Advances with Laser Hair Removal

Lasers produce intense light that is absorbed by the pigment in hair called melanin. The melanin absorbs the light and heats up. This heat damages the hair follicle without hurting the surrounding tissue. The damaged hair follicle stops producing hair or replaces thick adult hair with a fine, light-colored hair (vellus hair).

Traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, and plucking, remove only the hair shaft. This leaves the hair follicle in place to grow new hair. Electrolysis delivers an electrical current to each follicle that can lead to permanent hair removal. However, it is painful and slow, usually requiring multiple treatments over the span of a few months or years.

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to those methods. Improvements may be seen after only one treatment, but repeated treatments are required to achieve desired results.

During treatment, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort similar to being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure without anesthesia, but anesthesia may be recommended for more sensitive areas and can include a numbing cream applied to the skin one hour before treatment.

After treatment, the area may appear swollen and feel like a mild sunburn.

Results of laser hair removal depend on several factors, including:

Hair Color—Lasers are most effective for dark hair. Light hair lacks the melanin needed to absorb the light and heat up the hair follicle.

Hair Thickness—Thicker hairs respond better than thinner hairs.

Skin Color—Previously, only fair-skinned people could be treated with lasers for hair removal. Now dark-skinned individuals can also be treated, but gentler and more numerous treatments may be required to deliver the same results.

Body Area—Arms, legs, underarms, and hair in the bikini area respond best to treatment. Facial hair (chin and lip) tends to be more resistant.

People of all skin colors and hair types will benefit from some delayed hair re-growth for as long as 6 months after one treatment. However, because not all hair follicles are active at the same time, multiple treatments are needed to remove all hair from each area. Most people require 5–10 treatments, 4 to 8 weeks apart. After the initial round of treatments, you may need touch-up treatments to maintain the results.

To learn if laser hair removal can work for you, please call eŌs Dermatology to schedule a complimentary med spa consultation: (512) 482-9344.

Source: ©2010 Vivacare

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