Laser Treatment Archives

Unlock Your Confidence with Laser Hair Removal

If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, we’re excited for you! It’s a great procedure that will literally change your life on a day-to-day basis! Being free from the embarrassment of unwanted hair and the time constraints that go along with constantly getting rid of it is liberating.

Laser hair removal is extremely popular and here at Celibre Medical, we are often asked why we don’t join in the daily barrage of “specials” or “coupons for groups” that so many other med spas and offices promote incessantly. The reason we don’t is that the laser hair removal treatments we provide our patients don’t have any gimmicks and they work. We don’t sell packages force “packages” on patients so when you are new, you can go one treatment at a time. The figure that we charge is based on many factors including three different state-of-the-art lasers, highly skilled, trained and licensed nurses, an excellent safety record, exceptional results (75% – 95% permanent hair removal), and our unparalleled ability to treat any skin type (color). All these figure into how we price our laser hair removal treatments.

Why the Right Technology Matters at Our Clinic.

We take the time to evaluate and educate our patients up front about the laser hair removal process, in addition to why a certain type of laser technology will work better for them than another and how many total treatments they will need to see full and permanent results. We meticulously maintain our laser equipment and use only devices that have been proven to be effective and are FDA-approved for laser hair removal. We invest in the latest and most up-to-date training for our laser practitioners so that they consistently provide the highest quality treatments that yield impressive results.

For all these reasons, we can’t offer “$29 laser hair removal”. This price is cheaper than waxing so there’s always a catch. We don’t compromise on the quality of patient care or the results we deliver; so, we also don’t compromise on the price of our services. There’s always a trade-off for a lower price, and unfortunately, that is usually poor results. Is that really worth saving a few extra dollars when you’re talking about your skin, your time and your results? You don’t want to have to pay twice for the same service.

Cheap Laser Hair Removal
* Laser Hair Removal Before and After Pictures

Determining Laser Hair Removal Cost and Treatment Plan

We often hear this question, and our response is that it varies. It depends on the type of hair you have, the type of skin you have, the amount of area to be treated, and the laser to be used. We would rather see the patient in person to determine the price because it helps us set proper expectations regarding the cost, number of treatments, and expected outcome. With that said, it may be possible to compare prices for laser hair removal facilities, but our caution would always be to find a practitioner with lots of experience with the procedures and the right type of laser for your skin type.

Laser hair removal before and after pictures

One of the main mistakes consumers make when choosing a practitioner for laser hair removal is that they shop for the cost of a single treatment rather than considering the total cost of laser hair removal. The total price for laser hair removal is the cost per treatment times the number of treatments. Also, it is implied when a potential patient asks us how much laser hair removal costs, that they believe that no matter which facility they go to, that the ultimate results will be the same.

This could not be farther from the truth. When a facility prices their procedures very low, they have to cut costs any way they can. Cutting back on training or expertise by hiring inexperienced nurses is one way. Using inferior and cheaper lasers is another way. And finally, a third is to rush the patient through treatment by not taking as much time or covering as much area. All of these cost cutting strategies can lead to worse outcomes, more treatments required and/or less hair removed.

Research, Consultations, Trust: Determining Laser Hair Removal Price

Our advice to our patients and consults alike is to do lots of research. Find out what others are saying about the facility, which lasers they have and how much experience the nurses or physicians performing the treatments have. Lastly, go to several consultations. We’ve found that our patients value the trusted relationship we develop with them and the results that we deliver. The old saying “you get what you pay for” will go a long way in determining the question – what is the price for laser hair removal?

Lori Ishii Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer

Get the Best Results: Laser Hair Removal Tips

As experts in laser hair removal, we can tell you that not all laser hair removal programs are equal. At Celibre Medical, we have developed proven, effective laser hair removal treatment programs that allow our patients to enjoy between a 75% and 95% permanent reduction of their unwanted hair. In our experience, this level of hair removal is usually achieved after 6 to 8 treatments.

We’ve developed some common recommendations that we give to each patient to help get the most out of their laser hair removal treatment. We ask that you keep all your regularly scheduled appointments, to stay on the correct time interval between treatments. We also ask that you shave to removal unwanted hair during your treatment. Plucking or waxing removes the hair from the follicle, so that laser becomes much less effective at damaging it.

laser hair removal orange county before photo
Permanent Laser Hair Removal Before and After Pictures

When to Consider Switching Laser Hair Removal Practitioners

While most patients enjoy excellent results in 6 to 8 treatments, some see the same level of improvement after only 4 treatment sessions. The bottom line is that there is some variability, but if you’re not seeing a significant reduction in the amount of hair after 2-3 visits at your practitioner’s office, it may be time to switch. And if you’re pressured to sign up for a 6 or 8 treatment “package”, resist the urge. If you sign up with the wrong practitioner, you may not be able to get a refund.

Optimizing Laser Hair Removal: Understanding Treatment Factors

Finally, we have identified a few different factors that may lead to more than the recommended number of treatment sessions. Hormone imbalances (like PCOD) and fine hair or hair that is light brown (not dark brown or black) will usually require more treatment sessions to get optimal results. We have also found that certain ethnic groups generally require more treatment sessions as do large areas, like the back or the legs.

We believe in being up front with our patients and educating them thoroughly about their procedure prior to beginning treatment. We’ve found that preparing you for the road ahead not only makes for a happier ride, but also gives you greater satisfaction at the end.

Permanent makeup is just like any other tattoo – sometimes your tastes and preferences change, and you decide that you no longer like it. If you fall into this category, it’s okay! We’ve helped thousands of people just like you who want their permanent makeup removed with laser treatment. The process is almost exactly the same as laser tattoo removal, and the delicate facial skin can be safely and effectively treated with lasers to remove permanent makeup.

One question that we are often asked is will the laser change the color of the makeup. We have seen this happen before and unfortunately, we don’t know who it will happen to prior to laser treatment because it all depends on the type of ink that was used. We can tell you (and will before we ever do your first treatment) that if a color change occurs, it happens immediately after laser treatment. The process that triggers the change is called oxidation/reduction. This is a fancy term that means the ink particles undergo a physical change during treatment, very similar to what happens when a car rusts.

Often, ink that is closer to an orange color prior to laser will darken to a grey color (see photo). But this isn’t really a bad thing, because darker colors are typically more responsive to laser treatment, so it’s often a help, not a hindrance. While other color changes are possible, you can rest assured that no matter what the color, we have a laser that can safely and effectively treat your unwanted permanent makeup.

We’ve been removing permanent makeup with laser treatment since 2008. We’re experts in the field and we’ve seen pretty much everything! Most importantly, we’ve helped our patients look and feel better about themselves and we can do the same for you.

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If you have a tattoo or permanent make-up, you may be surprised to learn that a laser can remove either. In fact, the same type of laser (q-switched lasers) can tackle the job of removing tattoos or permanent makeup.

Even though permanent makeup and tattoos are similar, the removal process is often different. Even though the same laser can be used to remove them, a critical understanding of these two different treatments is necessary if you are going to have successful and safe removal.

The first difference between tattoos and permanent makeup is the ink that is used. Tattoo ink is much higher quality and heartier than that used in permanent makeup. It might sound backwards, but think of it this way: a tattoo is meant to last your whole life; permanent makeup, on the other hand, can fade significantly through the years. Most permanent makeup artists will tell you that you can expect an average of five years before further work is needed. This is because the ink that’s used is inherently more fragile and a lower quality. For this reason, permanent makeup is generally easier to remove with a laser.

Next, consider the tattooing process. Many layers of ink are deposited into the skin to create a design, picture or word. Permanent makeup may involve a bit of layering, but nothing compared to a tattoo. How does this relate to laser removal? Well, the thicker the ink, the more laser passes (and treatments) it takes to break it up. Again, permanent makeup usually fades faster and with fewer treatments than a tattoo.

The last major difference is the way the two behave during the laser removal treatment process. Because of the nature of the ink that’s used in permanent makeup, it can (and sometimes does) “oxidize” after laser treatment. This makes it turn different colors. Tattoos don’t do this.

This fact can change the number of laser treatments you will need to get rid of your permanent makeup. Usually, it will make the entire process longer. It may also cause you to hide the permanent makeup. Which can change new shades of orange, pale blue or dark grey. While penciling over eyebrows to hide the ink might be a pain in the short term, rest assured the ink will completely fade away with laser treatments no matter what color it turns!

In summary, it’s important that you don’t expect the process of tattoo removal to be the same for your permanent makeup and vice versa. While the differences between the two are subtle, it’s important for your overall success that you understand them fully.

Achieve Even Skin Tone: Laser Treatment for Poikiloderma

Very simply, yes you can get rid of Poikiloderma. Here at Celibre Medical, we have a wide array of FDA-approved class IV medical lasers and broad band light that can both safely and effectively remove the red and brown discoloration of Poikiloderma. We use pulsed dye lasers, q-switched lasers and the Sciton BBl (broad band light) to get rid of redness, sun damage and uneven skin tone.

A good question to ask is, “Will my Poikiloderma stay gone after laser treatment?” This question is a bit more difficult to answer. One factor to consider is how you developed your Poikiloderma in the first place. Chances are you spent a lot of time in the sun. UV exposure is the main culprit behind the changes that you see on your skin.

So, if you decide that you’re going to invest the time and make the financial commitment to get rid of your Poikiloderma with class IV medical lasers, then you need to take the proper steps to make sure that you protect your skin so that you don’t develop it again.

Protecting Your Skin: Sunscreen and Smart Behavior

Sun avoidance works as the best type of sunscreen. Do your outdoor exercise or yard work early or late in the day, when the sun’s UV isn’t quite so intense. Even still, you must wear broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, and consider protective clothing if you’re going to have extended periods of sun exposure, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

At Celibre Medical, we’ve helped many patients rejuvenate the appearance of the skin on their neck. We can help you too. Don’t hide behind your turtlenecks any longer. With the proper laser treatment and some simple, yet effective sun-smart behavior, you can be proud to show it off again.

poikiloderma laser treatment los angeles

Poikiloderm photo (courtsey of eMedicine)

To achieve permanent laser hair removal — where this term represents 75%-95% permanent removal of the hair in 6-8 treatments –– the base of the hair follicle has to be heated to a high enough temperature so that the blood vessels that connect to the base of the hair follicle are disabled. This process involves a temperature high enough to cause some discomfort.

Most patients that have undergone waxing will generally say that <strong”>laser hair removal is more comfortable than waxing. The challenge with describing the discomfort involved with the laser hair removal process is that some patients have a very easy time with laser hair removal and others think it is very painful, and every patient has a different pain tolerance. We can say that since 2004, we have done tens of thousands of laser hair removal treatments and we can count on two hands the number that have opted out of the process because it was too painful.

african american laser hair removal los angeles before photo

What does laser hair removal feel like?

Laser hair removal is most commonly described as feeling like someone is snapping you sharply on the skin with a rubber band. It can also feel like pin pricks or hot sand on the skin.

How do we make your laser hair removal treatments more comfortable?

There are methods to lessen the discomfort level during laser hair reduction including cold gels, numbing creams, and cold air blowers.

Does painless laser hair removal exist?

Currently, the FDA requires that manufacturers of lasers used for laser hair removal are able to substantiate (via clinical trials) that their product is “Pain Free Laser Hair Removal” or “painless laser hair removal” before they are able to advertise that. There is one manufacturer currently advertising that their laser as pain free, but they have not applied for nor received an FDA approval to substantiate this claim.

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You can find laser hair removal in almost every city in America. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, OB/Gyns and family practice offices offer it? But who’s qualified to do laser hair removal and how can you ensure you’re getting an effective treatment?

You may not be surprised to learn that price isn’t the most important factor! Understanding the available devices and which one is right for you is really the first thing you need to consider when choosing your laser hair removal provider.

which laser hair removal laser for my skin type
Laser Hair Removal before and after pictures

Let us explain a bit more. First, you need to know what your skin type (color) is. There are six different skin types: type I to type VI. We’ve listed them along with a description below for you:

Type I skin is of Caucasian descent; Very fair and typically Northern European or Scandinavian, such as Swedish or Irish. This skin type always burns in the sun and rarely tans.
Type II skin is also very fair and usually of Caucasian descent; European heritages such as English, German, Russian are generally this skin type. These people burn easily but may tan.
Type III skin includes Caucasians of Mediterranean descent as well as some lighter-skinned Hispanics. Many Italians, Greeks and South American Hispanics are this skin type. They will tan easily usually after an initial burn.
Type IV skin is usually a light brown skin tone. Hispanic, Asians, Persians and Middle Easterners are this skin type. They will tan very easily and burn minimally.
Type V skin is brown skin. Usually those with lighter skin of North African or African-American descent. These people tan darkly easily and rarely, if ever, burn in the sun.
Type VI skin is dark brown or black skin. These people are of African descent, tan very darkly and never burn.

Now that you understand your skin type, let’s talk about the different laser hair removal devices. Each of these is specific for a certain range of skin types. This should help you decide which class IV medical laser is the right choice for laser hair removal. There are three, different devices currently available:

The diode laser
The Alexandrite laser
The Nd-Yag laser

The diode laser is the most common laser hair removal device used today. The Lumenis LightSheer is a brand of diode laser considered the “gold standard” for laser hair removal among medical laser professionals. It is ideal for skin types I through IV. And although the manufacturer advises that it may be used on higher skin types (with certain models), our experience has not shown this to be true. We would strongly caution those with a skin type V or VI against having laser hair removal with this device.

The Alexandrite laser is a less commonly used device, but still very effective for laser hair removal in skin types I through III. We generally would not recommend its use in anyone over a skin type III due to the risk of hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin and blistering. There are several brands of Alexandrite lasers, but the Cynosure Apogee is the most widely used device in this category.

Lastly, the Nd:Yag laser is the type of device that is most commonly used laser hair removal device for darker skin types (type V and VI). What makes this device safe for dark skin? Remember that laser hair removal works by damaging the follicle with heat (or light) energy. All the lasers listed above target melanin which is the pigment that lines the hair follicle and gives the hair color. Since people with black skin have a lot of melanin in their skin and hair, special laser technology must be used to properly target the melanin in the follicle while avoiding it in the skin. At Celibre, we use a device called the Sciton Profile.

The Sciton Profile is a long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser that uses a greater penetrating wavelength of light that can get to the deeper melanin in the follicle and bypass the melanin closer to the skin’s surface that gives it color. This device is extremely safe for all dark skin types and works very well for laser hair removal in black skin.

Before you consider laser hair removal, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the most common types of lasers. This will help ensure a better outcome with more permanent hair removal for you.

If you’ve got ingrown hairs, you know that they not only look bad, but they hurt too! These painful, tender, red, raised bumps are common on the face, scalp and body usually after shaving. Ingrown hairs can be mistaken for acne, lead to more severe skin problems like folliculitis (infection of the hair follicle) and they can also lead to permanent facial scarring. Darkened areas of skin, known as traumatic hyperpigmentation can take months (or longer) to resolve. And a more serious form of ingrown hairs called pseudofolliculitis barbae can lead to permanent raised or pitted scars in the beard and neck.

ingrown hairs laser hair removal los angeles before and after photos
Laser hair removal before and after photos

There are many over-the-counter products including shave creams that promise to reduce or even eliminate ingrown hairs, but for many of us, they just don’t work. However, there is one, proven way to eliminate painful, potentially scarring ingrown hairs once and for all: laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is safe for all skin types (colors) and can be performed anywhere on the body. It is the perfect treatment for this common, frustrating problem. Why shave day after day and risk serious skin infection and scarring when you can permanently get rid of your unwanted hair? Many of our patients who’ve experienced the scarring type of folliculitis find that once the hair is gone for good, their skin settles down and returns to a more normal appearance.

If you’re suffering with ingrown hairs and frustrated with the previous products and treatments that didn’t work for you in the past, consider laser hair removal. It truly is a miracle treatment that can keep this problem at bay for you permanently! It is safe and effective no matter where you’re bothered by ingrown hairs and no matter what skin type (color) you have.

When done correctly, laser hair removal lasts forever. Permanent hair removal is the end goal, and in our practice, permanent removal of 75% – 95% of the hair with color and coarseness is typically achieved in 6-8 visits.

Does all the hair go away?

There are several factors that help determines How Long Does Laser Hair Treatment Last and whether or not it is permanent.

1) The type of hair matters –

The type of hair is important as permanent hair removal only lasts forever when the hair we are treating has color (blond, white and red hair do not respond well). Black and brown hair work well and the thicker the hair is, the easier it is to get permanent results. On the spectrum of hair types, laser hair removal of blond fine hair (such as peach fuzz) does not work and permanent removal of thick, dark hair is fairly straightforward. The thicker and darker the hair, the more permanent the laser hair removal results you will achieve.

2) Laser technology matters –

Different skin and hair types are better suited for different types of lasers, so if you want your laser hair removal to last forever, make sure to do a bit of research on which lasers would work well with your skin type. Generally speaking, for skin types I-IV (Scandinavian up to Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanic) the Diode and Alexandrite lasers are typically used. For darker skin types V and VI (African-American and African), the Yag laser is the best choice.

3) Experience matters –

The more procedures your laser hair removal practitioner has done, the higher chance you will have at getting lasting results for your treatments. Many consumers believe that laser hair removal is the same at every practice. Nothing could be further from the truth. The way the procedures are performed (energy level used, areas covered, etc.) will affect your results.

How can I ensure lasting laser hair removal results?

When choosing a laser hair removal practice, make sure they have experienced physicians, nurses or technicians, and laser technology that is appropriate for your skin type. Know yourself that if you have thick dark hair you are an excellent candidate and if you have blond, fine hair, you will be disappointed with the results. If you are a good candidate and find a great practice, your laser hair removal results can last forever.

Generally speaking, yes, laser hair removal is uncomfortable. But if that’s what’s keeping you from considering having treatment, then perhaps you should reconsider? Everyone’s perception of pain is different, and we feel like we have identified a few factors that are correlated with an increased amount of pain with laser hair removal. If you don’t fall into one of these groups, maybe it is something that you should think about doing! If you are in one of them, we suggest you try at least a single treatment. Often patients will tell us that the pain of laser hair removal was more a figment of their imagination than a reality after they’ve gone through a treatment or two.

Through our unofficial research, we’ve found the following factors generally point to increased pain with laser hair removal: thick, dark or coarse hair; young age; and male gender. Let’s go into each of these briefly:

Thick, dark, coarse hair is a “target rich” environment for the laser. These follicles are larger and they contain more melanin or pigment, which is what the laser’s energy is drawn to and absorbed by. So naturally, people with this type of hair will feel the laser more. But on the flip side, that sensation tells you that the laser is working! This type of hair responds the best to laser hair removal.

Why the pain?

Because the follicle must heat up to the point where it becomes structurally damaged and can no longer grow hair. The larger the follicle and the more “target”, the more heat absorption which produces the sensation or pain, but the better the results too!

The good news is that thick, dark hair disappears quickly, so pain typically diminishes with each subsequent laser hair removal treatment.

Younger patients tend to tell us that laser hair removal is more painful. Why? We aren’t totally sure, but maybe it has something to do with not having experienced much pain previously in life (those reading who are older can appreciate this). If you’ve gone through childbirth, a surgery or injury, then you have some experience with pain. Younger folks maybe just haven’t gotten in on all the fun yet! We also wonder if older patients are more committed to getting rid of their unwanted hair. They’ve shaved, waxed, tweezed and plucked to the point where they don’t care how much it hurts; they just never want to have to groom themselves again!

Men seem to tolerate the discomfort of laser hair removal less than women. We again can only speculate as to why, but possibly it’s because they tend to have thicker hair than women, so perhaps they really do feel it more? Or perhaps the societal pressure on women not to be hairy is so much greater for a woman than a man, that again, women don’t care how much it hurts—they just want the hair gone once and for all!

Remember, not everyone struggles with discomfort during laser hair removal. Pain is a highly individualized sensation, so you really don’t know how it will feel to you until you try it! At Celibre, we treat everyone with the same respect; and we take all measures we can to ensure that you are comfortable and can tolerate your laser hair removal procedure. We use topical numbing creams, ice packs and cold air to help ease your discomfort and get you through the procedure.

As the leader in laser hair removal in Southern California since 2004, we will tell you that during that time only a few patients have opted out of having laser hair removal with us because of pain. We encourage you to give it a try and see how it goes! We know you won’t be disappointed with your results!

* View Some of our Laser Hair Removal Before and After Pictures

This is a question that we hear daily from patients like you. Although you might think we get tired of giving the same answer over and over, we don’t. Our goal is to provide our patients with the most accurate and up-to-date information about the conditions we treat and the procedures we perform. We never tire of helping patients like you choose effective, life-changing treatments that suit their preferences, lifestyles and budgets! All that to say our answer is yes; however, there are a few factors that must be considered:

Experience of the laser practitioner:

We’re not just talking about credentials here. In many U.S. states and countries around the world even, aestheticians and “laser technicians” can perform laser hair removal. And trust us when we say that a licensed MD can injure, burn or even scar a patient with a laser just as easily as someone with far less formal education under their belt. The key is: what is their laser hair removal experience. The more laser procedures someone has performed, the more familiar they are with the skin’s reaction to the laser, the settings that are necessary and the clinical judgement needed to do a safe and effective job. In our opinion, someone with a solid year of laser hair removal experience will likely have a well-rounded, real-world education with their device to be able to deliver safe and effective results.

Training:

Laser training shouldn’t begin and continue with unsuspecting patients. Unfortunately, some laser practitioners get very little training. We believe that at a minimum, training should include at least eight hours of supervised work that includes use of the laser on multiple different patients with varying skin types (colors) for a practitioner to have a basic skill set. Ask before you let someone treat you. Ideally, someone with at least two years of laser hair removal experience themselves, employed or affiliated with a different, external facility, should train your practitioner.

Laser technology:

While you might think that there lots of different lasers used for laser hair removal, there are only four different devices. The diode laser (810 nanometer wavelength), the alexandrite laser (755 nanometer wavelength) and the Nd:Yag (1,064 nanometer wavelength) are the top three laser choices. The fourth is an Intense Pulsed Light device, or IPL. We consider the first three to all be effective and safe options for permanent laser hair removal. The IPL is less so (although it is commonly used) because it isn’t really a laser. IPLs use multiple wavelengths of light, instead of just one and have a harder time getting rid of medium and fine hair.

The 755 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm lasers provide targeted treatment for the melanin lining the hair follicles. These three wavelengths of light are designed to absorb hair. Enabling the laser’s energy to selectively damage the follicle while leaving the skin unharmed.With an IPL, there are multiple wavelengths of light that go into the skin. In order for the ones that damage melanin in the follicle to be powerful enough, you have to increase the overall energy of the treatment. This significantly increases the risk of unwanted side effects and does not guarantee that the follicle will sustain enough damage for permanent hair removal. That’s right. With IPL, you increase the risk of unwanted side effects without getting the permanent hair removal you want. This is why we do not recommend IPL for permanent hair removal.

You may wonder why there are three other wavelengths used then? The answer is that each wavelength is best suited for unwanted hair on different skin types (colors). The diode (810 nm) and alexandrite (755 nm) work well on lighter skin types—Scandinavian up to some Asian or Hispanic heritages. The Nd:Yag (1064 nm) is ideally suited for darker skin types, such as African and African-American.

Choosing a facility to provide safe laser hair removal

Often practices that use IPL can do treatments very quickly because of the size of the laser head. This means IPL treatments are often cheaper. The problem lies in the fact that IPL cannot achieve the same high percentage of permanent hair removal. Consequently, in the end, many patients have to undergo repeat laser hair removal treatments if they had previously used IPL. Try to find a practice that offers laser treatments for your skin type to maximize the chance of getting a good result.

Other practices may offer very little laser training for nurses or rely on other staff to train new employees because it’s convenient and free. Unfortunately, practices that skimp on training and use a one-size-fits all approach may not have the experience or ability to customize treatment settings that are right for you. All this amounts to an increased risk of side effects and/or ineffective treatments.

Make sure your laser hair removal practice has a device that’s appropriate and safe for your skin type. Ask what kind of training your laser practitioner has and how many treatments he/she has performed in the past. Lastly, make sure you are a part of your treatment plan. A facility that doesn’t take the time to educate you on your condition and explain the treatment process likely cares very little for your safety and satisfaction.

While it may a bit more work for you up front, finding the right office for laser hair removal is worth it in the end.

If you’re considering laser tattoo removal to get rid of an unwanted tattoo, you might want to know what lasers work well. Laser tattoo removal can be a bit of a complicated thing; no doubt you’ve come across a lot of information and are a bit confused about what laser might be best for your tattoo.

We want to discuss with you the top three lasers that are used for laser tattoo removal. The first part of this article discusses the type of laser technology. These names are generic for the type of laser (not brand). The second list includes will name brands of each type (think Kleenex, Puffs, etc.). Putting these two lists together will help you as you shop around and research the best laser practice for your tattoo.

First, here are the generic laser types. This lasers may have different brand names, but that they all incorporate one (or more), specific wavelength(s) of light to remove specific colors of tattoo ink:

Practitioners most commonly use Q-switched Nd:Yag (and double frequency Nd:Yag) lasers for tattoo removal because these lasers possess two wavelengths and can effectively treat various ink colors. One is a 1064 nm (nanometer) wavelength of light, frequently referred to as just Nd:Yag. The other is a 532 nm wavelength, which is a double frequency Nd:Yag. The 1064 nm is great for black, blue, deep purple and other dark colors of tattoo ink, and the 532 nm is best for red ink. We also use this laser for all the colors in between (yellow, orange, pale blue, green, etc.), but we inform our patients that treating these colors with this laser may require more overall sessions. Usually, in our practice, it’s anywhere between 5 and 15.

Q-switched ruby: This laser uses a 694 nm wavelength of light. It is effective for treating green and other darkly colored tattoo inks.

Q-switched alexandrite: Also with a 694 nm wavelength, this laser can treat green ink along with other dark colors.

Now, onto the specific brands of these lasers:

Hoya Conbio Medlite (C3, C4, C6 and Revlite): This device is a q-switched Nd:Yag/double frequency Nd:Yag. The 1064 nm/532 nm wavelength combination of this laser makes it one of the most versatile and most readily used devices around the world for laser tattoo removal.

The Palomar Q-Yag 5 features another dual q-switched Nd:Yag laser equipped with both 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths. It is like the Hoya Conbio device, but it has a special feature that allows the practitioner to mix the 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths. This is unique and valuable when treating a tattoo on a patient with a darker skin type (color).

Picosure (and other picosecond lasers): This brand and others like it are newer in the market for tattoo removal devices. They are heavily marketed to be able to remove tattoos in less treatments. Using a shorter burst of light (which these lasers have) may help remove tattoos in fewer treatments, but this comes at a price. Owners of picosecond lasers are charging twice as much for procedures and in many cases not getting rid of them twice as fast.

So, remember when considering laser tattoo removal that both the type and brand of lasers matter in determining the result of your treatment.

It’s never been easier or more socially acceptable to have a tattoo than today. Everywhere you look from professional athletes and celebrities to doctors, lawyers and teachers, you can find people from all different walks of life with one. And while many people choose tattoos to commemorate or celebrate something near and dear to them, some people simply get them on a whim only to regret their decision later. The good news is that it’s never been easier to get a tattoo removed—that is, if you don’t mind spending a little extra time and money in the process.

Erase Regrets with the Best Tattoo Removal Lasers

Laser tattoo removal has become immensely popular in the past few years because it’s the only option available to who no long want to live with a tattoo. But it’s much harder to get one removed than it was to get one put on in the first place! This is because the laser isn’t actually doing the work of getting rid of the tattoo ink. Your body is! The laser is just there to help your body work a bit more efficiently at what it does naturally.

You see, our bodies are designed to remove foreign things like bacteria, viruses and even suture material. Tattoo ink is a foreign invader in the skin and your body will try to remove it over time. The tattoo ink particles are too large for our body to do this very well on its own; that’s why tattoos often fade as they age instead of disappearing. They are under constant attack from our body’s immune system. Enter lasers. Q-switched lasers to be specific. These lasers use a high energy pulse delivered over a short duration of time to help break up the ink particles into something the body can get rid of more efficiently on its own.

Q-Switched Lasers: Key to Successful Tattoo Removal

Q-switching is a unique function of a laser and not every laser is capable of it. If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, it should be with a q-switched laser to give you the best results. There are different energy sources for q-switched lasers that give them different wavelengths of light which are attracted to different colors of tattoo ink. Also make sure that your laser practitioner is using a q-switched laser that is safe for your skin type, as there are some that cannot be used on darker skin.

Lastly, remember that the laser is an important piece of the equation for effective treatment, but if it’s in inexperienced or incapable hands, you may not see the results you’re looking for, or worse yet, you could experience an unwanted side effect such as scarring or permanent loss of pigmentation. Find out what kind of expertise and experience your laser practitioner has before you assume they know how to treatment tattoos with lasers.

Types of Lasers for Permanent Hair Removal:

Generally speaking, there are four types of commonly used lasers for permanent hair removal.

Diode Lasers (810 nanometers)
Alexandrite (755 nanometers)
Yag, Nd:Yg (1064 nanometers)
IPL, Intense Pulsed Light (400-800 nanometers)

Which is the best TYPE laser for me?

Having performed tens of thousands of laser hair removal treatments since 2004, we’ve had the opportunity to use a fair number of laser hair removal devices. The answer to the above question may not be as simple as it seems. Generally for lighter skin types, the best TYPE of lasers are the Diode and Alexandrite. For darker skin types (specifically African), the most appropriate laser is the Yag. But in Los Angeles, we have a wide variety of skin types and mixes and sometimes an African American mix may be more appropriate for a Diode than a Yag. The last device (IPL) is not a laser and is instead a device that uses a mix of wavelengths of light. Because of this, IPL is less effective at ensuring permanent hair removal. In addition, it has a higher incidence of side effects than lasers do. For this reason, we do not recommend IPL for laser hair removal.

Which is the best BRAND for laser hair removal?

There are many, many different brands of laser hair removal devices. What consumers should focus on is not so much the brand (Lumenis, Palomar, Candela) but rather the wavelength of light (Diode, Alexandrite or Yag) and whether the laser is appropriate for their skin type. Also important is the experience of the laser practitioner. Regardless of which laser hair removal technology is used, if it is not used well, you may not achieve a high % of permanent hair removal. Your best bet is to ask a friend who was successful with their laser hair removal program where they went or check online reviews.

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310.373.5000

This is my first time ever leaving a yelp review but I have to say that Kevin gave me A+ service on CO2 laser resurfacing. The results are amazing!
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Linda T.

Love love love the services and staff at Celibre! I've referred several friends and family. Nurse Lori is a true artist and beyond knowledgeable when it comes to her craft.
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Christopher D.

Best of the Best! I've been a patient at Celibre for over 10 years now, and even after I moved hours away, I still only trust the staff here to take care of me. They're all patient, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. They keep detailed records of all your treatments and are careful about listening so you get the results you want while still looking natural. Nurse Lori has been my main provider for so long now, and she's been so sweet that I consider her a friend. Both Kevin and Lori are excellent, so you're in good hands with whoever you choose.

I've had laser treatments, dysport, and fillers. I'm in my 40's now, but people assume I'm in my 20's or 30's. Their products are great too. They can recommend what works for your particular skin and age.
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Lucy L.
I have been using products from Celibre to treat my melasma for many years now. It is the only place I have found to really improve my melasma. I would be wearing so much makeup if I had never found this place. Before using their products I was trying to color correct my dark spots using colored concealers, sponging my makeup on super thick to counteract the pigment of the dark spots.
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Sara V.

Lori is Amazing. She explains things so well. She cares and listens to what your needs are. Thanks Lori as always for your amazing artistry!
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Dana V.

I needed to lighten my dark spots before my daughter's wedding along with few other cosmetic enhancement. So I started to research on medical spa...I'm asian and I needed someone who is familiar with asian skin since our skin has a different effect of pigmentation. After I talked to several places, I decided to give this place a go. I met RN. Kevin DiCerbo there...I have lots of questions and he answered with detail explanations. His answers were direct and honest and he'll tell you what works and what doesn't. And I really really appreciated that unlike other places I visited before who sold me the services which didn't work.
My laser dark spots removal was amazing! I never thought I could get rid of those dark spots in 2 treatments! I wish I've come here 10 years ago! When I emailed several questions after my treatment he always answered me right away. The communications were really good! All the office stuffs are so kind and helpful! I'll look no further for my future treatment!!
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Keiko C.
Lori is not just my skin specialist, she has become a trusted friend over the many years I have been going to see her. She is so gentle and kind when she does the botox and filler and restylane treatments. I always go home happy and feeling good about the improvements she makes on my face. I'm in my 70's and I always get compliments from people who believe I'm much younger. I honestly believe I have her to thank for that. I will go to her for the rest of my life. She is very talented and knows exactly what to do to make anyone look younger and fresher looking as well.
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Linda M.

Lori was so knowledgeable and accommodating! She suggested a non surgical brow lift and it did wonders to help my eyes look symmetrical without surgery! Going in for my next round today!!
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Cristen F.

Thank you to all the Celibre Medical staff for always making me feel welcomed. I've been coming to this facility for over five years, and all I can say is their service is unbeatable & the treatment you will receive is unmatched. Dara, you will be missed, but I know that you will enjoy your new journey. Thanks for constantly following up with me & im sure the entire Celibre team appreciates your hard work and dedication, especially during Covid. You rock & Lori is AMAZING :). Thanks
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Darius T.
I was pleased about my first visitation. Kevin, the director was very professional, he explained and answered all my concerns, he suggested the phase in detail of each step, and also I was very comfortable with the staff assistant, she was very nice.
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Yuka M.

I have been going to Lori at Celibre for years. I consider her an artist in her approach to fillers, botox and lasers. Her approach is to refresh, brighten and address any areas of concern. I prefer a more natural enhancement which is always the result I get.

Everyone in their office is kind and professional. Kevin is also great to work with.

Celibre only uses products they believe in and that offer the best results for the cost.

I would recommend Celibre to everyone who wants a safe environment with professional highly trained people.
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Debbie S.

For as long as I can remember my Dad has been the sunshine of my life. There was never anything too large or too small that this man wouldn't make possible for his daughter. (Colgate smile* waves*) So naturally when I started looking into preventative aging treatment I instantly thought of my father who has always looked years younger then his true age. Look there is no escaping... We are all going to get older, but there is so many treatments that can and will help the process without turning your face into a CAT. Lol

Laurie, Nurse Kevin. You guys are the magicians of your trade. This place has integrity... and strives to "keep them guessing"

And I will forever promote for you both, because it's amazing how well you know your craft without changing the natural beauty of someone.

I appreciate & love you both.
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Jen O.
Customer service- clarifying conversations- the desired results! These are some of the proficiencies you'll encounter with these skilled professionals. They helped my skin and heart.
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Laila R.

Lori is absolutely remarkable. She works miracles on my look. When I leave I look 10 yrs younger and it's a natural look! Roxanne
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roxanne w.

I've been going to Celibre and getting treatments from Lori for over 10 years now. I've had dysport, fillers, and now laser treatments. Obviously, I'm extremely happy with the results and can honestly say I love everything she's done for me. I'm in my 40's now but don't look it at all. I look like I've aged backwards. I'm glad I started when I did because it really is preventative of future aging.

Everyone there is kind, polite, honest, and informative. Lori has a way of working with your own look so your outcome is personalized and natural. She has a keen eye and is an expert at her craft.

Kevin is great too. He took care of me once when I had a spontaneous mini vacation and Lori was out of the office. It's nice to know I can trust everyone there on their expertise.

Definitely recommend! Seriously, it's sooo worth the investment to look and feel this great when I look in the mirror. When everyone around me has appeared to age while I stay young, I jokingly say I'm an Aztec vampire.
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Lucy L.
I just recently had the profractional laser done at Celibre in December. It has literally shaved 10 years off of my appearance. My skin is brighter, the texture is so much better, my pores are smaller, the sun damage is almost non-existent, my melasma got better and I was scared that it would get worse because that can happen from the laser. And Celibre told me that it was a possibility, but luckily it did not. It did require some time off but again it wasn't anything that wasn't explained to me by Celibre. They answered all my questions and went over everything in detail. That's another thing that I love about Celibre. You never feel rushed or like you can't have any and all of your questions asked. They always make you feel like the star of the show and I appreciate that. Celibre is the BEST place to go to for fillers, botox, or lasers. I get all of my procedures done there and wouldn't go anywhere else. I even commute from Orange County because they are that good! Celibre keeps your budget and your goals both in mind when helping you pick your procedures. I love Kevin, and Lori, and all of the girls in the front desk. They are not snooty whatsoever and again always make you feel special. I CAN'T BE MORE CLEAR ABOUT THIS, IF YOU GET BOTOX, LASERS, OR FILLERS GO TO CELIBRE!!!!! THEY SET THE BAR! THEY ARE THE BAR! THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY I PROMISE!!!!!!!!! I LOVE CELIBRE!
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Dannie A.

I highly recommend Lori for any skin concerns or treatments that Celibre offers! She took the time to listen to my concerns and gave me honest feedback. I came in for hyperpigmentation that I've had for years and I couldn't find a place that could help me solve the issue. Lori provided a treatment that has pretty much gotten rid of my hyperpigmentation after the first treatment and I couldn't be more excited! I'll definitely be returning for future treatments! Thank you Lori!
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R V.

I normally do not write reviews but I have to say that Celibre is the best. The office staff is always welcoming. Lori Haney is an artist. I have been going to her for probably at least 6 years. She is honest and I trust her to tell me her opinion about what procedures are best for me and understands that I want a natural, fresher look. I always walk out feeling better than when I walked in. Kevin is equally honest and a true professional.

They are always on top of any discounts or specials available. I have recommended Celibre to friends and no one has been disappointed.
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Debbie S.
I am so impressed with the service and quality from Celibre. I drive an hour for injections from Lori Haney. She is the best and is highly knowledgeable. I'm very happy with my results!
Thank you Lori.
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Robyn W.

The staff here are very welcoming and informative! I'm the type to ask to ask questions on anything new I am trying for the first time and I have to say that every question I asked was answered with a honest and well informed answer which definitely made my decision to get dysport for the first time that much easier. Kevin was very informative, he listened to my concerns and gave great feedback and did a excellent job on the areas that I got dysport.
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Angilina M.

Thank you Celibre for making me feels so much better! Lori is a miracle worker! Fine lines so improved and frown lines way better. Thanks for the boost in my confidence
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roxanne w.
Although I'm new fairly new to Celibre, I've been very pleased with the service so far. Honesty is very important to me and Kevin DiCerbo has made sure to keep it 100% about what I can expect based on the procedure that I'm having. He takes the time to explain the process and why he recommends one approach versus another. Unlike other places, it makes me feel like he's not just trying to take my money. Kevin actually cares about his clients. Most recently, my teenage son was struggling with an insecurity and after taking him to Kevin he feels much more confident and that makes me happy. If you haven't done so already, please give Celibre a try! You will not be disappointed.
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Anna C.

I loooove how the Celibre's staff is so knowledgeable in facial construction, symmetry & features and don't focus just on huge fake duck lips and SPOC eyebrows like everyone else in LA (unless this is what you want I'm sure they can cater to you also ) !! I always look so refreshed and natural , not like my face is frozen or aerodynamic (my way of describing when fillers and Botox goes bad, especially in the eyebrow area) I'm in my 40's and I looked for a place that knew what they were doing not something randomly off Instagram or Groupon !!! But I must say, Nurse Lori won me with all her educational and Informative instagram posts !!!
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LadyLoops L.

Been here several times for laser tattoo removal with Kevin. Face tattoos are painful to remove. Kevin's communication with you throughout the procedure makes it much more tolerable. Thanks Kevin. 5 stars.
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Timothy J.
Called for a consultation and spoke with Kevin I told him I was interested in my smile lines so he booked me a consultation for the next day at 9am, I went in I was greeted by name by the receptionist she had me feel out a few forms and took me right back, they took before pics I spoke with Kevin as soon as I got there he answered all my questions, showed me examples the whole nine. He even recommended medication for my acne scars instead of just doing another treatment I didn't need so far I am happy with them and will be returning. They also accept care credit and Alpheon credit to free interest for 6 months
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Sheena S.

I cannot say enough great things about this place. The front desk staff are super personable, nice and welcoming. Kevin DiCerbo has been helping me since I moved to South Bay since about a year ago.
I highly recommend them for any of your cosmetic facial needs!
Mr. DiCerbo is super informative and didn't mind me asking him a ton of questions about various procedures that am considering in the future! He took the time and was not bothered at all.
They have a patient for life with me.
So happy I found them!
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Amber W.

I was referred to Celibre by a friend and was not disappointed. The office is clean, open and had great music playing. Front office staff was super welcoming. Lori was knowledgeable, sweet and answered all my questions before I had my treatment. I felt like she had my best interest and for a first time customer felt like I've been seeing her for years. I will be going back and referring Celibre and Lori to all my friends and family!!
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Lauren C.
Awesome Staff and love the laser hair removable service... best thing I've done so far!!!
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Jackie A.

Omg !!! What to say... I have a birthmark on my face and tried my whole life to get rid of it. No doctor could until Kevin !! I first called to ask some questions, he was so clear about everything, about what to expect, when the results would appear etc...
I had my first Laser session 12/26 and I will need around 5 to 10 session... I already wear less makeup. I am so glad ! Thank you !!!
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Coco C.

Went in to have some small skin tags removed as well as have some botox injected into my forehead...I didn't realize what a little touch up could do. The quick treatment literally peeled away years off of my appearance. Highly recommend going here for a customized treatment plan that will get you results.
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Jake Haney
What an amazing experience!!! Not only did I love my results (which can we be honest, that's why we are all here) but Lori was so full of knowledge, walking me through each step! Don't have one negative about my experience.
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Faith P.

Very professional and patient! They will educate you, and answer all of your questions.
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Wendy R.

I had gone to Celibre 10 years ago and had a great experience- so I decided to go back and have Lori (who I had before) do my injecting of Restlylane and Dysport. She is INCREDIBLE!! She is kind, gentle (important!) caring, explains everything beforehand...all around a beautiful person who loves to help people and loves her career! For having needles stuck in my face--it was a GREAT experience! I had to come back for a touch up and she took care of it for no charge! If you are nervous- don't be, you'll be fine with Lori!
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Andrea O.
I had gone to Celibre 10 years ago and had a great experience- so I decided to go back and have Lori (who I had before) do my injecting of Restlylane and Dysport. She is INCREDIBLE!! She is kind, gentle (important!) caring, explains everything beforehand...all around a beautiful person who loves to help people and loves her career! For having needles stuck in my face--it was a GREAT experience! I had to come back for a touch up and she took care of it for no charge! If you are nervous- don't be, you'll be fine with Lori!
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Andrea O.

Very clean, kind friendly staff, provided me with a lot of preliminary information. I had a lot of questions and Kevin took his time in answering them all.
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Sarah D.

Lori is an angel from heaven. I mean it!!

I am a first time injector and was relatively nervous about it. I am in my twenties and wanted to enhance my appearance in a subtle way. I was referred to Lori by my facialist and she looks amazing so I thought let's do it!

I went with my sister and best friend and we did a combined appointment. Lori made us all feel so special! We asked her to give us her honest opinion of what we needed and she did in a kind and friendly way! She did not try to up-sell us and was realistic about our goals.

Lori is a master injector and I would trust her with my face completely. She is sooo warm, friendly and easy to talk to! I love my lips and facial filler and I will be back! I want to go back like tomorrow, lol. Thanks Lori!!
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Erin M.
Lori is an angel from heaven. I mean it!!

I am a first time injector and was relatively nervous about it. I am in my twenties and wanted to enhance my appearance in a subtle way. I was referred to Lori by my facialist and she looks amazing so I thought let's do it!

I went with my sister and best friend and we did a combined appointment. Lori made us all feel so special! We asked her to give us her honest opinion of what we needed and she did in a kind and friendly way! She did not try to up-sell us and was realistic about our goals.

Lori is a master injector and I would trust her with my face completely. She is sooo warm, friendly and easy to talk to! I love my lips and facial filler and I will be back! I want to go back like tomorrow, lol. Thanks Lori!!
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Erin M.

I had a great experience here. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Nurse Kevin used Restylane to fill under my eyes to help reduce the bags and fat pads that made me look tired. Kevin used a little over 1 vial of Restylane between both of my eyes and made sure I was happy with the final result before I left.

My eyes look much more rested and my dark lines and bags under my eyes look much better. I have a little bruising and tenderness which is to be expected with this delicate area.

Kevin was very helpful and professional. He also recommended I make an account on Galderma's website for an additional savings on top of the groupon price.

The only concern I had was that there is not a doctor or nurse practitioner on site. I had a quick video call with a nurse practitioner who asked me a few questions to clear me for the procedure. Fortunately, the nurses seem more than capable of administering the fillers appropriately. I would recommend Kevin if you're looking for a fast and affordable way to look refreshed.
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Tiffany C.

Stars to the moon for this wonderful place. Talk about an educated and highly skilled staff. I was beyond satisfied with my experience here. Came after after diligent research on a laser they offer . Lori went above and beyond to educate and inform in a way no other medical professional has. She has a lovely bedside manner and made my experience as comfortable as possible. Rest assured you are in good hands if booking an appt. can't wait to see the final results.
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Nikki N.
I love this place and the people that work here. Lori is the BEST! She takes the time to explain the benefits and risks of all of the lasers and injectables, helping me find a plan within my budget...the most bang for my buck. Not every procedure has had the "wow" desired effect I wanted, but they warned me that it may not be as effective as I hoped. They have always gone above and beyond to make things right. We all go because we want to look and feel better & there's no one I trust more than Lori to help keep me looking my best.
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Rilee S.

I called to ask for information. Very pleasant experience, not put in hold, very helpful and not pushy about making an appt. Got all of my questions answered
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Esther L.

The wait is finally over! I've been searching for a great place to help me take care of my skin and fight ageing and all that good stuff. This is it and it's local (no more schlepping to Beverly Hills!).

The space is beautiful... light, airy and spotless. The wait times are non existent and their approach is professional. Nurse Lori approaches your face as an artist. She takes note of how you use your face while having your consult. She listens to your concerns and offers realistic approaches toward addressing them. The result is very natural.

Kevin has a wonderful approach as well and sets realistic expectations on what to expect after a laser session.

I could not be happier with Celibre. I found their pricing competitive but their skill level was top notch!
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Colleen B.
Great service and results. Lori was great at getting the look I wanted.
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Anita K.

I am blown away. The Office is lovely, the receptionist super nice, even the owners is hot, but really it's Lori. WOW. She knows her stuff. I told her all my concerns and she was able to do ONE procedure that fixed everything that was bothering me. This is SKILL. She is excellent at looking at your "whole face" and really able to address your needs affectively. For example, I thought I needed voluma in my face and thanks to Lori and her knowledge I got restalyn silk underneath my eyes and fixed my problem. Plus it was way cheaper than the treatment I thought I needed! I literally could not be happier! I have been doing fillers for years and I am saying will never go to anyone else again. Doesn't get much better. Thank you Lori!!!!
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Meredith J.

I had an amazing experience there. After going back and forth with one of the owners, Kevin, to make sure they could remove botched permanent eyeliner, I booked an appointment. I went and saw Lori, who was very professional and sweet at the same time.
She did a fantastic job. I also bought 5ml of Latisse there and asked her to look at my face and provide recommendations, which she did. I got a treatment there based on her recommendation and was very happy with it.
I highly recommend this place! I've gone to other places and it is worth it to pay for quality, after all, you end up paying so much more if you don't and it's your face after all. Look at what I had to do to fix this botched permanent eyeliner!
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Sandra C.