About Laser Hair Removal in San Diego

Dr. Tom Pousti specializes in laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. Because hair cycles through "growth" and "dormant" phases, and because during the "dormant" phase the follicle has no pigment, multiple treatments will be needed to catch all your hair in growth cycles.

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).