Laser Hair Removal
Permanent hair removal is a reality with the latest advances in laser technology. Dr. Engelhard offers 4 separate laser systems with 5 different laser hair removal modalities, making Apex the most advanced comprehensive hair removal center in South Florida. Most hair removal centers have 1 or, at most, 2 systems, and treatments are performed by technicians, using “safe” and “standard” laser settings for all patients. At Apex, all laser hair removal procedures are performed by Dr. Engelhard and he will customize laser device and laser setting selections for each patient; often more than one laser will be used during the course of treatment for one patient. This customized treatment allows the patient to get the best results, the least side effects, and the best hair removal value.

Permanent laser hair removal requires a series of treatments to achieve long-term results. Hair on the body is constantly going through 3 phases of growth: active, resting, and dormant. The lasers can permanently destroy only the actively growing hairs, so several treatments are necessary to “catch” hairs while they are in the growth phase. Growth cycles vary depending on area of the body and other factors, such as hormones. Anywhere from 3 to 8 treatments at 4 to 8 week intervals may be necessary to achieve satisfactory hair reduction. Most patients can expect an 85% reduction in hair. The few remaining hairs are typically thinner and lighter in color, which are cosmetically more acceptable.

Men, in particular, are often embarrassed to ask for hair removal for “sensitive” areas. At Apex, we are comfortable removing hair from any body area, including necks, backs, genitals, shoulders, buttocks, bikinis, armpits and the face. Your treatments are one-one-one with the doctor and he will make you comfortable with any treatment area you desire.

The Cynosure Apogee Elite is the current Rolls Royce of hair removal lasers. It is actually 2 separate lasers in one enclosure: the Apogee 5500 Alexandrite laser and the Acclaim 7000 Nd:YAG laser. The Elite just became available in May of 2004, and Dr. Engelhard is proud to have been chosen as one of the first 10 sites in the U.S. to use this laser technology. (Click here for more information on the Apogee Elite)

The Apogee 5500 Alexandrite is the most advanced Alexandrite laser on the market. The most common Alexandrite laser, the GentleLase, pales by comparison. The GentleLase offers only one pulse duration (3 msec) and a cumbersome, inefficient skin cooling system. The 5500 offers pulse durations from 0.5 to 300 msec, and the most advanced skin cooling. What does this mean to you? The 5500 allows for more personalized treatments, accounting for differences in hair color, hair texture, and skin color. In fact, Cynosure’s Apogee Alexandrite lasers have been shown to be the most efficient hair removal lasers on the market when compared head to head with the two most popular hair removal lasers, the GentleLase and the LightSheer. Alexandrite lasers are best suited for light skinned persons with no tan.

The Acclaim 7000 Nd:YAG laser is most suited for persons with dark skin or persons with a tan. We can even treat patients 48 hours after the beach with this laser. However, treatments with the Acclaim tend to be more painful and less efficient than Alexandrite laser treatments (this is the case with all Nd:YAG lasers, such as the CoolGlide). We highly recommend that you wait until your tan fades before having treatments, if possible. The Acclaim is by far the most advanced long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser on the market, with multiple enhanced settings and superior skin cooling over the popular CoolGlide. Many patients travel to Apex from out of state just to have treatments with the Acclaim 7000.

The MediLux Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system offers two hair removal modalities. Lux Y treatments are very quick and relatively inexpensive, and Lux Y produces excellent short-term hair loss, lasting longer than traditional waxing with much less pain and no ingrown hairs or irritation. Lux Rs treatments are higher in energy, mildly more uncomfortable and time-consuming, but produce more permanent hair loss per treatment session than those with Lux Y.
Click here for more information on the MediLux IPL system.

The Lumenis VascuLight represents the gold standard for IPL hair removal. All other IPL systems have “matured” from this original system. Subsequent systems have become smaller and lighter and have reduced the number of treatment selections to the most commonly used selections in order to simplify treatments. However, the original VascuLight system still has more choices for light filters, pulse durations, and intensity than any other system, making it one of the most versatile systems for hair removal. IPL treatments are the treatment of choice for lighter colored and finer hairs on lighter skin types. Strict sun avoidance before and after treatments is mandatory with VascuLight treatments. The VascuLight produces very impressive short term hair loss (like waxing) as well as good long term removal. The VascuLight is the most likely of all our systems to produce temporary skin effects, such as tiny crusts or skin redness, especially if sun avoidance is not followed prior to treatment.
Click here for more information on the VascuLight system.

With all laser removal modalities, sun avoidance before and after treatment is very important to achieve the best results. Although we are able to treat tanned skin (as soon as one week after the beach), Dr. Engelhard is able to use higher laser power and achieve better permanent hair removal when the skin is at its lightest. It is also important not to wax or tweeze for 3 or 4 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving is permitted at any time during the treatment series. Please call us at 305-534-7255 for additional information and to arrange your personal consultation.