Laser hair removal is, technically speaking, epilation by laser or with the use of a special light. Besides the body, certain types of laser hair removal may safely be used to reduce facial hair as well. The laser (or light) of a particular wavelength is used to cause damage to dark elements in hair follicles. These elements are referred to as chromophores. They can be artificially produced or naturally occurring.
Today, most techniques target naturally occurring chromophores, in particular, melanin. Melanin gives colour to both hair and skin. Of the former, there are two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin gives a brown or black colour. The latter gives a blonde or red colour. Since the dark matter in hair follicles are the target, only the former - darker - type of hair is suitable for this procedure.
While laser hair removal became a commercial cosmetic procedure about 10 years ago, it has been experimented with well before then. In fact, medical lasers have been used to remove dark spots, acne scars, other types of skin blemishes and even tattoos. The point about laser hair removal is that, it's not permanent. In fact, in countries like the U.S., the FDA prohibits the advertisement of FDA-approved laser treatments to be described as a method of "permanent removal". Hence, use of the term "permanent reduction" or laser hair reduction to describe the procedure.
A more realistic description of laser hair removal is the "permanent reduction" of hair. It should be noted that, it's sometimes required to have multiple sessions of laser treatment over a certain period of time to achieve this goal. There is also no guarantee that ALL of the hair in the area treated will be reduced. To actually guarantee genuine permanent hair removal is to risk genuine scarring.
Ideally, the first thing the individual should do is to consult a qualified dermatologist. They should be able to advise on the suitability of the procedure. In any event, results will be most noticeable on light skinned individuals with dark hair. A lot more care will need to be taken, if the procedure is done on darker skinned and/or tanned individuals.
What you should be careful about
As noted above, one is well advised to avoid establishments that make false claims. The following are some of the more popular ones:
There is absolutely no pain or it's virtually painless. It is for many without needing any relief from the pain, but not for everyone.
The safe, permanent removal of hair. Again, the safe goal is hair reduction. Permanent removal is possible with scarring.
No re-growth of hair whatsoever. To date, there has been no real, genuine, qualified and objective evidence to support this claim.
It's "laser electrolysis" or "lasertrolysis". Hair reduction via electrolysis is completely different from reduction via the use of a laser. Both have their pros and cons, in terms of suitability and effectiveness.
In the end, it's best to consult a qualified dermatologist first.
Are you tired of shaving? Do you fear waxing or electrolysis? Is the removal of unwanted hair a part of your life that you wish you never had to think about again? You are not alone. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 1,566,909 permanent hair removal procedures were performed in 2005. The secret that all of these people discovered last year was laser hair removal.
The use of lasers for medical procedures is nothing new. Lasers have been used for more than twenty years in our hospitals, surgery centers, and medical offices for surgical applications. For more than a decade now, lasers have also been in use for a variety of cosmetic services, including the reduction or removal of body and facial hair.
At first glance, the word laser brings about thoughts of futuristic science-fiction movies, but the reality is that the future is here. In a very simplified explanation of this technology, a laser or intense light source creates heat in an extremely precise and controlled manner in order to disable a hair follicle and inhibit its ability to grow. A laser can produce an output of light with very specific characteristics that cause it to be well absorbed by a hair follicle. The bi-product of light is heat, which, upon absorption by the hair and its supporting structures, destroys the follicle. Often a laser may cover an area of 9mm squared up to 50mm squared, allowing it to effect all of the hair follicles in a targeted area of the body.
Can I visit my doctor or local medical spa today and be hair-free tomorrow? No, your hair grows in cycles that rotate approximately every 28 days, and only hairs that are in the active growth phase can be appropriately affected. Laser hair removal can typically be accomplished after a series of anywhere from four to twelve sessions depending upon the effectiveness of the technology used by your practitioner. Hair colors and skin types also play a role. Fair skin and dark hair typically yield the most productive results, while darker skin and/or lighter hair have shown to be less affected by these methods.
The success of laser hair removal procedures are also highly influenced by the aptitude of the laser technician. This is where proper training and experience play an important role. Be sure to ask your provider why they are qualified to perform these procedures. Have they been specifically trained with regard to laser safety? Did they attend a professional training program? Nearly every medical spa or medical aesthetics practice is required to have a supervising physician if the laser operator is not a physician. What are the doctors qualifications?
It is also important to remember that this is not a one-size-fits-all service. Every individual person is different, and your skin and hair is as unique to you as all of your other physical characteristics. Make certain to ask for a patch test at the time of your consultation. A patch test involves the application of laser energy to a small area of the skin that allows you an opportunity to learn more about the sensation associated with the treatment, and to give you a chance to see how your skin and hair react to the treatment before you dive in head first.
Laser hair removal technologies can be a wonderful enhancement to our lives. If you ask the right questions so that you can make an informed decision about laser services, worrying about unwanted hair can be a thing of the past.
Both Tk Tk & Jason Begley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tk Tk has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mental Health, Cosmetic Surgery and Motorola Cell Phone. This article has been brought to you by . Tk Tk's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
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