By Bonnie Mason
Body hair is increasingly looked upon as a nuisance by both men and women. And, although waxing and electrolysis still have their place and are recommended for certain body areas and skin types, laser hair removal has exponentially gained popularity. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 1.2 million Americans received laser hair removal treatments in 2012—making the service one of the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S., third to Botox and Juviderm, according to Surgery.org.
To better meet the needs of their patients, the Point of Care Clinics (POCC) Primary Care, located in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. in Wesley Chapel, has extended its comprehensive primary care services to include laser hair removal. Although laser hair removal also is available at spas, walk-in clinics, and even shopping malls, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends laser hair removal treatments be performed by, or at least under the direct supervision of, an experienced physician or health provider who has appropriate training and expertise. With extensive training in dermatology and internal medicine, Dr. M. Aamer Nawaz, M.D., believes the addition of laser hair removal at POCC furthers the practice’s mission of providing a holistic care approach for its patients.
Dr. Nawaz, who owns POCC with his partner and wife, Aliya Rathore, M.D., lives right in Wesley Chapel with their 11- year old twins (son and daughter) opened their practice on Ashley Oaks Cir. since 2006.
Dr. Nawaz graduated from Rawalpindi Medical College in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1986 and later received dermatology training at the world- renowned St. John’s Institute of Dermatology in London, England. He moved to the U.S. with Dr. Rathore in 1992 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Harvard-affiliated Salem Hospital Massachusetts in 1996. Dr. Nawaz gained vast experience working in various clinical settings, including working as the Consultant Dermatologist at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa from 2001-06. Dr. Nawaz also is affiliated with and a member of the medical executive committee at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and also is affiliated with Florida Hospital Tampa on E. Fletcher Ave. In addition to being an avid tennis player, Dr. Nawaz also is the president and active playing member of the Wesley Chapel Cricket Club.
Dr. Aliya Rathore, M.D., graduated from King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan in 1989 and received post- graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology. She also completed an internal medicine internship at Salem Hospital Massachusetts and completed a family practice residency in 2001 at St. Mary’s Hospital of Nazareth in Chicago. Dr. Rathore’s family practice services and her special interest in women’s health complement the internal medicine and dermatology focus of Dr. Nawaz.
“We are providing a highly-sought-after cosmetic procedure in a safe environment that ensures our patients receive the best appropriate regimen for hair removal, while providing a more permanent solution to unwanted body hair,” says Dr. Nawaz.
Patients seeking laser hair removal are first screened by Dr. Nawaz to determine that there are no contraindications, or medical reasons that the laser hair removal procedure should not be performed. Once Dr. Nawaz agrees that the patient is a good candidate for laser hair removal, Lynnda Mattmuller, who certified and licensed in electrology and laser aesthetics, will perform the procedures. Matmuller is a graduate of the Beauty and Health Institute of Tampa and has been practicing for five years. She also is a teacher at the Institute, instructing students about the use of electrolysis, laser aesthetics and ultrasound cavitation (a new, non-surgical fat removal procedure). Currently, laser hair removal is the only aesthetic skin treatment provided by Matmuller at Point of Care Clinic; however, other services may be offered in the future.
Dr. Nawaz says seeking a physician’s opinion ensures the highest level of safety ever, other skin treatment services may be offered at the office in the future.
Dr. Nawaz says that seeking a physician’s opinion ensures the highest level of safety and efficacy of your laser hair removal procedure, explaining that each skin type may respond differently to the various hair removal treatments.
In order to provide the highest quality services available, POCC has secured what Dr. Nawaz calls the “gold standard” of laser equipment — the Cheveux Diode Laser 810nm system by Sandstone. A diode is a device that controls the direction of the flow of electric energy. The Cheveux system is a state-of-the-art, high-powered diode laser system that integrates a con- tact-cooling sapphire tip to protect the epidermis (outer layer of skin) be- fore, during and after the laser pulses.
“Patients feel gentle heating over the skin, with smooth flowing passes of 10 pulses per-second at a lower fluency level,” says Mattmuller. “The energy causes a gradual thermal disabling of the hair follicle, resulting in reduced hair growth from the base of the follicle.”
Dr. Nawaz explains that the Cheveux laser system also allows him to customize the treatment parameters that are best for each patient, which he then discusses with Mattmuller to ensure the best possible treatment plan is provided.
How It Works Mattmuller explains that the laser beam passes through the patient’s skin and is attracted to the pigment of the hair. The energy passes down the hair shaft and is absorbed by hair follicles that are in the active growth phase — disabling the hair follicles in the deeper layer of the skin. Hair follicles in the dormant phase are not affected by the treatment. In most cases, minimal pain should be experienced and Dr. Nawaz says no anesthesia is required.
The non-invasive, gentle technique of laser hair removal offers many great benefits, including the ability to treat larger areas effectively (it disables more than one hair at a time) and production of a more uniform skin color and complexion. It also can replace waxing, electrolysis, shaving and bleaching treatments for many people.
Mattmuller says that patients can expect to need three or more treatments to achieve permanent hair growth reduction, with occasional touch-up treatments as needed. Depending upon the area(s) being treated, the laser hair removal process may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to complete.
Also, Mattmuller notes that most patients experience about a 10-25-percent reduction in hair growth with each treatment. The percentage of hair removed during each session varies by the location on the body — thinner-skinned areas, such as armpits and the bikini area, generally respond better than thick-skinned areas such as the back and chin.
The laser hair removal services at POCC are available during weekday evening hours and even Saturday mornings by appointment. Please note that laser hair removal is a self-pay service, which means it isn’t covered by your medical insurance. However, POCC has made the treatments affordable for patients, ranging from just $30-$100 per treatment. And, gift certificates are available — just in time for the holiday giving season!
Treating The Whole Patient In addition to hair removal, POCC is a comprehensive practice where patients can expect compassionate and holistic approaches to their health and medical needs. Point of Care Clinics Primary Care provides comprehensive primary care services to manage complex medical problems,including extensive dermatology disease management, diabetic management and complete physicals and well-woman visits and routine gynecological care.
The office is easily accessible from S.R. 56 and provides same-day appointments, on-site lab draws, as well as electronic medical records and prescription systems to ensure the highest quality and safety, including a patient portal system online for electronic communications.
Point of Care Clinics Primary Care is located at 2106 Ashley Oak Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. Most major health and managed care plans are accepted. For a medical appointment or for more information about the new laser hair removal service, visit PoCCPrimaryCare.com or call 994-8481.
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