How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatments Work?
Electrolysis had been the one sort of lasting or permanent hair removal out there before laser and IPL devices moved into the market. Electrolysis will be still performed these days though it could be unpleasant to the patient and invasive to the skin, permitting the potential for infection. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is introduced into the hair follicle, delivering an electrical current in order to damage the stem cells inside the follicle. Regrettably, this painstaking procedure could be performed a single hair follicle at a time. Additional procedures tend to be needed for many years after the initial treatment.
On the flip side, with laser and IPL products, countless follicles of hair are dealt with at a time depending upon the actual spot dimensions (the size of the particular tip on the device delivering power). These laser hair removal treatments are non-surgical and take just minutes to perform rather than the many hours for electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal & Melanin
The main consideration ahead of a hair removal procedure is the patient’s dermis type and hair shade. Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for destruction of the hair follicle) along with melanin becoming the target chromophore (chemical grouping that releases shade). The big difference between the absorption of laser or light energy levels by melanin within the hair follicle and melanin within the epidermis decides the quantity of energy which might be safely employed without hurting the epidermis.
Light skinned subjects with black hair are generally thought to be the best patients for laser hair removal In contrast, someone with relatively dark skin and gray or white hair, can have little if any response. Since melanin inside the hair shaft and hair foillicle are the objective source for laser and IPL hair removal treatments, it will be very important to individuals in the course of their initial consultation not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory product before laser hair removal. The patient could, however, shave the region being treated (which often keeps the chromophore from the follicle), or may use hair removal treatments. Hair that is protruding from the skin can singe during a laser or light treatment which causes a powerful unpleasant odor along with possible flares.
Your Laser Hair Removal Proceedure
The majority of instruments theoretically run the same way while delivering a laser hair removal treatment. The guidelines on the equipment (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) need to be set based on the dermis examination and history performed on the patient. It will be necessary for clients to not wear dark clothing close to the area being treated since the pigment inside the clothing may potentially be absorbed by the laser or light and can result in a burn. The individual should be instructed to avoid applying any body washes, ointments, makeup products, 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 procedure will be recommended.
