What is "Melanin"?
Melanin exists in the plant, animal and protista
kingdoms, where, among other functions, it serves as a dark pigment. This
pigment is visible in human hair and is the primary determinant of human skin
color.
The process of laser hair removal works by
directing the laser onto the skin, where the laser high-energy light becomes
absorbed by melanin located in the hair follicles. Once absorbed, the light
transforms into heat, destroying the entire part of the follicle responsible
for the growth of new hair.
Due to the fact that a laser targets melanin,
the more melanin an individual has in his/her hair, the more effective a laser
will be.
To see how melanin affects the success of
laser hair removal, see Will
laser hair removal work for me?
What are the different
types of lasers used for hair removal?
There are several laser and laser-like devices
currently used for hair removal. Some of the more common ones are detailed
below:
. Alexandrite: The
long-pulse alexandrite laser accomplishes deep penetration into the skin where
the hair follicles are located. The heat build-up in the hair shafts disables
those follicles in the active growth phase.
. Diode: The diode laser
is a very efficient device that contains small diodes or semiconductors that
are arranged together to produce light. The diode laser has a longer wavelength
than other lasers used for hair removal, which may improve treatment results on
darker skin types.
. Light based sources: In
many circumstances, intense pulsed light devices also operate on similar
principles to lasers. Using the photoepilation process, the device offers a
broad spectrum of light to treat a variety of hair and skin colors as well as
hair depths. Some of the commonly used light-based sources include:
. Q-Switched Nd:YAG: This
laser delivers two different wavelengths of light. One is an invisible infrared
light used for deeper penetration. This wavelength is used to reach deeper hair
follicles. The other wavelength, a green light, is used for treating hair
follicles closer to the surface. In both cases, the Q-switching device emits
rapid bursts of laser light to the treatment site.
. Ruby: In this type of
a light-based source, the red-colored beam seeks out the target melanin inside
the hair shafts.
What is Photoepilation?
Photoepilation destroys the hair follicle using
controlled flashes of light. The light used is very powerful. The hair absorbs
the light projected by the device and the intense heat destroys it. This
heating is painless. In order to obtain the best results with photoepilation,
we need all the light energy sent by the machine to be absorbed by the hair and
not by the nearby tissues.
Will Laser Hair Removal work for me?
Due to the fact that a laser targets melanin,
the more melanin an individual has in his/her hair, the more effective a laser
will be. Therefore, someone with gray, red, or blonde hair is not as good a
candidate for laser hair removal.
In addition, the more melanin in your skin, the
darker it looks. Since the laser does not distinguish between melanin in hair
and melanin in skin, the more melanin present in the skin, the more the laser
is going to target the skin rather than the hair. Therefore, someone with
darker skin is not as good a candidate for laser hair removal.
Light skin and dark hair are the best
combination for laser hair removal. The more closely an individual's skin tone
matches his/her hair color, the less likely he/she is to benefit from laser
hair removal.
What is "Home Laser Hair Removal"?
Many salon and spa processes are now beginning
to produce modified versions of laser hair removal treatments which can be
carried out at home. There are certain laser hair removal machines that are
sold for personal use in the home. However, it is highly advised that
experienced professionals, whether they are experienced laser technicians or
certified dermatologists, perform laser hair removal sessions. A patient is at
an advantage with professionals performing the laser hair removal process, as
they know how to operate the machines so as to produce the best results.
Additionally, they can complete the task in a safe manner, and they are
informed as to how to decrease discomfort, if pain should occur. This method of
removing unwanted hair is highly discouraged. Always make sure the take-home
product is approved by the FDA.
What are the advantages of Laser Hair Removal
It is important to note that laser hair removal is a
non-invasive method of photoepilation, which does not require needles or
chemical creams. The advantages of laser hair removal include:
-
The technique is safe if performed properly
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It is considered to be painless as compared to other methods
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Many consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or even permanent
hair reduction
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The method is very useful for removing hair from large areas such as backs or
legs
What are the
limitations/disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?
Although laser hair removal is an excellent
treatment option, some patients may experience hair regrowth. However, this
hair is usually finer and lighter in color. Possible side effects, though very
rare, may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the
form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. The process is also not as
effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and red or blonde hair.
What areas can be treated with laser?
Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where
there is excess hair can be treated with laser. The most common areas requested
are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, abdomen,
bikini line, and legs.
How fast is laser hair removal?
One of the main advantages of laser hair removal
procedures is the speed of the treatment in combination with the long lasting
results. For example, to remove hair from the back with laser hair removal
usually takes about an hour.
In contrast, a full back hair removal with
electrolysis can take up to and over 125 hours.
What are some pre-treatment instructions?
While the process in itself is considered to be
very safe, individuals opting for laser hair removal should preferably follow
the following pre-treatment tips:
. Laser treatment should be avoided when
you have a suntan or sunburn
. Though not necessary, shaving before the
treatment quickens treatment time. Shaving should be done to a degree where
only a shadow or stubble remains visible
. Bleaching or plucking should be stopped
for a couple of weeks before the treatment
. If you are likely to suffer from cold
sores or have genital herpes, start taking appropriate medicines before the
treatment
You should contact your doctor and schedule a
consultation for a detailed instruction list.
What are the post-treatment instructions?
It is common to experience redness or bumps
after the treatment. A cold compress often helps in this scenario. Apart from
this, general precautions to take after laser hair removal treatment include:
. Minimal use of makeup and maximum use of
moisturizer
. Use sun block of SPF 25 or more for a
couple of weeks after the treatment
. If needed, the only other acceptable
hair removal method during the treatment regimen is shaving
. Be aware that hair will continue to shed
up to three weeks after the treatment. Help the hairs out by using a loofah or
washcloth.
Make sure to ask your doctor for detailed
post-treatment instructions.
Are there any side effects?
In most cases there are no side effects
associated with the procedure.
However, pigmentary change of the skin treated
can occur, including either dark or light areas. Pigmentary changes may persist
for months, but are almost always temporary. They are very rare in patients
with fair skin, who are untanned. Blisters and burns are rare, but occasionally
occur, particularly in patients with dark skin.
How does skin color affect the results?
Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to
perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are
obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more
sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the
laser center. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each patient.
Does hair color have any impact?
Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is, therefore, much
easier to treat. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser treatment. Light
hair is more difficult to treat, while blonde or red hair being extremely
difficult to treat. Multiple treatment sessions are required, and results are
variable. Blonde or red hair usually contains pheomelanin, which absorbs laser
energy less avidly than the eumelanin pigment which is present in black or
brown hair.
What are the effects of tanning on laser hair removal results?
Having a tan increases your risk of side effects
such as blistering and discoloration. Due to the fact that on a tanned skin,
the laser tends to aim at the surrounding skin rather than the hair, scarring
of the skin may also occur.
Does diet have an impact on the treatment?
Diet is generally unrelated to laser hair
removal treatment, except for Beta-carotene, which interferes with the
treatment. Beta-carotene, which is normally found in carrots, vitamin A
supplements, squash, and other vegetables, is deposited in the skin, producing
a subtle orange or yellow color in the skin. This pigment absorbs laser energy,
preventing it from reaching the hair follicle, and increasing the absorption of
laser energy in the skin. Beta-carotene persists for months after ingestion.
Patients interested in the best results from laser hair removal will benefit
from discontinuation of the use of all forms of beta-carotene.
How to assess a laser hair removal facility?
Before opting for a treatment, it is always a
good idea to research the qualifications of the Medical Director of the
facility. Is he or she Board Certified in Dermatology? Is there more than one
Board Certified Doctor on the staff? Are all personnel performing the procedure
licensed doctors or Registered Nurses? Is the facility affiliated with an
academic medical center? Is the atmosphere professional? Since this is a
medical procedure, it should be selected with the same care you give while
selecting a doctor or a surgeon. See our
Choosing a doctor section
Questions to ask your doctor before the procedure?
Please make sure that your doctor is:
-
Experienced in using whatever system you or your doctor selects to treat your
unwanted hair.
-
Find out for how long and how many patients your doctor has treated with that
particular machine.
-
Ask to see "before and after" photographs of the doctor's own results. Make
sure the results are at least six months after the last treatment and that the
conditions of the "before and after" photographs are similar.
-
Make sure that your doctor has treated patients with your skin type and
problem.
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Discuss all possible side effects.
See our
Choosing a doctor section for more detailed
information
What can I expect at my consultation?
A physician or dermatological surgeon with training and
experience in laser hair removal may be best suited to decide whether you're a
candidate for laser hair removal and, if so, what type of laser may work best
for you. During an initial consultation, your doctor will ask about your
medical history, assesses your skin type and explains the risks and benefits of
laser hair removal. To reduce the risk of complications, your doctor may ask
you to refrain from taking medications such as aspirin and other non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, or dietary supplements such as niacin and vitamin E.
If you have a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, you must wait
until the tan fades completely before you can undergo laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is effective only on short, visible hair. Two
to three days before the procedure, you shave the area to be treated, and allow
it to grow to a stubble. Avoid waxing or plucking the hair. Ask your doctor
about ways to minimize the discomfort of laser hair removal. He or she may
advise you to apply a thick layer of an over-the-counter cream containing the
anesthetic lidocaine to your skin 45 minutes before treatment.
Is laser hair removal covered by insurance?
Laser hair removal is considered to be cosmetic
and is therefore, not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for
payment, though financing options are usually available.
What to expect during the laser hair removal
procedure?
The length of a laser session may range from a few minutes to an
hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. How long the
procedure takes depends on the area of the body involved. A small area such as
the upper lip may take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may
require several hours.
Since laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active
growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to disable hair follicles
that subsequently enter this growth phase.
During the procedure, laser light will be delivered through a
hand held piece attached to a laser console. You may experience a stinging
sensation as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the cooling
system automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin before, during
and after the laser exposure. You should not need general anesthesia or pain
medication, but a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to sensitive areas.
The process can take from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours
for a full back and legs.
Laser treatment itself may cause a slight tingling sensation.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. But because some areas of the body
are more sensitive than others, topical anesthesia can be an option. The
appearance of the treated area immediately after the laser session will vary
from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type.
Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and
swelling, which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal
activity right away.
During the procedure, you wear goggles to protect your eyes from
accidental exposure to laser light. The procedure causes a slight charring of
your stubble. You may notice a strong odor of singed hair, which is normal.
Afterwards, you may experience some temporary redness and swelling.
What is Pseudofolliculitis?
One of the more common problems you see in darker skinned patients, particularly when the hair is curly is pseudofolliculitis. Pseudofolliculitis is bumps in the area where the hair is and that problem improves very rapidly following laser treatment. In fact, after a single laser treatment pseudofolliculitis can improve tremendously even though all of the hair is not removed.
Last Modified: March 25, 2008
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