results of laser hair removal? How do I know it is working for me?
A: You will see results starting with your VERY FIRST laser hair removal session. The hair growth will be less and the hairs finer and weaker; your skin will become smoother; and the hair pores on your skin will become less visible after each session. The results will become more impressive with each new laser hair removal session you undergo.

Q: Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?
A; For most San Diego patients and most treatment areas the answer is no. You will feel an initial cool spray followed by a “warm” sensation (some patients describe a sensation as if several hairs are being plucked out). Sensitive areas such as the lip and bikini area may be helped by a local anesthetic but most patients do not need this.

Q: Can I choose to achieve fewer, finer hairs in some areas rather than a full removal?
A: Yes you can. We can customize your treatment according to your needs and expectations. You can weaken and reduce your hair in any area while still leaving a certain amount.

Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ

Q: Is laser tattoo removal permanent?
A: Yes.

Q: How many treatments will I need for the tattoo to be completely gone?
A: San Diego laser tattoo removal patients are all different. On average, it takes 3-7 treatments for the tattoo to fade.

Q: Does the laser remove all colors of tattoos?
A: The laser has many wavelengths that allow it to treat multi-colored tattoos but there are still some colors that are more difficult to treat. At your consultation, Dr. Pousti will discuss the probable outcome of your specific tattoo.

Q: Can I re-tattoo over the area treated?
A: Yes. Once the skin has healed completely, you can get another tattoo in the same area if you’d like.

San Diego patients interested in laser hair removal should have light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal will not work on white or blond hair because the laser needs to target the pigment in the hair follicle.

Laser Tatto Removal Works Better With Some Colors

There are certain colors that are more resistant than others, and some colors simply take longer to fade. The lighter the skin of the San Diego patient requesting laser tattoo removal, the less chance of pigment changes. Dr. Pousti will review your likely treatment outcomes with you during your initial consultation.

Dr. Pousti offers his extensive experience and the latest technology in laser tattoo removal in his San Diego office. He employs the VersaPulse® C laser’s multi-wavelength capabilities to remove tattoos as rich and colorful as the San Diego community.

The VersaPulse C is actually four lasers in one. Each designed to safely penetrate the skin and eliminate the pigments used in professional or amateur tattoos; multi-colored or monochromatic tattoos; and all types of ink.

The handpiece used to deliver the laser energy also provides continuous cooling at the treatment site for your comfort and safety.

There is no preparation needed for San Diego laser tattoo removal patients. While the number of treatments required to achieve the desired outcome will vary from person to person, most patients require between 3 and 7 sessions. Dr. Pousti will discuss the number of treatments needed during your consultation. Dr. Pousti will evaluate the area being treated before each treatment to decrease the risk of pigment changes and to make sure that the skin is healing properly.

The patient is asked to wear eye protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles. A small hand piece, or “wand” is placed against the skin and a burst of coolant is applied as the laser is activated. The size or the area treated will determine the number of laser activations, or “pulses”, required. The laser procedure takes anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the areas treated. Generally no anesthesia is used.

San Diego patients who wish to get laser hair removal must not wax or tweeze 2 weeks prior to treatment. When you wax or tweeze, the hair and the root are pulled out of the follicle leaving nothing for the laser to target.

Patients may shave 2-3 days before your treatment because shaving only removes the outer hair and does not affect the root or follicle.

It is better not to put lotion or deodorant on in the areas being treated (that will interfere with the lasering process).

Dr. Pousti and his wife Marjan reside in San Diego with their three sons and daughter.

Dr. Pousti and our office staff keep up to date with the most advanced procedures today. Dr. Pousti just returned from Palm Springs / Palm Desert California where he attended a national meeting regarding facial rejuvenation procedures. He also attended the ASPS meeting in New York, New York.

Please see our “Cases of the Week”.

Board Certification

Certified, American Board of General Surgery
Certified, American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Re-certified, American Board of Plastic &Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic Surgery Fellowship

Harvard / Brigham and Women�s / Children�s Hospital
Boston, MA 1995-1997

Internship and General Surgery Residency

University of California, Irvine Medical Center
Orange, CA 1990-1995

Professional Organizations

Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Member, American Society for Plastic Surgeons
Member, American Medical Association
Member, San Diego County Medical Association
Member, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society