Are you ready for summer? Let us help

As I write, we are expecting the next atmospheric river to hit the Bay Area.  Oh what a wet winter this has been.  Hopefully as you read this, sunny skies are in the forecast and you’re thinking about warmer weather and shedding some clothing.  As the spring season rolls around, many people start thinking about getting their bodies ready for summer. Two popular cosmetic treatments that can help you achieve your desired look are laser hair removal and CoolSculpting.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted hair. It works by targeting the hair follicle with a laser beam, which damages the follicle and prevents it from producing new hair. Unlike other hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving, laser hair removal offers long-term results, saving you time and money in the long run. It also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, which can be painful and unsightly.  The ideal candidate for laser hair reduction has light skin with dark hair.  This scenario results in the maximum amount of energy destroying the hair follicle with minimal absorption by the outer layers of the skin.   Darker skinned patients with dark hair can be successfully treated but will usually require more treatments and with more conservative energy settings.  Unfortunately, lasers are ineffective in treating light colored hair or peach fuzz.  Other technologies are being investigated to remove light colored hair but they are still off on the horizon.

One of the main benefits of laser hair removal is its versatility. It can be used on virtually any part of the body, including the face, legs, underarms, and bikini area. This means you can feel confident showing off your skin in any outfit without worrying about unwanted hair.  Laser hair removal has advanced since it began in the 1990’s and the current lasers are faster, more effective, and hurt less.

In our office men and women typically seek treatment for different areas.  Women usually seek treatment for any facial hair, armpits, legs and bikini area.  Men often seek treatment for hairy backs and shoulders.  Most people will require at least 3 treatments spaced about 8 weeks apart.  Some will require some ongoing maintenance.   Cost depends upon how large of an area is treated.  This is the ideal time to start treatment as most people notice the excess hair in the summer when they shed clothing.  It is important to seek treatment in an experienced facility. As with any medical procedure it is not without risk.

CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that can help you achieve a toned and sculpted body in time for summer. It works by freezing fat cells in the targeted area, causing them to die off and be eliminated by the body naturally. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than the other skin structures so we can selectively destroy the fat cells without harming the other skin structures.  CoolSculpting is FDA-approved and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.  CoolSculpting has become the gold standard for non-surgical fat reduction.  It is not for women only.  In addition to women, we see many men who seek treatment.  The most common areas we treat for women are abdomen, bra fat, inner and outer thighs.  For men it works great for pesky love handles and abdominal fat.  Many men feel that excess weight makes them look out of shape, tired, or older.  Diet and exercise plus CoolSculpting can be an excellent remedy.  This procedure requires no social downtime or time off work.

One of the main benefits of CoolSculpting is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional liposuction, there are no incisions or downtime required. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. 

Both laser hair removal and CoolSculpting are popular treatments for getting summer-ready, but it's important to keep in mind that they are not quick fixes. Both treatments require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, so it's important to start early in the spring to ensure you have enough time to complete your treatments before summer arrives.  In summary, laser hair removal and CoolSculpting are two effective cosmetic treatments that can help you feel confident and ready for summer. Whether you want to eliminate unwanted hair or reduce stubborn pockets of fat, these treatments offer long-term results that can help you achieve your desired look.

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