Altman Dermatology

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Many people with unwanted body hair wonder if laser hair removal services offered by dermatologists actually work. This video explains just how effective laser hair removal is.

Skin care centers remark that laser hair removal is approximately 98 to 99 percent permanent. The laser energy used in laser hair removal targets only hair follicles that are in an active growing state. Because hair follicles can be in any of four different states at any time, laser hair removal cannot achieve total hair growth cessation after only a single treatment. Because hormone activity may induce the creation of new hair follicles, individuals who have undergone laser hair removal may need subsequent treatment sessions as well.

Altman Dermatology offers Gentlelase hair reduction for clients in the greater Arlington Heights area. Call our skin care center at (847) 305-1189 to schedule an appointment.

Get Your Skin Ready for Summer With Laser Hair Removal

Summer means tank tops, shorts, and bathing suits. If you have unwanted hair, though, enjoying these perks of summertime may prove difficult. Especially for individuals with pale skin and dark hair, trying to effectively remove hair from the underarms, legs, or bikini line can be a challenging undertaking. The good news is that a skin care center can remedy these summertime concerns with laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Preparation

To maximize the effects of laser hair removal, individuals undergoing this process must take the proper measures to ready their skin. This means avoiding any cosmetic procedures that may affect hair follicles. Alternate hair removal treatments such as waxing or threading temporarily disrupt hair growth, which is why dermatologists advise patients to cease these activities for at least one month prior to laser hair removal. The effectiveness of laser hair removal depends in large part on the contrast between skin color and hair color. Staying out of the sun before undergoing treatment can likewise facilitate results.

The Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser hair removal is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that results in little to no discomfort for many individuals. Before treatment begins, the dermatologist inspects the patient’s skin so that the laser energy applied to the targeted area is appropriate for the thickness and darkness of the hair. With great precision he can then administer the laser energy, which deadens the hair follicles in an active growth state. Depending on the size of the treated area, a single laser hair removal session may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Laser Hair Removal Candidates

The laser energy used in laser hair removal is attracted to dark hair growing from pale skin. Individuals with fair skin and black, coarse hair often make highly attractive candidates for this procedure. If you want to permanently rid your skin of unsightly hair, consult your dermatologist for more information on your laser hair removal options.

Don’t let another summer pass you by without getting laser hair removal. Altman Dermatology offers Gentlelase hair reduction, a skin care treatment that can permanently remove unwanted hair in approximately six to eight sessions. To schedule an appointment at our Arlington Heights office, call (847) 305-1189.

What to Expect from Your First Visit with a Dermatologist

Your first visit to the dermatologist is a step towards maintaining healthy skin for life. During this visit, you’ll establish a relationship with your dermatologist and give them the information they need to shape your skin care plan.

Expect your visit to start with a full medical history. Dermatologists need to know about health problems and medications that could impact your skin. From there, your doctor will examine the problem that brought you to the appointment. They will also likely perform a full-body skin check to look for any troublesome moles or signs of other skin conditions. Depending on their findings, your doctor will recommend a plan of action and suggest a time for your next visit.

If you need a dermatologist, establish care with Altman Dermatology. Let us help you deal with everything from aging skin to skin cancer concerns. Call our office today at (847) 305-1189 to make an appointment.

What Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Have you ever experienced sudden itching or red spots that you can’t explain? Allergic contact dermatitis could be to blame. This condition comes on suddenly and will usually stick around until it is treated. Your dermatologist may recommend that you start with home remedies and come in for a visit if the problem doesn’t resolve.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction brought on by coming in contact with an allergen. The allergen could be anything, but nickel, poison ivy, latex, and citrus fruits are often to blame. In most cases, you won’t experience contact dermatitis the first time you touch an allergen. That exposure usually sparks a skin sensitivity that then flares up with the second contact with the allergen. That is why it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact allergen, unless you know you’ve been exposed to a known dermatitis culprit, like poison ivy.

If you’re experiencing a rash and don’t know why, call Altman Dermatology for an appointment. We’ll identify your rash and start treatment to soothe the itching and burning. We’re here for all your skin care needs. Make an appointment with one of our dermatologists by calling (847) 305-1189. 

Reasons to Visit Your Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment Rather than Your Primary Care Physician

If you have flaky, red patches on your skin, you may be suffering from psoriasis. This autoimmune condition isn’t a serious threat to your health, but it can be uncomfortable and cause cosmetic concerns. Although your primary care doctor may be able to recognize the signs of psoriasis, it makes sense to let a dermatologist manage the condition. If you’re trying to decide where to make your appointment for psoriasis care, here are some reasons you should choose a dermatologist:

More Experience

Dermatologists see more cases of psoriasis than do primary care physicians. That level of experience means that they are more in tune with the symptoms and best treatment options. Primary care physicians may not have the benefit of having tried different medications and noting which offers the best results. They may also not have had feedback from enough patients to recommend effective lifestyle tips to control symptoms. The experience a dermatologist brings to the table can get you better treatment, faster.

Skipped Referral

If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, your primary care physician is likely to refer you to a dermatologist for treatment. For patients with high co-pays, high deductibles, or no insurance at all, every office visit counts. Save yourself the money and time of extraneous appointments and go directly to a dermatologist so treatment can begin.

Specialty Knowledge

In medicine, new developments arise all the time. Since your primary care doctor practices general medicine, it is impossible for him or her to keep up with every development in every discipline. Dermatologists, on the other hand, specialize specifically in skin care, so they are likely to be tapped into the newest findings in the field, including new remedies for psoriasis. This allows dermatologists to offer cutting-edge care that your primary care doctor may not know about yet.

From psoriasis to acne, and everything in between, trust the team at Altman Dermatology for care. We’ve been serving our Arlington Heights neighbors for 40 years and have a reputation for quality, compassionate care. Schedule your appointment by calling (847) 305-1189.