Permanent Hair Removal via ER Q-Switched Yag Laser
Laser hair
The primary principle behind ER Q-Switched Yag Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue.
"Permanent" hair reduction means a long-term, stable reduction in the number of hair regrowth after a stipulated treatment regimen. Indeed, many patients experience almost a complete deprivation of hair on the treated areas for years following their last treatment.
ER Q-Switched Yag Laser hair removal has become popular thanks to its speed and efficacy, however the technical knowhow, skills and experience of the laser operator also contribute to the success of the procedure.
Pulse width (or duration) is one of the most important criteria in making the hair removal treatment successful. The length of the heating pulse relates directly to the damage targeting at the germ cells which live on the surface of the hair shaft. Light energy is absorbed by the melanin within the hair and the heat is generated. The heat then conducts into the germ cells. As long as adequate temperature is infused within the required time then these cells will be successfully destroyed.
Number of sessions
- Hair grows in several phases (anagen, telogen, catagen) and a laser can only affect the currently active growing hair follicles (early anagen). Hence, several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
- Multiple treatments depending on the type of hair and skin color have been shown to provide long-term reduction of hair, ranging from 6 – 10 treatments. Current parameters generally recommended for our ER Q-Swtiched Yag Laser suggesting an interval period from 1 to 3 weeks in between sessions, depending on the area, skin type and hair quality which being treated. Certain areas of the same patients may require considerably more treatments to achieve the best desired results.
- Laser does not work well on light-coloured hair, red hair, grey hair, white hair, as well as fine hair of any colour, such as vellus. For darker skin patients with black hair, the long-pulsed YAG laser with a cooling tip can be safe and effective when operated by an experienced practitioner.
- In general, the shedding of the treated hairs takes about two to three weeks. These hairs should be allowed to fall out naturally and should not be manipulated by the patient for certain reasons, mainly to avoid infections. Pulling hairs after the procedure may counteract the effects of the treatment.
Side effects and risks
- Some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments, including itching, mild reddening, or swelling around the treatment area and the follicles (follicular edema). These side effects will subside in 48 hours.
- A minimum level of prickling sensation should also be expected during treatments. Numbing cream application will be charged at an additional cost for body hair removal treatments. The cream will require a preparation time of about 20 minutes before the procedure.
- Unwanted side effects such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation or, in extreme cases, burning of the skin, thus patients are highly recommended to adhere to our post laser care treatment immediately after the procedure to avoid further complications.
- Some patients may show side effects from an allergy to either the hair removal gel used with certain laser types or to a numbing cream, or to simply shaving the area too soon in relation to the treatment.
