Palo Alto Medical Foundation Department of Cosmetic Surgery

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Palomar Pulsed Light Hair Reduction Treatment

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Sometimes referred to as laser hair removal, the method used at PAMF uses a pulsed light.

Who is a candidate?

Hair reduction works best for thick dark hair on people with light, non-tanned skin. It does not treat light-colored hair.

What are the intended results?

Reduction in the amount of hair in the area treated.

How does it work?

Specialized hand pieces emit pulsed light that targets specific substances, such as pigment in hair follicles.

What is the procedure?

The treatment provider will move the hand piece over the patient's skin, pulsing it all the while. Each pulse will send a beam of light through the skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will let the patient know when the hand piece is being pulsed.

You can expect a light pin prick sensation during treatment, but most people do not require topical anesthesia.

Hair reduction usually requires three to seven treatments four to six weeks apart.

What is the healing process?

You can expect temporary pinkness and some minor swelling around the hair follicles after the treatment.

Insurance Guidelines

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

Last reviewed: October 2007


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