Somerset Skin Centre

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255 Kirts Blvd STE100
Troy MI 48084
248-244-8448

Somerset Skin Centre specializes in the clinical practice of dermatology. George J. Murakawa, MD, PhD, is the founder of this state-of-the-art practice, and is a board-certified dermatologist. We provide excellent patient care in a variety of areas, including general medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery (including Mohs micrographic surgery), phototherapy (NB-UVB, PUVA), contact dermatitis (patch testing), and cosmetic dermatology (lasers for hair removal and treatment of facial redness, Restylaneâ„¢, Botoxâ„¢, sclerotherapy for leg veins, and liposuction).

Somerset Skin Centre is located in Troy, MI, near the I-75 Big Beaver off-ramp, close to The Somerset Collection. Dr. Murakawa is affiliated with Beaumont Hospital, St. John Oakland Hospital, Crittenton Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, and the Detroit Medical Center.

Dr. Murakawa is the former Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Wayne State University and currently Clinical Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at Michigan State University. Dr. Murakawa actively participates in basic science and clinical research programs that aim to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care. He is extensively published in medical journals and textbooks.

Gentle Lase

Imagine having smooth, hair free skin without shaving, waxing, plucking, or bleaching your unwanted hair. Using the latest Candela laser technology known as the GentleLase lasing process, we now offer safe, fast, effective treatments for both men and women.

Unlike other treatments, the GentleLase process is easy—requiring no creams or gels, no pre-treatment waxing, and no needles. In fact, laser hair removal is a medical breakthrough. Treatments are comfortable, treating hair follicles in a fraction of the time of other methods, using only the gentle power of laser light.

What is the Candela GentleLase laser and why is it a safe treatment?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLase System, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.

The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling Devicetmwhere cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort. The GentleLase selectivity helps to protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLase System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.

What does the treatment include?

Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:

:: Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser light during the procedure.

:: A small hand piece will be used that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device.

:: The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of peri-oral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color and coarseness of the hair. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments.

Although one laser session can produce long-term hair removal, as a rule multiple treatment sessions are necessary to obtain optimal results. In large part this is due to the fact that laser hair removal is most effective for hair which is in the anagen phase. Anagen is the growth phase of hair. Since hair grows in cycles, not all of the hairs are in anagen at any given time. Additional sessions are necessary to catch all of the hairs when they are in anagen.

What will I look for after treatment?

Within several minutes of the treatment, the treated area will be come slightly red and puffy. This reaction subsides, and within a few hours the area returns to normal. Since the laser does not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.

Recommended post-operative care includes:

:: avoiding sun exposure or tanning

:: applying ice for discomfort

:: applying topical antibiotic cream or ointment.

Are there any side effects?

Patients will experience some discoloration or reddening of the skin around the treatment site. Some patients may experience hypo- (reduced pigment) or hyperpigmentation (increased pigment) response or increase of pigment color. The skin will typically return to normal pigmentation over time.

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