Laser Procedures
Each laser procedure at Golden Gate Skin Center begins with a complete health history and thorough skin consultation by one of our aesthetic nurses or nurse practitioners. We will review your skin concerns and determine if your skin type is a good candidate for laser treatments. Like most skin procedures, optimal results are seen with a series and can be maintained thereafter with annual treatments. Our team of aesthetic nurses and aestheticians work together to help keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
Hair Removal
Unwanted hair can occur anywhere on the face or body. Both men and women struggle with unwanted hair on the arms, legs, back, chest, stomach, underarms, buttocks, face or bikini areas. Laser hair removal eliminates the daily hassles of traditional hair removal maintenance (e.g., shaving, tweezers, waxing). With the Lumenis LightSheer DUET, you can eliminate unwanted hair with greater speed and comfort than other methods. The LightSheer DUET high speed handpiece uses breakthrough vacuum assisted technology in combination with diode laser to allow rapid and comfortable treatment of large areas. This procedure passes laser energy through the skin to target pigment in the hair follicle. The heat is absorbed by the hair follicle and it is destroyed. Since hair grows in different cycles, it is important to repeat treatments every four to six weeks to treat each cycle of hair growth. It is ideal to be clean shaven for laser hair removal and to stay out of the sun. The procedure’s time varies based on the size of the area treated. Laser hair removal does not work for blond, red, grey or white hair.
Before Laser Hair Removal:
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning, self-tanning creams, sprays or lotions for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- No waxing, bleaching, tweezing, threading, or use of depilatory agents for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- You may shave or clip hair before your treatment but allow enough growth so that hair color and texture can be detected.
After Laser Hair Removal:
- Quick warm showers are recommended. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths and hot tubs/ saunas for a few days following procedure.
- Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided for 4 weeks before and after treatment. Sunscreen (30-50 SPF) is recommended.
- Discomfort is usually minimal but you may experience some mild swelling for a few hours. Cold packs, aloe-vera or any other cooling preparation may be used to ease temporary discomfort.
- Over the counter Hydrocortisone may be applied to areas of discomfort, twice a day for one week.
- Makeup can be applied as long as the skin is not broken. Mineral makeup can also serve as an additional sun block.
- Please contact the Skin Center at 415-831-2171 if you have any questions or concerns.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a light-based device to target unwanted red and brown discoloration in the skin. The IPL wavelength is absorbed by the unwanted spot and breaks up the pigment. These fragmented pigments are either absorbed back into the body or flake off after a few days. IPL can be used for sun damage, brown spots, freckles, facial flushing and rosacea. Because it has been shown to stimulate collagen and improve pore size, it is also used to rejuvenate the skin. The sensation of IPL is described as the “snap of a rubber band” and, at times, can be a little startling. Three to five treatments are typically recommended at intervals of one month apart. It is important to stay out of the sun and refrain from using tanning creams during your IPL treatments.
Before Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Treatments:
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning, self-tanning creams or sprays for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Discontinue use of all Retinoid, Glycolic acid, Alpha-hydroxy acid and exfoliation products for 1 week prior to treatment.
- If you have a history of oral herpes, please notify your Laser Professional to obtain a prescription of Valtrex 500 mg for use pre and post treatment.
After Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Treatments:
- Side effects are generally minimal with no down-time after treatments. You may return to work the same day and resume most of your regular activities.
- Redness or flushing may occur and usually subsides within a few hours.
- Brown spots may turn darker for a few days before flaking off.
- To cleanse the area, wash with mild cleanser and gently pat dry. Apply a soothing moisturizer.
- Use 30-50 SPF to protect the treated area from sun exposure for one month following treatment. Tanning after treatment sessions is not recommended since it may result in hyper-pigmentation.
- Makeup may be applied immediately post-treatment. Mineral makeup is preferred and provides additional sunscreen.
- Please contact the Skin Center at 415-831-2171 with any questions or concerns.
Vein Removal
Spider veins are tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface that occur on the face or legs. Spider veins are caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy, hereditary factors, sun damage and rosacea. If the veins are located on the face, then laser treatment is recommended. If the undesired veins are found on the legs, then sclerotherapy is a better treatment option.
Facial Veins: Lasers and light-based treatments are the best solution for small facial veins. The light energy is absorbed by the red blood cells in the unwanted vessel. The heat generated breaks up the capillaries and your body absorbs them. It can take one to two weeks for the vessel to be completely absorbed. During that time, your skin may have a dark red or bruised appearance where the treated was performed.
Leg Veins: Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical method of removing spider veins from the legs. It involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the undesired vessel with a very fine needle. The sclerosing agent irritates the vein and causes it to collapse. Two to four treatments are typically necessary and scheduled every six weeks. Redness, swelling and bruising are to be expected. Compression stockings are worn for the first 24 hours and then daily for one week after the treatment. Activity is restricted during that first recovery week, then may be resumed.
