Grant L. Carter, MD and Gayle M. Carter, MD are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and are proud to announce the opening of Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics. Both physicians are laser certified and have extensive backgrounds in gynecologic laser treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics allows our physicians to build on their backgrounds to provide professional laser aesthetic skin treatments for both women and men.

Grant L. Carter, MD attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was recognized by the AOA Medical Honor Society and Chief Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing in Southern Utah since 1982 when he founded Southern Utah Womens Health Center. He is currently director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Dixie Regional Medical Center. Dr. Carter is well known for his practice of comprehensive women’s health care, including laser surgery, which he pioneered in the Southern Utah area. He was laser certified using Laserscope laser in 1989 and since then has had experience treating multiple conditions. Dr. Carter is licensed in Utah and Nevada and has privileges at both Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah and Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah.

Gayle M. Carter, MD joined Grant Carter, MD at Southern Utah Womens Health Center in 1984. He attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Carter was the first recipient of the Michael Worley Award, presented to the outstanding resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1980. He has been board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1986. He was laser certified using the Laserscope laser in 1989, and has had extensive experience with laser surgery and treatment of various medical conditions, encompassing all facets of women’s health care. Dr. Gayle Carter is currently serving as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, as well as serving on the Medical Executive Committee, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He is licensed in both Utah and Nevada.

Laser hair removal offers effective results while maintaining the normal appearance of the skin. It uses the best technology currently available for hair removal, offering results with the widest range of skin tones and hair color. Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to routine shaving and waxing. Because the laser treats more than one hair at a time, it is possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. Laser hair removal treatments are a safe, fast, gentle, and effective alternative method for hair removal.

How does it work?

Because the laser beam is larger in diameter, it effects a large number of hair follicles simultaneously. Laser light achieves hair removal by destroying hair at the base of the follicle under the skin. The concentrated beam of light passes through the surface of your skin and is absorbed at the base of the hair shaft. This heats the hair follicle without harming the surrounding tissue and the ability to grow new hair is impeded.

Is the treatment painful?

Most people experience a stinging, burning sensation when the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, a cooling system automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. A topical anesthetic cream may also be applied to sensitive areas.

What should be expected after treatment?

Some patients may experience a slight reddening around hair follicles following the treatment. This typically disappears within a few hours. Only hair in the active phase of growth can be effectively and permanently removed. Only about 30% of your hair follicles are in the active phase at any given time. Therefore, most people will need multiple treatments to get the results they desire.

How long does the treatment take?

Some areas can be treated in only a few minutes. Others, such as the back or legs, may require 20-40 minutes. If prescribed, a topical anesthetic should be applied 30-60 minutes prior to the treatment time.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Most patients will achieve a long-term reduction in the number of hairs regrowing in the treated areas. The amount of permanent reduction increases with the number of treatments. The average patient in clinical studies see a 48% reduction in hair growth after three treatments and up to an 80% lasting reduction after six to eight treatments (results vary). The amount of permanent reduction increases with the number of treatments. Occasionally, you may have a few hairs regrow over a period of time, therefore, a touch up treatment may be required.

How many treatments will be needed?

Only 30% or less of your hair may be in the active growing phase at any one time depending on the body area. Thus, a series of treatments will be required to achieve the long-term improvement desired. These treatments are spaced approximately 4-12 weeks apart, based on hair growth cycles. After you have completed a series of four to six treatments, any remaining hair will usually be finer and lighter in color. Blond, platinum, most red, gray and vellus hair will not respond to this treatment.

Are the treatments safe?

Because only light is used to remove hair, laser hair removal is completely non-invasive. Your eyes will be shielded during the treatment. While there is a slight chance of skin irritation and pigment changes, these are rare due to the experience and training of our staff as well as the type of lasers used at S.U.L.A.