LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Why Laser Hair Removal?
A popular non-invasive cosmetic option, permanent laser hair removal is an effective treatment that produces lasting results. After multiple laser hair removal sessions, the results of your treatment will be evident. Most patients enjoy an 80 to 90 % reduction in hair growth. Although the laser hair removal results are permanent, some patients may need occasional touch-up sessions to treat individual hairs. Therefore the procedure is now more correctly termed permanent hair reduction.
Both men and women have issues with unwanted hair. Many women have problems with unwanted facial hair, particularly in the areas of the eyebrow, upper lip, and chin. Men may want to remove hair on their faces as well, such as from between the eyebrows or the beard area. Laser facial hair removal is a new, improved hair removal option that is safe, fast, and effective for those who are interested in facial hair removal. Laser facial hair removal is long-lasting and non-invasive, and there is a treatment for every facial area.
Suitable Candidates
As a general rule, the contrast between the natural color of the hair and natural color of the skin is the key to the effectiveness and overall satisfaction gained from the laser hair removal treatment. A combination or darker hair and lighter skin is the ideal coupling for the best results. While people with darker skin and lighter hair can also gain satisfying results after laser hair removal, the treatment may prove to be less effective. Persons with graying, red, or blonde hair often do not achieve ideal results.
Another factor in determining the candidacy of a laser hair removal patient is the thickness of the hair that you wish to have removed. Thicker, coarser hair can be removed much more easily than finer, thinner hair. Thinner hair often requires multiple laser hair removal treatments, but in some cases even multiple treatments are ineffective.
People who are taking certain medications to control acne should also consult their dermatologists before making the decision to undergo the laser hair removal procedure.
Women's Hair Problems
Women become increasingly susceptible to the growth of facial hair as they age. The natural vellus hairs that coat the body can begin to grow more coarse over time and appear as terminal hairs on the faces of some women. Laser facial hair removal can be used to eliminate this unwanted hair from along the chin or upper lip. For women with a condition known as hirsuitism, the appearance of this hair mirrors a male pattern of hair growth (beard, mustache, lower abdomen).
Bikini Area
Laser hair removal performed in the bikini area can provide relief from painful waxing, cumbersome shaving, and the potential burning of depilatory creams. The procedure is fast; in as few as four to eight sessions, laser hair removal can leave the bikini area smooth and supple.
Legs
Laser hair removal performed on the legs can provide relief from the hassle and discomfort of repeated shaving and waxing. Multiple treatments can provide the long-term smoothness and silkiness that many women desire, and thanks to advances in laser hair removal technology, nearly anyone can enjoy the benefits of this treatment.
Other Treatable Areas
Most areas of the body with unwanted hair growth can benefit from laser hair removal. Because the process is fast and can be performed with little to no pain, laser hair removal is also effectively used on the arms, underarms, breasts, feet, and hands.
Men's Hair Problems
Today, more and more men are concerned with the effects of unsightly hair growth on their overall appearance. Though such methods of hair removal as waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams can offer a temporary solution to the problem of unwanted hair, maintaining their results can be tedious and painful. Laser hair removal for a man typically targets unwanted back, chest, and leg hair. However, other areas of the body, such as the face, arms, and pubic region, can also be successfully treated.
The Back
One of the most popular targets of laser hair removal for a man is the back. In targeting the root of hair growth, the hair follicle, laser hair removal is often more effective than other treatments such as waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams. For many men, the back is an area of unsightly hair growth and can be a source of embarrassment when they’re not wearing a shirt. Laser hair removal provides an effective and virtually painless alternative to waxing for removing hair.
The Chest
Like the problem of unwanted back hair, excessive chest hair can also be a source of embarrassment for a man. Going shirtless at a swimming pool, for example, can cause them to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Waxing can be painful and repeated shaving can become tedious. Laser hair removal, especially after multiple treatments, can result in long-term hair reduction and an alternative to the pain or tedium of other methods.
The Face
Ingrown facial hairs can present a problem to men, leading to scarring and hyperpigmented bumps. A combination of laser hair removal and chemical peels offer an excellent solution to the problem.
Other Treatable Areas
Laser hair removal can treat virtually any area of the body. In addition to laser hair removal treatments targeting the chest and back, other treatable areas can include the face, arms, the legs for athletic men, hands, feet, stomach, rear end, and pubic region. The most attractive benefits of laser hair removal are its ability to treat large areas quickly and with little pain.
Comparison to Electrolysis
Electrolysis is one of the more popular alternatives to laser hair removal. Electrolysis hair removal applies an electric current to a fine needle inserted into an individual hair follicle root. The electrical current, in effect, burns the root of the hair, inhibiting it from producing any more hair. While electrolysis hair removal does offer permanent results, it is a slow, arduous process that often requires multiple sessions to completely destroy the hair follicles. Additionally, there are currently no standardised guidelines for licensing qualified electrolysis technicians, making it difficult for prospective patients to find a reputable, experienced professional.
Unlike electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to destroy each hair root individually, laser hair removal treats many hair follicles at once. Areas can typically be treated with laser hair removal in a fraction of the time needed for electrolysis. Additionally, there are more dangers associated with electrolysis hair removal techniques than there are risks associated with laser hair removal. The major risks associated with electrolysis include electrical shock, infection, and scarring.
THE PROCEDURE
A topical anesthesia will be applied for 30 minutes before the procedure (usually a topical cream). Eye protection will be given. Laser hair removal is most effective when hair is in the growth stage. Because hair grows in cycles, our laser hair removal patients typically require a series of four to six sessions spaced approximately one month apart for maximum results.
Our 810 Diode laser hair removal system involves a beam of concentrated light and heat that is directed into the hair follicles, and therefore to the melanin contained in them. The pigment absorbs the laser energy and is destroyed, inhibiting hair growth in the affected hair follicles. The laser energy is directed at these follicles while simultaneously protecting the surrounding skin from harm.
The Diode laser method of hair removal may involve several treatments. Each session with the laser is fast, and there is little to no down time. Side effects from Diode laser hair removal are minimal, but there may be redness on the treated area. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after laser hair removal treatment. Ice, anti-inflammatory creams, or aloe gels or lotions may also be applied to the treated area to minimize discomfort and the risk of complications. Many patients have compared the ensuing discomfort to a mild sunburn.
The majority of our patients are scheduled for subsequent treatments four to six weeks after the initial procedure. Treatments will continue until the growth of hair has been eliminated.