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It’s among the most tedious and reviled beauty rituals: shaving. Beauty brand Escentual reports that women will spend the equivalent of 72 days (1,728 hours) shaving their legs over a lifetime—just their legs. Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center builds more time into your busy schedule and active lifestyle to do what you love by doing what we do best – using cutting-edge technologies to reach your aesthetic goals without invasive, painful, or time-consuming procedures. Permanent hair removal is a great fit with our services and approach in Annapolis, Maryland. You can get long-lasting results without the pain and painstaking process of other permanent solutions for unwanted hair. It is also a highly predictable treatment for the right patient.
Lasers detect and target the melanin or pigment in the hair follicles. Once detected, the gentle beam of light generated by the laser device is absorbed. As the pigment in each follicle is absorbed, the energy from the light is converted to heat. This process damages the follicle, which inhibits future hair growth. The FDA reports that laser-assisted hair removal slashes the amount of hair at the treatment sites by 70%. The hair that does grow back is finer, thinner, weaker, and less noticeable than before treatment.
You may be if there is a contrast between the color of your hair and your skin. In general, lasers work better when the skin is lighter and the hair is darker. This is because the laser needs to differentiate between the pigment or color in the skin and the pigment or color in the hair. It’s easier for the laser to selectively detect, target, and damage the follicles when the hair color appears different or in contrast to one’s skin tone.
The FDA has cleared numerous laser systems for their clinical safety and effectiveness. Plus, laser technologies have never been more customizable. The more we can personalize your treatment, the better we will be at minimizing any risks of severe side effects or complications. Notably, it’s important for our Board-certified dermatologists, Drs Molly Walterhoefer and Megan Casady Flahive, to determine your suitability for treatment. Burns and other thermal damage can occur when individuals with darker skin or lighter hair are not treated with the right laser. A consultation is always the best starting point. Your safety is paramount. So, Drs Molly and Megan will only recommend those treatments that are in the best interests of your health. It’s also important to follow any instructions provided by our team because things like tanning beforehand (including safe sunless creams) can affect how the laser detects and treats the hair follicles.
No two treatment experiences are the same. But generally every effort is made also to support your utmost comfort. This includes applying a cooling gel or device to protect the skin, minimize discomfort, and maximize the laser’s ability to penetrate. We also go slow at first to check for any adverse reactions, and remember that there are settings built-in that can be customized and adjusted throughout treatment. Since laser hair reduction treats many follicles at once, we can get you in and out in no time. You will also immediately be provided with a cold compress/ice pack and anti-inflammatories to ease any irritation or discomfort. Here again, follow any instructions for post-care to aid with healing and your comfort.
Benefit from cutting-edge treatment without the actual cutting at Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center. You can enjoy long-lasting results and a comfortable and convenient experience without the risk of earlier-generation technologies and techniques for hair removal. Request your consultation today by calling our team in Annapolis, MD, at (410) 384-4172.
Dr. Molly Walterhoefer is a highly respected board-certified dermatologist and founder of Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center. With a Magna Cum Laude degree from Vanderbilt University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Maryland. Dr. Molly Walterhoefer holds fellowship status with the American Academy of Dermatology and is an active member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Known for her compassionate care and focus on natural-looking cosmetic results, she emphasizes early skin cancer detection and personalized skincare plans, ensuring trust and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Megan Casady Flahive is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive expertise in medical and procedural dermatology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at Duke University, where she was Chief Resident. Dr. Megan previously served as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Megan Casady Flahive is recognized as a Fellow with the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of several esteemed societies, including the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Her personalized, compassionate care ensures patients receive the highest level of treatment.