Hair Removal
How does the treatment work?
The energy from the light emitted is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair. When the melanin absorbs the light, the light is converted into heat energy. Hair removal is accomplished by the generation of this heat, which is then transferred to the hair follicle, leading to destruction of the hair shaft and neighbouring cells responsible for re-growth of the hair.
How is the treatment carried out?
The light is emitted from a handpiece which is placed on to the skin and moved along in a grid pattern until the entire area is covered. Depending on the spot size chosen, up to hundreds of hairs can be treated with one pulse of light. During treatment you will wear protective eye goggles.
Which patients can be treated?
Dark hairs are most easily treated due to the large concentration of melanin in these hairs, which gives an optimal absorption and conversion of light energy to heat. Fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is produced with less certainty of permanent destruction of the hair follicles. Grey (white) hair has almost no melanin and cannot be effectively treated. The upper skin layer, the epidermis, also contains melanin and the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. It is therefore necessary to treat dark-skinned individuals with less energy to avoid generation of heat and discomfort, and we recommend that tanned patients are not treated at all. The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair but the energy can be adjusted for all skin types, different hair and pigment types.
Does it hurt?
As the light energy is taken up by the skin pigments (melanin and haemoglobin), any discomfort depends upon the combined concentration of melanin in the epidermis and the hairs. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable, and liken it to a rubber band being snapped against the skin.
At Laserlife Clinic, we have a unique system which cools the skin for the patient’s comfort – this is controlled by the patient as they require it. The ‘Cryo 5’ is now available and will considerably reduce any discomfort experienced.
Does the patient need to shave prior to treatment?
Hair should be shaved just prior to, or on the morning of treatment. Plucking, waxing or bleaching must not be carried out. By avoiding epilation or waxing for 4 weeks before treatment, it can be ensured that as many follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light.
Why do hairs look as though they are ‘growing’ after the treatment?
Unlike some other systems, the hairs are not evaporated by the treatment. The hair bulb is destroyed by the heat but the hair shaft remains in the follicle. The hair that has been affected by the treatment will normally come away from the skin after 1-3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing as they are pushed out by the epidermis.
How should I care for the area after treatment?
Any contact with hot water should be avoided including hot showers, saunas, heated pools. The treated area should be kept as cool as possible for the first 24-48 hours to avoid trauma to the skin. Products containing alcohol, perfumes and other irritants should not be used including deodorant.
How can you tell if the treatment has worked when the hairs are not removed immediately?
After treatment the hairs are loose in the follicle and can sometimes be easily pulled out. A red ring and swelling around each follicle is often seen a few minutes after treatment, along with reddening of the skin. These end points indicate that sufficient heating of the follicles has taken place. However they are not always seen. Many patients have successful treatment results without the post-treatment signs.
What are the side effects?
The light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from safety eyewear to protect the eyes. The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience little or no side effects and the described skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a few days. In extremely rare circumstances hyper-pigmentation, hypo-pigmentation, reactive hair, folliculitis or blistering may occur.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair in the growth phase (anagen) will be affected by the treatment. The number of hairs in this phase varies from 10-70%. The length of the growth cycle also varies. After the first treatment, most patients will have a significant reduction in hair density. Treatment sessions are recommended every 4-6 weeks. The number of sessions needed varies, but the typical number is 4-8.
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