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LASER TREATMENTS

We use an integrated holistic approach with oral, topical, and laser treatments and a customized treatment regimen. All patients are evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. All injectables are administered by a board certified dermatologist.  Click on the services below to learn more about our services and procedures:

Laser Treatments

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair can be frustrating and time-consuming to manage. At Menlo Dermatology, we offer
advanced laser hair removal for patients who want a safe, effective alternative to shaving, waxing, and
other temporary hair removal methods.


Laser hair removal is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses targeted laser energy to disable
active hair follicles, reducing unwanted hair growth over time. Treatments are most effective for patients
with dark hair and light to medium skin tones. At this time, laser therapy is not effective for gray, white,
blonde, or red hair.


At Menlo Dermatology, we use the Syneron Candela GentleLase Alexandrite laser, an industry-leading
technology designed to precisely target hair follicles while protecting surrounding skin. Treatments are
performed by a highly experienced registered nurse to ensure comfort, safety, and optimal results.
Laser hair removal can be performed on nearly any area of the body, including the face, upper lip, chin,
neck, chest, back, arms, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.


After treatment, patients may experience mild redness or swelling that typically resolves within a few days.
There is no downtime, and patients may return to normal activities immediately. Because hair grows in
cycles, multiple treatments are required. Most patients see noticeable improvement after three sessions,
with up to a 70–80% long-term reduction in hair growth after a full series of treatments.


Laser hair removal at Menlo Dermatology offers a convenient, long-lasting solution that saves time and
money compared to ongoing shaving or waxing.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

How does laser hair removal work?


Laser hair removal uses concentrated laser energy to target and disable active hair follicles, reducing future
hair growth while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.


Is laser hair removal safe?


Yes. When performed by trained medical professionals, laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment.
At Menlo Dermatology, we use advanced FDA-approved laser technology and follow strict safety
protocols.


What areas can be treated with laser hair removal?


Laser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the body, including the face, upper lip, chin, neck,
chest, back, arms, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.


Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?


Laser hair removal works best for patients with dark hair and light to medium skin tones. It is not effective
on gray, white, blonde, or red hair. A consultation at Menlo Dermatology can help determine if you are a
good candidate.


How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?


Because hair grows in cycles, most patients require multiple treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

Many patients notice visible results after three sessions, with up to a 70–80% long-term reduction after six
to eight treatments.


Does laser hair removal hurt?


Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm pinching feeling. The GentleLase laser
includes built-in cooling to enhance comfort during treatment.


Is there downtime after laser hair removal?


There is no downtime. Patients may experience mild redness or swelling for a short time but can return to
work and normal activities immediately after treatment.


How should I prepare for laser hair removal?


Avoid sun exposure and tanning before treatment, and do not wax or pluck hair in the treatment area.
Shaving is typically recommended prior to your appointment.


Why choose Menlo Dermatology for laser hair removal?


Menlo Dermatology combines advanced laser technology with experienced medical providers to deliver
safe, effective, and personalized laser hair removal treatments in Menlo Park.

AviClear

AviClear is an FDA-cleared energy device for treatment mild and moderate to severe acne. The mechanism of action is similar to the medication Accutane; it down regulates the sebaceous glands which are overproducing oil leading to clogged pores and inflamed acne.  AviClear can provide lasting clearance and is free of harmful side effects, chemicals and is safe for all skin types. Downtime is minimal for most people, and you may resume normal activities immediately. After treatment, mild symptoms such as redness, inflammation and flareups occur in up to 40% of patients but fade quickly.

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Three 30–40-minute treatments are required. The benefits of the treatments become apparent about three months after the final treatment and continued improvement is often reported at 6 months.

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90 % of clinical trial patients reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied”; 80 % of patients saw at least a 50% reduction at 3 months increasing to 87% of patients  at 6 months.

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The AviClear system is equipped with sapphire skin cooling and sensory controls for your comfort and safety.  Most patients tolerate treatment well. Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide for additional pain management is available if needed.

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AviClear is not covered by insurance; the fee is $3000 for the 3 cycles of treatment

Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Menlo Dermatology offers CO2 fractional ablative laser resurfacing using the Ultrapulse Encore by Lumenis, Ltd. Only a fraction of total skin surface is treated by placing pulses in a preprogrammed sequence that minimizes heat build up and maximizes healing. The system employs two handpieces, the Active Fx penetrates the epidermis, reducing fine lines and excess pigmentation; while the Deep Fx energy extends to the dermis and vaporizes damaged collagen or acne scars, which is replaced by healthy new collagen. The Total Fx protocol combines both handpieces in sequence with varied energy settings for a customized approach yielding remarkable results in only one treatment. This fractional approach avoids the risks of loss of pigment associated with original CO2 laser resurfacing, is significantly less painful, and heals far more rapidly.

IPL

Intense Pulsed Light Photofacials are designed to treat flat brown spots due to sun exposure called lentigines, rosacea, and facial capillaries. At Menlo Dermatology Medical Group & Laser Center, Inc., we use a Cynosure Icon Pulsed Light System which emits pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and by hemoglobin within blood inside the capillaries. The face, neck, chest, arms, back and legs can all be treated. All skin types can be treated, and there are no age limitations. The IPL treatment is comfortable with just a mild prickling sensation on the skin as the hand piece is pulsed. Immediately after treatment, there may be a mild sunburn-like sensation which can last about 2-24 hours. The sunspots will darken after treatment and will then shed in about a week. Blood vessels and redness will fade in 1-2 weeks. Typically 2-4 treatments are necessary for optimal results; we will advise you how many treatments are appropriate during your consultation. This photo rejuvenation process is safe and comfortable, with little or no downtime. The outcome is an even, smooth skin tone that looks refreshed and more youthful.

Vbeam Vascular Laser

The Vbeam laser is recognized gold standard technology, an advanced pulsed dye laser (PDL) developed
by Candela to treat a wide variety of vascular and pigment-related skin conditions. It delivers rapid bursts
of laser energy that specifically target dilated blood vessels and excess pigment while leaving the
surrounding skin unharmed. Vbeam treatments are safe, effective, and well tolerated, with decades of use in both adults and children. MDMG has over 25 years experience with these particular lasers and are highly
proficient expert users.


Vbeam is commonly used to treat:

  • Rosacea and facial redness

  • Broken capillaries and telangiectasias (“spider veins”)

  • Cherry angiomas

  • Port wine stains and hemangiomas

  • Age spots and vascular lesions

  • Acne and acne scars

  • Pink scars and stretch marks

  • Psoriasis and certain warts

  • Bruising following cosmetic procedures or trauma

 

Telangiectasias are small visible blood vessels that commonly appear on the face due to sun exposure,
rosacea, aging, and genetic factors. Similar vessels on the legs, often called spider veins, may develop from heredity, pregnancy, hormonal influences, or weight gain. Some patients experience burning, stinging, aching, or swelling, while others are primarily concerned with appearance.


We use advanced Vbeam technology to safely treat these vascular concerns with minimal discomfort.
Patients typically feel a brief stinging sensation during treatment. Protective eye shields are worn
throughout the procedure. Depending on the condition being treated, temporary redness, swelling, or
bruising may occur and can last several days. Bruising may be worsened by aspirin and anti-inflammatory
medications such as Advil or Aleve, which should generally be avoided for one week prior to treatment.
 

For spider veins on the legs, sclerotherapy remains the standard treatment. However, very fine vessels or
veins that do not respond to injections may improve with Vbeam laser therapy, which offers the advantage
of avoiding needles.

 

Vbeam can also be used to significantly reduce early bruising after surgery, trauma, or injectable cosmetic procedures, often with improvement after a single treatment.

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