Articles

Winter 2005

Laser Hair Reduction
Is there a doctor in the house?

BY AMY M. Ortega MD

In response to overwhelming patient requests, I have added various laser services to my practice, including laser treatment of hair, veins, facial pigmentation and facial aging. The advantage of receiving such treatments here at Aesthetic Specialists is the immediate availability of on-site board-certified plastic surgeon.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE LASER AT DR. Ortega'S OFFICE?

One of our lasers has an attachment called a scanner that enables a larger surface area to be treated at one time. While many laser heads are up to one square centimeter at the largest surface area, the scanner device is eight square centimeters in surface area, therefore treating larger areas eight times faster.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The laser beam or pulsed light is directed at the hair follicles. The dark pigments in the follicle absorb the laser light energy, which causes the follicle to die. The sensation, which only lasts a fraction of a second, is described as a "snapping," like with a rubber band. Only follicles in the growth phase are vulnerable to this insult, which is why multiple treatments are needed.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM LASER HAIR TREATMENTS?

Each treatment will result in less hair growth. Hair that does grow back will be lighter in color, finer, and slower-growing. About six treatments are usually needed for the "ideal" candidate (fair skin, dark hair). Very dark skin types may need more treatments, sometimes 12 or more, to achieve the same results as lighter skin types. Lighter hair may require more treatments also. Treatments are done every eight weeks for facial hair and every 12 weeks for body hair.

Treat yourself or someone special to the luxury and safety of laser hair reduction or other treatments for veins, facial pigmentation, acne, or aging in the Aesthetic Specialists offices of Dr. Amy Ortega.

IS IT PERMANENT?

Most technologies can only permanently reduce hair growth about 90% of the time. Therefore, the preferred term is "laser hair reduction." Many people, after a series of treatments, have long term hair reduction for months to years.

WHAT OTHER SKIN TREATMENTS ARE OFFERED AT AESTHETIC SPECIALISTS?

A much gentler approach to microdermabrasion is now available at our office, using fine baking soda crystals instead of the more commonly used aluminum hydroxide, which can irritate the skin and is hazardous to breathe. Our lasers can also treat veins of the face and legs, aging, and irregular pigmentation due to hormonal changes or sun exposure. We also offer blue light treatment for acne, a truly painless "no downtime" treatment recently FDA approved for mild to moderate acne. To determine if any of these treatments is right for you, schedule a complimentary skin care consultation with my aesthetician or nurse.

AMY M. Ortega MD IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED, DOUBLE-FELLOWSHIP TRAINED COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGEON WITH SPECIAL INTEREST IN COSMETIC SURGERY OF THE FACE, BREAST, AND BODY. SHE CAN BE REACHED FOR SURGICAL CONSULTATION AT HER BUCKHEAD OFFICE, 404.751.2500.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DR. ORTEGA, VISIT WWW.ASABEAUTIFUL.COM.