Medical Spa Q&A: How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatments Work?
Electrolysis was the sole method of long term or permanent hair elimination available just before laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems entered the market. Electrolysis could be still performed today even though it can be painful for the client and damaging to the epidermis, permitting the potential for an infection. Throughout the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is put into the hair follicle, dispensing an electric current in order to eradicate the stem cells inside the hair follicle. Sorry to say, this slow method can be conducted a single hair follicle at a time. Maintenance treatments are often essential for quite some time following the initial treatment.
In comparison, with laser and IPL solutions, countless follicles of hair are treated at a time depending upon the spot measurement (the size of the particular tip on the machine delivering power). These kind of hair removal procedures are non-surgical and need just moments to carry out rather than the many hours for electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal and Melanin
The most crucial consideration ahead of a hair removal procedure can be the patient’s complexion type and hair color. Laser hair removal is dependent upon selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for the purpose of damage of a hair follicle) with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that creates color). The main difference between the absorption of laser or light energy levels by melanin within the hair follicle and melanin in the skin determines the amount of power that may be safely employed without injuring your skin.
Light skinned individuals with darker hair are accepted as the ideal patients for laser hair removal On the other hand, a client with extremely dark skin color and gray or white hair, can have minor if any reaction. Given that melanin within the hair shaft and hair foillicle are the objective source for laser and IPL hair removal treatments, it is important for patients in the course of their initial appointment not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory gadget previous to laser hair removal. The person can, however, shave areas being treated (which often preserves the chromophore in the follicle), or can use hair removal lotions. Hair which is protruding from the skin may burn during a laser or light treatment which then causes a powerful disagreeable smell and possible flares.
The Laser Hair Removal Proceedure
Almost all instruments from a technical perspective run the same way while delivering a laser hair removal treatment. The variables on the apparatus (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) have to be established according to the dermis evaluation and background carried out for the individual. It is essential for individuals not to wear dark clothes close to the area being treated since the pigment in the clothes can possibly be absorbed by the laser or IPL and may result in a burn. The individual should be told to refrain from applying any body washes, tanning lotions, makeup, or any skin medicines the day of the procedure. Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. A spot test, or patch test, should be performed on the intended treatment area. Several procedures are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome and a yearly maintenance treatment will be recommended.
If you are interested in determining exactly what plastic surgeons and other MDs leading medspas and skin clinics think about the new Intense pulsed light (IPL) and skin laser technology offerings by Syneron, Sciton, Alma, Cutera, Solta, Palomar, Candela, Cynosure, Lumenis , and treatment options such as Thermage, Slimlipo, Botox, mesotherapy and laser treatments, be sure you check out the aesthetic fractionated laser opinions on Laser Clinic MD, a group of health professionals in cosmetic medicine.
Leave a Reply