Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal is the elimination of unwanted hair. Both men and women seek to rid themselves of hair in unwanted places. Several techniques can be used to accomplish this task. The decision falls with whether temporary removal is wanted or permanent reduction is wanted. Permanent hair reduction can be accomplished through electrolysis, lasers, flash lamps, or prescription medications.
Several types of lasers and flash lamps or IPLS are FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. Lasers and flash lamps work by causing localized damage to hair follicles, selectively heating hairs, preferably dark hair, while not heating the surrounding skin. The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is light skin and dark hair. The lasers are programmed to destroy melanin (the substance that gives hair its color) in the currently active hair follicles. There are several different types of lasers and flash lamps that can achieve this goal. Types of lasers include the diode, ND: Yag, and Alexandrite. Types of flash lamps include the IPL (or intense pulsed light) treatments. The benefit of the laser treatments is they are fast and effective. Side effects and possible complications of laser hair removal include hyper/hypo-pigmentation, redness, swelling, blisters, or scars. Most people need 3-8 treatments scheduled 4-12 weeks apart. Faces tend to need more frequent appointments, backs and legs need less frequent. Some may need a ‘touch up’ periodically after the initial treatments. |
