Laser Hair Removal Information
Even though hair growth is a natural occurrence, it sometimes grows in areas that are embarrassing or inconvenient. Hormone imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause often increase hair production in women, and as many men age they often find hair growing in places they would rather not. Over 585,000 people in the United States discovered the benefits of laser hair removal last year, and plastic surgeons anticipate more people will come to welcome the low cost an pain of laser hair removal in the years to come.
Shaving and waxing have long been the standards to remove unwanted hair, but these methods can be painful and physically taxing, and worst of all - the hair inevitably grows back. Laser hair removal is not only virtually painless, it is permanent as well. Another added benefit is that unlike traditional hair removal techniques, laser removal can be performed in a single afternoon with little impact on the condition of the patient.
Medical science is actually at a loss to explain exactly how laser light affects hair the way it does, but it is speculated that laser light causes thermal damage to the follicle. When the melanin in the follicle absorbs the light, it then converts it to heat, which in turn inhibits the growth of new hair. Best of all, the procedure can be performed virtually anywhere on the body with little scarring or irritation, so you can be beach ready in as little as a week.
Laser Hair Removal is the perfect solution for anyone who wants smoother, sleeker, hair-free skin - and most people do not realize how easy and affordable it is! Contact one of our experienced cosmetic surgeons, and never be ashamed of your unwanted hair again.
Methods: Laser Hair Removal Procedures
IPLIntense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is not technically a laser but uses the same principles of physics to remove hair. IPL is a technique that uses a broad spectrum that travels down the length of the hair to the root, where the light is converted to heat. This heat destroys the hair follicle which prevents the hair from growing back.
The IPL procedure is becoming very popular not only because of the relative low cost of the treatment but also the short duration and the relatively minor pain of the procedure. Results are seen immediately after only one treatment, although up to five more treatments may be needed to complete the desired affect depending on how much skin is covered.
Alexandrite
This laser was first approved in 1997 for hair removal. They produce a reddish light that is barely visible to the naked eye, but the light that comes out is absorbed by the hair shaft and vaporized the follicle. The Alexandrite laser is the fastest hair removal laser and is excellent for quick removal of hair over large areas of the body for people with fair to olive complexions. It is also the single most popular laser used for body hair modification procedures.
Ruby
Ruby lasers were the first lasers used for hair removal procedures. They produce a noticeable deep red light that is excellent for people with fine, fair hair and skin because the light is quickly absorbed by melanin. Unfortunately this means people with dark or tanned skin do not benefit from this technique, and combined with enormous power consumption, slow recharge rate, and small area covered ruby lasers have fallen into disfavor with most plastic surgeons.
Diode
Diode lasers are among the simplest of all lasers. They emit invisible light that can penetrate deeper into dark skin to facilitate hair removal. Diode lasers can cover large areas of the body very quickly allowing for rapid removal of hair in a short period of time.
Laser Hair Removal Questions and Answers
What is a laser?Laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It produces a beam of tight and coherent light of one frequency. While this light has many applications, one of its primary uses is in hair removal.
How does a laser remove hair?
Different types of lasers produce different types of light that is absorbed by one of three structures in the skin; carbon, hemoglobin, and melanin. Each of these procedures is different, but they operate on essentially the same principle, in that light is absorbed through the hair follicle which is converted to heat that destroys the hair follicle to prevent regrowth.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal is one of the least painful types of plastic surgery. Most patients endure treatment without any significant discomfort, although sometimes skin becomes a bit red and irritated once the procedure is complete.
Does the hair ever grow back?
Depending on your skin type, hair texture, and type of laser used it is possible that your hair may grow back eventually, but if it does it is usually much finer and lighter than it was initially. Second or third treatments usually eliminate most of the residual unwanted hair.
How soon should I see results of my laser hair removal?
Most people see immediate results after their laser hair removal. Although your skin may be red and tender for awhile after the procedure, it usually only takes one or two treatments to see results depending on your skin, type of laser, and amount of hair removed.