Laser Hair Removal & Sclerotherapy
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Experience When It Matters Most
Cosmetic skin treatments for body offered at Sullivan Dermatology are Laser Hair Removal and Sclerotherapy. South Floridians spend much time showing skin in the sun. Unwanted body hair and visible leg veins get in the way of feeling confident when you bare it all. Our patients enjoy living hair free and care free without shaving after their laser hair removal treatment plan. Spider veins too are a thing of the past after sclerotherapy at Sullivan Dermatology. Schedule a consultation for your desired body skin treatment today at Sullivan Dermatology.
Ideal if you Have
How it Works
Results Include
Ideal if you Have
Unwanted excess hair in any area of the body, including face, beard area, legs, bikini area, and more. Dr. Sullivan’s office is especially experienced in treating people with darker skin types and has advanced lasers for this patient population.
How it Works
A highly-focused beam of light is targeted directly into hair follicles, where it heats and eliminates them one by one. Skin and hair follicle pigmentation plays a significant role in this treatment’s effectiveness, and having experienced personnel select the correct laser is paramount. The Sullivan Dermatology team has extensive experience treating ethnic skin types and uses a laser system designed for ethnic skin types.
Results Include
Laser hair removal will require a series of treatments over time to achieve the desired effect. Most people will see long-term hair removal, which may last for many years, but occasional maintenance treatments over time to maintain their degree of hair loss may be required. It is impossible to determine in advance how many treatments will be required to achieve the desired degree of hair removal, but the typical is 5 to 8.
SCLEROTHERAPY
Small visible veins (also known as spider veins) that you would like to see removed for a more youthful skin surface.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution, often a strong salt-water solution, directly into the vein that causes the vessel to be reabsorbed by the body. As the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into skin, the evidence of the offending vessel eventually fades. Sclerotherapy is the best treatment for spider veins of the legs. The treatment is minimally invasive. Patients lie on their back and after the treatment area is cleansed with alcohol, Dr. Sullivan uses a fine needle to slowly insert the solution into the vein. Some patients experience minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted but it lasts for only a few seconds.
The decreased appearance of small or spider veins on the skin. Treated veins tend to fade within days to weeks, but it may take longer to see the full results. Usually it takes several sessions to achieve desired results. Risks include bruising, small sores, hyperpigmentation and telangiectasia.
FAQ Laser Hair Removal & Sclerotherapy
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles with pulses of laser light. The light energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles, inhibiting or delaying future hair growth. The treatment can be applied to many parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, and other areas.
Laser hair removal often significantly reduces hair growth, but it doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. Multiple treatments are usually necessary to see substantial hair reduction, and maintenance treatments might be needed occasionally as some hair could grow back. The hair that grows back is often lighter and finer than before.
Laser hair removal is generally well-tolerated. The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The level of discomfort can depend on the treated area, the texture and density of the hair, and the individual's pain tolerance. Topical anesthetic creams can be used to improve comfort during treatment.
While laser hair removal can be effective for many people, it works best on individuals with light skin and dark hair because the laser targets the hair's pigment. Advances in technology have made it possible to successfully treat people with darker skin tones, but it can be less effective on people with red, blond, or gray hair.
Prior to a laser hair removal session, you should avoid sun exposure, as treatment on tanned or sunburned skin can lead to complications. Avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis for a few weeks before treatment, as these methods remove the hair root, which is the target of the laser. Shaving is usually recommended the day before the procedure, as it preserves the hair shaft and follicle.
Some common side effects of laser hair removal include skin irritation and changes in the color of the skin, either lightening or darkening. These changes are usually temporary. More rare side effects can include blistering, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Certain areas of the body, such as the eye area, carry additional risks. It's important to have the procedure done by a certified dermatologist or other qualified provider to minimize risks.
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the vein that causes it to collapse and clot, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
Sclerotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. After treatment, the treated veins typically fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed.
During sclerotherapy, a fine needle is used to inject the sclerosing solution into the affected vein. The procedure does not require anesthesia and generally causes little to no pain, though you might experience minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure, treated veins will fade over a period of weeks or months. Recovery is relatively simple; patients are generally able to walk and return to normal activities the same day. Compression stockings or bandages may need to be worn for a week or two to compress the treated vessels.
Like any medical procedure, sclerotherapy has potential risks and side effects. These may include bruising, small skin sores, darkened skin in the form of lines or spots, multiple tiny red blood vessels, or a lump of blood trapped in the vein that may need to be drained. These side effects typically go away within a few days to several weeks. More serious but rare complications can include inflammation, blood clots, or allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution.
Sclerotherapy is often a good option for those who have spider veins or small to medium-sized varicose veins and are seeking treatment for cosmetic reasons or to relieve symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning, and night cramps. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for sclerotherapy. Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions may be advised against sclerotherapy. It's important to discuss your medical history and goals with your healthcare provider to determine if sclerotherapy is right for you.