Laser hair removal

18 Dec 2020

Unwanted hair can be removed safely and painlessly during a cosmetic procedure. This procedure is non-invasive where-in a concentrated beam of light or laser is used. The laser impacts the ability of the hair follicles to produce hair by delaying future hair growth. Laser hair removal is effective on all skin types and can be used to reduce unwanted hair in almost all areas of the body such as legs, armpits, chin and upper lip. It is not recommended in the eyelid, eyebrow or surrounding areas. Laser hair removal delivers long lasting results. The use of lasers ensures that the skin does not get impacted. It ensures that the skin is smooth and free of hair.

Since the treatment is perfectly safe there are no restrictions on the age or the skin type of the person undergoing laser hair removal. However, the specific hair and skin type can make a difference to the effectiveness of hair removal. Laser works best on coarse and dark hair though it can be used on some types of lighter hair as well. It is less effective on light, blond and fine hair. It works better on people with lighter complexion though recent improvements have resulted in improved results in darker skin tones. There may be redness and swelling for a few hours following the procedure.

Types of hair removal lasers

Ruby Laser System

It does not work well for individuals with darker skin tones. Each session takes a long time and is therefore not recommended for larger treatment areas.

Alexandrite Laser System

While it covers a larger area, it is painful and least comfortable. Uses shorter wavelength of light.

Diode Hair Removal Laser

Uses longer wavelength and is useful for coarse and thick hair. Works better on dark toned people.

Nd:YAG Laser System

It is safe for all skin tones. Before treatment a carbon lotion is applied to the skin. The laser targets the carbon and not the melanin.

Intense Pulse Light or IPL Laser System

A laser normally focuses monochromatic light of one wavelength whereas an intense pulse light laser releases light of many different wavelength, pretty much like a photo flash. IPL light is more scattered and less focused which targets the second later of the skin or dermis without causing any damage to the top later or epidermis. Wavelength of light can be customized. Energy levels and pulse duration can also be customized.

Advantages of IPL

• Use of this method ensures that there is no or very little damage to the skin.
• Each session of treatment is quicker than a conventional laser.
• There are fewer to nil side effects in this method.
• Recovery after the treatment is much faster than when treated with a laser.
• Wavelength of light can be customized. Energy levels and pulse duration can also be customized.
• IPL works better for people with darker hair and lighter skin.
• IPL is recommended for people with thin hair and does no harm to the skin’s top layer.

Permanent hair removal

Laser hair removal ensures longer hair free period. The treatment targets hair in the growth phase (anagen phase). Only hair in this period is impacted by the laser. Hair in the catagen and telogen phases (resting) become active in between 4 to 12 weeks. A period of 4 to 6 weeks between each session is recommended. Hair falls over a period of days to weeks and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new growth stage. A total of 3 to 8 sessions are required for effective results.

Advantages of Laser hair removal

• The treatment is very accurate and precise. It is possible to selectively target hair without causing any damage to the surrounding skin.
• Laser hair removal ensures longer duration of hair free period than other methods of hair removal.
• It is a painless and safe method.
• There are no major side effects which makes it a very popular method of permanent hair removal.