Permanent Hair Removal / Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair is a common problem in women and men. Shaving, waxing and tweezing only produce temporary results and can generally only be carried out on relatively small areas. Laser hair removal is designed to permanently remove unwanted small and large areas of unwanted hair from the body.

First introduced in the late 1990’s, Laser Hair Removal was limited to light skinned individuals with dark hair. To improve for smooth skin and a flawless complexion, Laser hair removal is a welcome technology. There now is a gentle, safe and effective means for the removal of unwanted hair for both women and men. Efficient Laser hair removal was produced by Alexandrite and Diode lasers. Dark skinned individuals could not use these lasers for effective hair removal because early generation lasers were unable to distinguish between skin pigment and hair follicles, which led to the burning of those with darker skin. Traditional hair removal techniques such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis, while effective, often requires years of ongoing and frequently painful treatments. All of these methods commonly result in allergic reactions, and ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal achieves the best results with light-skinned, dark-haired individuals. Lasers with longer wavelengths are generally useful for darker-skinned patients.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. Because hair cycles through "growth" and "dormant" phases, and because during the "dormant" phase the follicle has no pigment, at least 2 or 3 treatments will be needed.

This works by selectively concentrating light energy in the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. This comfortable procedure can be performed in as little as 15 to 30 minutes and you can return to regular activity immediately following. Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the face or body and is faster and easier than other methods of hair removal.

Long lasting hair removal can be achieved with the use of several available lasers. Total temporary hair removal, which lasts for several months, can be done in almost all patients. However, total permanent Laser hair removal is not commonly done. Stable permanent hair removal may be possible in some cases and usually requires multiple treatments.

The Procedure

The patient is asked to wear eye protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles. The area to be treated is then shaved. A small handpiece, or "wand" is placed against the skin and a burst of coolant is applied as the laser is activated. The handpiece is repositioned and the laser is activated again. The size or the area treated will determine the number of laser activations, or "pulses", required. The laser procedure takes anywhere from 10 minute to 1 hour depending on the areas treated. Generally no anesthesia is used.

The area is shaved and cleaned, and an anesthetic cream applied. The laser then produces pulsed beams of highly concentrated light which is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles, damaging the surrounding follicle.

The procedure can be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful. The length of a laser session may be a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Any redness and swelling of the affected areas usually disappears in a short time. And most people return to normal activity right away.

What about risks?

Laser hair removal is a safe procedure if carried out by an experienced person. Possible complications include:

darkening or lightening of the treated skin
burning/blistering of the treated skin

Since darker skin is more susceptible to changes in pigment, tanning before Laser hair removal should be avoided.

How many treatments will I need?

Most treatments require 2-3 sessions for permanent hair removal in any one area. The procedure can be repeated at monthly intervals.