Laser Hair Removal
Dr. Ort is a medical textbook author on the topic of laser hair removal and he strongly encourages you to ask questions and get answers before embarking on a course of laser hair removal. The proper responses to these questions will ensure that the laser technician performing your hair removal is adequately supervised and trained in this procedure. Warning: Any laser used for hair removal can cause serious burns and scarring if used by someone inexperienced with lasers or skin.
Ask who actually will be performing your laser treatment—a physician or laser-trained staff member. A physician should be on site at the clinic at all times while any laser treatment is performed to ensure the highest quality of care and to provide care should any side effects arise. Many clinics are loosely affiliated with a physician in the role of medical director, but that physician is not required to be on site…just within a half hour drive of the clinic. Many of these "ghost" doctors never actually step foot in the laser clinic!
Ask if the doctor is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). This preeminent laser society with worldwide physician membership is committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in lasers and keeping member doctors informed.
Ask which laser or light source the clinic uses. Is this laser the best to treat your specific hair type (light, dark, fine, coarse, etc.) and skin color? What type of cooling mechanism does the laser feature to reduce discomfort and protect your skin? Some laser centers have only one type laser and may try to use that singular laser on all patients, even though it may not be the most appropriate choice for a specific hair and skin type.
Beware of heavily-discounted prices. They can translate to You Get What You Pay For.
Disbelieve promises of unrealistic results.
Finally, expect to be treated with respect. Weigh your overall perception of the office and staff when calling on the phone and when visiting in person for a consultation. You are in the right place when the doctor and staff address all of your concerns in a thorough, non-hurried, non-condescending manner.
Unwanted Body or Facial Hair
Laser hair removal has revolutionized the treatment of unwanted facial and body hair. Gone are the days of painful waxing, tedious plucking or costly electrolysis. Throw out your razors and tweezers! With laser hair removal, you can permanently reduce or eliminate areas of troublesome hair safely and effectively.
Popular areas in women include the bikini, armpits, upper lip and chin, neck, and legs. Many men have their backs or shoulders treated. We utilize the Lightsheer ET laser that incorporates state-of-the-art technology for the safest and most effective treatment possible. This is truly a lunch-time treatment, takes less than an hour, requires no down time and delivers immediate results.
Dermatology & Laser Institute of Colorado also uses the Acclaim Laser, a YAG laser that can treat any type of skin including tan skin and African-American skin. Now everyone with unwanted hair can be treated with one of these two different lasers for hair removal procedures. The type of laser Dr. Ort recommends for your treatment will depend upon the specific area of your body being treated, your hair color and your skin tone.
| Treatment Type | Description | How will it feel? How will I look afterwards? | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LightSheer™ Diode Laser | Targeting the pigment (melanin) present in hair, the Lightsheer uses light energy to heat and damage the hair follicle. | Laser treatment feels like the snap of a rubber band. Topical cream can be applied to numb more sensitive areas. Afterward the area may be a little red and swollen for a few days. |
Smooth, sexy skin With repeated treatments, permanent reduction of unwanted hair. |
| Acclaim™ Laser | Nd:YAG laser can treat any skin type, including tan skin and African-American skin. | Some minor redness after treatment. | Now anybody with unwanted hair can be treated safely and effectively! |