Reviewed By Gilmore Health | On: April 29, 2024
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Laser hair removal a cosmetic procedure where hair is removed with the help of a laser is quickly gaining preference because of its impressive results and safety profile. This method of hair removal allows clients to take care of unwanted body hair in parts of the body like the armpits, bikini area, legs, back, face, etc without using razors, waxing, and other shaving tools.
Laser hair removal has been in existence since the 1960s but the technology had to go through several modifications and testing for several years by different researchers until 1994 when Dr. Richard Rox Anderson and his team released a paper on laser hair removal on humans. His team perfected the intensity of the lasers and the length of application on the human skin to achieve safe results. This method of hair removal has become much more popular and accessible and is offered in countless medical spas all over the globe.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by destroying hair follicles. Targeted pulses of laser light are applied to hair follicles which heats up and destroys stem cells in the follicles whilst avoiding damage to the surrounding tissues and skin. This is known as selective photothermolysis. The energy produced by lasers is absorbed by the dark pigment responsible for the dark color of hair and skin. The selective absorption of the energy by melanin in hair makes it possible to remove black, brown, dirty blonde, or reddish-brown colored hair.
The destruction caused by lasers disrupts the growth of hair in the affected area. This procedure may be repeated several times to achieve optimal results. Hair growth in the treated area becomes finer, sparser, and thins out with each procedure. Contrary to what some people think, it is not a permanent procedure and will need to be repeated after a few months. It has also been found that the procedure works better on people who have a combination of light skin and dark hair.
What is the procedure for laser hair removal?
Since the procedure is less effective on tanned skin, clients are advised to let their tan fade before the procedure and avoid tanning for several weeks before their appointment. A few days before the procedure, the hair on the area to be treated should be shaved.
The procedure itself is non-invasive and safe. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on several factors which include the skills and technique of the practitioner. It is not a painful procedure. However, a numbing cream will be applied on the surface of the area before the procedure begins.
After the procedure, the affected area may be red and tender for a few days. The client may be advised to apply ice packs to the treated area of skin, apply sunscreen regularly and avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight for a few weeks after the procedure. There will be repeat sessions until the hair stops growing.
Types of lasers used
The different types of laser technology currently used for hair removal vary in their wavelengths. The length of the pulses used determines the degree of damage that will be done to the hair follicles. The five main laser technologies currently used for hair removal in medical spas across the world include;
- Alexandrite hair removal (755nm): Used for all skin types
- Ruby hair removal (694nm): For pale skin
- Diode hair removal (810nm): For pale to medium skin types
- IPL hair removal (650nm): Uses intense pulsed light and can be used on pale to medium skin types
- Nd: YAG hair removal (1064nm): Works for dark complexion skin
To improve patients’ experience, advances in the procedure like; cooling systems, faster sessions, and so on, have been introduced to reduce side effects and achieve better results. Home kits for laser hair removal are also available and give great results as well. Clients have access to adequate consultation with a certified dermatologist and physician before scheduling an appointment. This procedure is used currently for removing hair in areas like the back, face, legs, chin, upper lip, bikini line, and underarms.
How many sessions do you need?
The number of sessions depends on the area being treated, the skin color of the client, the texture and color of the hair in that area, the system being used, the sex of the client, and several other factors. Laser hair removal is not permanent and multiple treatments have been shown to produce better results.
It is important to know that hair growth occurs in several phases. Laser energy can destroy hair follicles when they are in the early anagen phase. With repeated sessions, hair follicles in different stages of growth can be destroyed.
Over time, practitioners have noticed that light-colored hair does not respond well to the procedure. People with dark skin can benefit from the use of an Nd: YAG laser used by an experienced practitioner. Hair in the treated area does not fall out during treatment. It sheds gradually over a few weeks following the procedure.
Risks of laser hair removal
According to Melanie Lakoni a Nurse Practitioner at a Tallahassee laser hair removal center, laser body hair removal is a relatively safe procedure when carried out by a well-trained and experienced practitioner. However, there are a few side effects and risks to be expected. The severity of the side effects varies from person to person and most of them can be managed with simple remedies. Rare and serious side effects have also been reported. Some of the common side effects of the procedure include;
- Redness and skin irritation
- Mild pain during the procedure
- Skin discoloration
- Acne
Serious side effects and risks to consider include;
- Eye injury
- Burns and blisters
- Scars
Some of the benefits of getting a body hair laser removal include;
- Coverage of large areas within a short time
- No risk of ingrown hairs and other irritating side effects of shaving and waxing.
- Long-lasting results
Getting a body hair laser removal should be avoided during pregnancy.
What is the cost of laser hair removal?
This procedure has become very popular and easily accessible. The cost of the procedure varies from place to place and can be affected by factors like; the number of sessions, the facility or practitioner performing the procedure, the time required for the procedure, and so on. In most facilities, the cost is split based on the various areas of the body to be treated and consultation services are available to help clients plan accordingly before booking an appointment.
Conclusion
Body hair laser removal will continue to get popular as more people look for more effective ways to manage unwanted hair growth. Experts believe that there is still room for improvement to enhance results and reduce the risks and side effects of the procedure.
References
https://www.aad.org/news/common-misconceptions-about-laser-hair-removal
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