Laser Hair Removal: No More Plucking
Depilation or the deliberate removal of hair is a tedious and messy task every woman is familiar with. Waxing and shaving are among the most popular hair removal methods, but they aren’t always the best options.
Waxing is for those women who can tolerate the pain, while removing hair with a razor is pain-free but is not always a good option because of the chances of getting cut and razor burn.
A solution that offers a semblance of permanent hair removal is a laser hair removal treatment. Laser hair removal is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure. The treatment process involves high energy laser beams that are focused on the hair follicle directly to destroy and thereby prevent subsequent hair growth.
Hair follicles are destroyed when the melanin content present within them absorbs laser energy and degrades.
Destroying Hair Follicles Through Precise Laser Energy
Laser beams are concentrated energy beams that have a particular wavelength. These beams are readily absorbed by the pigment causing agents in the skin, melanin. Upon absorption, the energy exchange destroys the hair follicle.
The primary benefit of laser hair removal is delayed hair growth. Laser hair removal is a safe procedure that leaves the surrounding skin unharmed. The effectiveness of the laser hair removal is higher on dark hair than red and gray because the darker the color, the higher the melanin content.
Permanent hair removal can be achieved through repeated treatments. The time taken for the procedure depends on the area of treatment. Treating areas like the face and underarms usually takes about 15 minutes. Larger surfaces will take longer to treat.
The Different Types of Laser Technology
Currently, there are three types of laser that are routinely used to perform laser hair removal. Each one has their advantages and disadvantages.
Nd:YAG
Nd:YAG is a type of pulse laser that is safe to use on all skin types. This includes tanned skin as well. Its Effectiveness is limited to only dark skin. Lighter skin tones can be treated with Nd:YAG laser, but the results may not be as expected.
Alexandrite
Easily the fastest laser type in the market is the Alexandrite. Larger surfaces are usually treated with the Alexandrite laser. It’s effectiveness is limited to light to olive complexions.
Diode
Effective on dark as well as light skin. It has a broad range that can help people of different skin types experience its benefits. It’s not as fast acting as the Alexandrite laser and not as beneficial on dark skin as the Nd:YAG laser.
Precautions to Take Before Laser Hair Removal
Topical skin care products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids must be avoided since these accelerate skin turn over. As a result, skin becomes more vulnerable to sun exposure which could further aggravate the treated region after the treatment.
The Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is most efficient on actively growing hair. Hair growth is not uniform throughout the body and regions with slower growth may take longer to treat. On average, six to eight sessions of laser treatments can help permanently remove hair.
In order to benefit from the laser hair removal procedure, patients must keep up with all the scheduled treatment sessions. Skipping one can affect the end result.
Contact Our Office
If you desire smooth, hairless skin without having to go through the process of waxing or shaving, then a laser hair removal treatment is exactly what you need. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Lowen. During your consultation, you can discuss your aesthetic goals and what you can expect from the treatment.