PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION - LASER HAIR REMOVAL
HAIR REDUCTION - PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION (REMOVAL) Laser hair removal has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. It is a non-invasive, convenient way to permanently reduce unwanted facial or body hair. Permanent hair removal is achieved when the cells responsible for growing new hair are disabled. Pulses of light at specific wavelengths can target the pigment in hair follicles, which absorb the light energy as heat. Laser and light-based methods, sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, are now most commonly referred to collectively as "laser hair removal".
Medical lasers have been used for dermatology applications such as removal of dark spots, tattoos, acne scars and other blemishes for well over a decade. Lasers are used for a growing number of cosmetic procedures including hair removal, treatment of wrinkles, and tooth whitening. For risk information on the specific laser treatment that you are considering, ask your physician or operator for the patient labeling for the laser device.
For the few cases that hair does grow back, the hair that grows in is usually lighter and finer. Still we cannot say laser hair removal is permanent without acknowledging the possibility of that 10%. However, when you stack that 10% against waxing or tweezing, the reduction in hair and hair removal costs is mind-boggling. Simply stated, at the moment, laser hair removal treatments offer as close to permanent results as you’re able to get.
Technique:
The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser. The laser energy passes through the patient's skin, being absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. A percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary.
Benefits:
- A non-invasive, gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from all parts of the body.
- Leaves skin looking smoother and silkier.
- Treats larger areas effectively because it removes more than one hair at a time.
- Minimal discomfort.
- Replaces waxing, electrolysis and razors.
- Immediate return to normal activities.
Other Considerations:
- An ongoing process that requires multiple sessions.
- Sometimes there is a temporary slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling.
- May have to use specially formulated skin care products, and/or a prescribed skin care regimen. Sunscreen is recommended for any treated areas exposed to the sun.
- Patients with darker pigmentation may not respond well.
- Blonde, white or gray hairs are less responsive to laser treatments and sometimes cannot be treated.