September 6, 2016
An Expert Look at Hair Removal with Dr. Shino Bay
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Considering laser hair removal? Clear + Brilliant p�lo� offers groundbreaking technology and Dr. Shino Bay explains what makes this the ultimate treatment.
As we near the end of summer, are you financially fatigued from all those trips to the salon for waxing or sugaring? Maybe you're tired of tying your body in knots trying to shave those nooks and crannies. Fortunately, there's new technology on the market that offers groundbreaking laser hair removal technology.
Solta Medical's Clear + Brilliant p�lo can remove and effectively reduce unwanted hair from head to toe. And with cutting-edge equipment, you'll be in and out in no time and with fewer side effects than traditional laser hair removal technology.
EDGE elicited the expert insights from renowned cosmetic dermatologist, dermatologist surgeon, and cosmetic laser expert Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera to help explain this breakthrough technology and what's trending for those craving smooth and silky skin.
EDGE: How has laser hair technology evolved since its inception?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: Laser technology has made great strides since it launched. Alexandrite laser machines (where a beam of light passes through an alexandrite crystal) were some of the first models released in the aesthetic market. It was a great technology but limited to lighter skin types and was time consuming. But we're always trying to deliver a better product.
Now, with the Clear + Brilliant p�lo laser, we're able to deliver the energy through more surface area in a much faster and comfortable way.
Today, I'd never think of using some of those earlier laser machines in a sensitive area like the bikini line, but the Clear + Brilliant p�lo laser makes this possible. It's the same diode laser beam wavelength, but developers found a way to deliver it in a way that is effective and comfortable for patients of all skin types.
EDGE: What makes Clear + Brilliant p�lo unique compared to other lasers?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: The diode laser beam produced by Clear + Brilliante p�lo is a versatile wavelength that delivers the perfect amount of laser energy to comfortably treat people with various skin types and hair thickness in a shorter amount of time.
EDGE: What kind of results can a patient expect?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: Patients will see effective hair reduction -- not complete removal but close to it. From time to time, a few fine hairs might come back. Each person is individually evaluated, but most will see great results after the first treatment.
EDGE: Why doesn't laser hair removal work on gray hair?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: The laser needs to be able to "see" the target, which requires melanin. Without it, the hair is invisible to the laser. The same will apply for true platinum blondes and redheads. Current laser hair technology is better for treating dark brown or black hair.
EDGE: Are there any side effects?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: Back in the day we used to use ice cube and cooling packs to reduce irritation, but Clear + Brilliant p�lo laser's integrated contact cooling system now features a sapphire glass that can quickly chill to freezing point. The laser's cooling sensation can help numb pain and keep discomfort to a minimum. Patients will see minor inflammation and redness around the hair follicles after treatment, but this is a sign that the treatment is a success and should go away after a few hours.
EDGE: What's the best way to take care of skin during and after treatment?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: As with any laser treatment, you don't want to be tan, because you are making melanin pigment, which makes treatment more difficult. The target of the laser is melanin. If the skin and hair shaft have a lot of melanin, both will be seen by the laser and damaged. Wait at least two weeks after sun exposure, and if you're tan, wait for treatment.
Don't use lotions and be sure to shave prior to treatment. Also be sure to share your medical history with your technician to ensure that you're not on any medication that makes you photosensitive like Retin-A. The machine itself has a lot of safety mechanisms built into it to ensure that the correct settings are in place for optimal treatment.
EDGE: What sorts of trends are you seeing in your dermatology practice for patients?
Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera: Millennials are the big movement in cosmetic procedures, for laser hair removal and beyond. For many, it's budgeted as part of their lifestyle and they want to be hairless everywhere! There's also a strong LGBT community here in Fort Lauderdale. We're proud to serve transgender patients who are struggling with unwanted hair. It makes a big difference and a huge impact on their lives.
For more information about Solta Medical's Clear + Brilliant p�lo, visit www.nomorehairmoreyou.com
For more information about SHINO BAY Cosmetic Dermatology, Plastic Surgery & Laser Institute, visit www.shinobayderm.com
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Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.