Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a procedure for removing unwanted hair, employing the energy of light to damage the hair follicle and reduce its future growth. There are different methods that can be used in laser hair removal. The two main types include flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light devices.
The first FDA-approved laser was the long-pulsed Nd: YAG (Q-switched) laser in 1995, and the second type of laser for hair removal was approved in 1997. This device is a flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser with a contact cooling device that can remove tattoos and unwanted hair.
Lasers have been used for many years in dermatology, including hair removal. The devices that were used initially in laser hair removal were the ruby and Alexandrite lasers which had a long latency period and were not considered effective. These devices have also been extremely painful to patients.
In 2002, a study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that long-pulsed lasers were effective in removing unwanted hair and had a lower incidence of adverse events than the short-pulsed laser. The study concluded as well as “the new technology is an improvement over the older devices because it has a longer pulse width, is less painful, and requires shorter treatments.”
The Ruby laser emits an infrared beam of light that is absorbed by the dark pigment within hair and skin (the chromophore). The heat from the laser disintegrates the hair. The lower level of pain associated with this laser is due to its long wavelength, which is well absorbed by melanin and hemoglobin similar to melanocytes and oxyhemoglobin.
No anesthesia is required for this treatment. The pain threshold varies from person to person, however, the operator can also decrease the pain by increasing the pulse width of the laser which increases the healing time. This creates more heat and damage within the tissue which allows less pain due to thermal conduction.
The Alexandrite laser has quickly become one of the most utilized lasers for hair removal and its effects can last up to four months. This laser has a higher fluence rate than the Ruby laser and it is able to target the red/orange color of hair better than other lasers or intense pulsed light devices.
The Alexandrite laser was initially approved by the FDA in 1996 as an effective treatment modality for hair removal.
Hair removal lasers may be used to remove unwanted hair or reduce the density of hair growth in many areas including the upper lip, chin, legs, bikini line, and back. This method can also provide treatment for hirsutism by decreasing the rate of hair growth over time.
There are frequent occasions when permanent hair reduction is needed such as hair removal of the back and bikini line which may be too time-consuming using electrolysis. This leaves laser hair reduction as a good alternative for patients requiring permanent hair reduction with minimal side effects and discomfort since no anesthesia is required.
FDA has approved laser hair removal as a safe and effective method for the permanent reduction of excessive body hair. The treatment provides long-lasting results with minimal adverse effects and discomfort, making it an ideal alternative to electrolysis.
5 benefits of laser hair removal:
1. Permanent Hair Reduction:
The hair on the body grows in three stages. Laser hair removal slows down or stops hair growth in all of these phases, meaning you will not have to worry about it anymore! Up to 6 months after laser hair removal treatment, hairs will fall down and new ones won’t grow back because there is no hair root left.
2. It’s Fast and Convenient:
Laser hair removal sessions are quick, with each one lasting less than 15 minutes depending on the size of the treated area. You can have a treatment during lunch break, multiple times a week! After laser hair removal you will enjoy smooth skin for weeks or months at a time, depending on the area treated.
3. No More Shaving and Waxing:
Laser hair removal makes hair removal a thing of the past! Since laser hair removal slows down hair growth, you won’t have to worry about shaving or waxing again. On average, most people need 6-8 treatments spaced at least two months apart to permanently reduce their hair.
4. It’s Safe and Effective on Virtually All Skin and Hair Types:
Laser hair removal works on all skin tones and hair types, including fine thin hair or coarse thick hair, as well as dense body hair. Different laser wavelengths are used for more specialized effects such as targeting dark coarse hair on the darker skin types.
5. There is No Downtime:
The treated area can be slightly pink for a few hours after laser hair removal, just like a mild sunburn–but with no pain or peeling! You can go back to your daily routine immediately with no downtime. The best part? It’s totally safe for all skin types and tones.
Laser hair removal is an effective, safe option for people who are tired of shaving and waxing! Visit us at LaserAway.com to learn more about our laser hair removal services.
Health benefits of laser hair removal:
Laser hair removal is a procedure that can make you feel more confident about your appearance. The benefits of this type of treatment are numerous. Not only does it help remove unwanted hair, but it may also reduce the risk for skin conditions such as rashes and ingrown hairs. Here are some other benefits associated with laser hair removal.
1. It Can Help Treat Skin Issues:
Laser hair removal can be an effective option for people who struggle with skin conditions such as ingrown hairs and dermatitis. Laser treatments remove the hair follicles, which means they no longer have to grow back through the skin. This reduces the risk of pores becoming plugged, which could cause issues like cystic acne.
2. Hair Growth may Slow Down Over Time:
Most people need to receive multiple laser hair removal treatments in order for their hair growth to slow down significantly. This treatment may cause the hairs that are growing back after several months to become thinner and lighter over time. However, while some people notice this difference, others do not notice any changes.
3. The Treatments are Safe for All Skin Tones:
FDA-approved laser hair removal treatments will work on all skin colors and tones. Laser hair removal works by targeting the chromophore in the hair follicle, which is a color pigment found in skin and hair cells. The pigments respond to certain light wavelengths, which allow them to be eliminated.
Laser hair removal treatments are extremely safe for most people, including those who have dark skin tones. However, there are some conditions that can affect this type of treatment.
If you have a medical condition that affects your immune system, talk to your doctor before getting laser hair removal procedures done at a salon or clinic. You may need to have the treatment done in a doctor’s office under stricter supervision.
4. The Results are Long Lasting:
Laser hair removal can be an effective long-term solution for people who want to get rid of their unwanted hair for good. Although you will likely need multiple treatments, your results will last longer than shaving or waxing would. You will no longer have to deal with the frequent hassles of removing your unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a light beam is released through a handpiece that contains lenses and filters based on the type of skin you have and the color of your hair follicles. While it may look like a big gun when in use, most handpieces are relatively small and the light beam is aimed at the hair follicles, which damage them. You’ll then be left with permanent hair loss.