Laser Epilation - How does laser hair removal work?

Posted Aug 18, 2009

Laser Hair Removal works best in lighter skinned, darker haired patients. Because the target chromophore in hair follicles is melanin pigment, less laser energy is absorbed by the skin and more by the hair follicle. Tanned skin also “robs” laser energy as it passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The infrared YAG and Diode lasers are less dependent on skin color than the ruby and alexandrite lasers. Because the pigment in the hair is the target for the laser energy, gray or white hair (which lacks pigment) cannot be effectively treated with any laser or light-based device. Multiple laser treatments are necessary for best results: Laser energy has its greatest effect on growing, or anagen hair follicles; as the dormant, or telogen hairs become active, usually within 3 weeks to 3 months, some new hair growth will be observed. Usually at least 3 treatments over the course of a year will be necessary for satisfactory, long-lasting results. The female face, armpits, and bikini lines are areas which respond fastest to laser treatments- backs, arms and legs usually need more treatments over time. The scalp is very resistant to treatment. laser facial removal Repeated laser treatments appear to induce a permanent reduction in the amount of visible hair: Although current studies have shown a “permanent” reduction in hair growth, some hair regrowth may occur over time, although this is usually much slower and much finer than before treatment. Imagine a garden overgrown with weeds-after the first few weeding sessions, only occasional “touch-ups” are needed. True “permanent” “total” hair removal may be possible with repeated treatments over time.

How does laser hair removal work? Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines on the face. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. Why is laser preferred for hair removal? Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only long-lasting hair removal solution has been by electrolysis - which can be time-consuming and is usually limited to small areas, because each hair is treated individually. Laser hair removal is non-invasive, and safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under 45 minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.

What does the treatment include? Depending on the amount of hair and area treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Safety eyewear to protect the patient’s eyes during the procedure from the laser light. A small handpiece will be used to deliver the laser light. Most experience little discomfort at the treatment site. The sensation and the degree of discomfort varies with each person. In some cases, topical anesthesia is an option. Your laser specialist will discuss this before laser treatment. Depending on the size or number of areas treated, the time will vary in length from minutes to hours. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. The area may become slightly red and may last from a few minutes to several days depending on the area and skin sensitivity.

How many treatments will I need? Hair grows in cycles. The laser is only effective on hair in its actively growing cycle. At any one time there will only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that consistent treatments at appropriate intervals are absolutely necessary for the best possible results. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, coarseness of the hair and density per treated area. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Additional treatment will be necessary to treat other follicles when they re-enter the growth phase and produce new growth.