ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL
How does the laser work? 
The laser emits pulses of infrared light that last no more than
a fraction of a second (about as long as a camera flash). This
intelligent light penetrates the skin right to the hair bulb,
where the highest concentration of melanin, the skin's natural
pigment, is found. The infrared laser light (heat energy) is
absorbed by the melanin, thereby destroying the hair-generating
cells at the root level. The pulse time is just long enough
to disable the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding
skin. The treated follicle gradually shrinks, producing fine,
downy hair barely visible to the naked eye.
What are the advantages of
laser hair removal?
The machine used in the treatments is a non-invasive, high-precision
device with adjustable operating parameters to disable the hair
follicle while keeping the surrounding skin intact. With each
pulse reaching 10 to 15 hairs at a time, the machine offers
rapid and effective treatment of large areas. Permanent hair
reduction of the treated zone may be obtained within a year.
How long does treatment take
with the laser?
The time required for complete hair removal with the laser depends
upon the area being treated. For example, the upper lip (moustache)
area requires only a few minutes to treat, while the lower leg
may take about an hour.
How long does treatment take
with the laser?
Each laser pulse produces a slight prickling or pinching sensation
that is easily tolerated by most patients. For the more sensitive
areas of the body, an anesthetic cream may be applied prior
to treatment to alleviate any discomfort caused by the procedure.
What about after treatment?
There may be a slight reddening of the treated area for the
first few minutes following the procedure. Patients are strongly
urged to avoid exposure to the sun right after treatment. As
the body tries to expel the dead hair shafts, it may seem as
though the hair is continuing to grow. Not to worry This dead
hair will fallout on its own within a week or two.
How many treatments will I
need?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser light targets hair follicles
in the active growth (anagen) phase, which contain the highest
concentration of pigment. Follicles in the resting (telogen)
phase have less pigment, and therefore must reach the next growth
phase before they can be effectively disabled. Optimum results
are achieved after a few treatments.
 |
During the active growth phase called anagen
the hair contains an abundance of melanin. This is the ideal
stage for laser hair removal. |
 |
During the regression phase called catagen
the hair stops growing (intermediate stage) but is not shed
yet and contains a certain amount of melanin. |
 |
During the resting phase called telogen
the old hair fall out in preparation for the growth of new
hair. |
Is hair removal by laser
suitable for everyone?
While hair removal by the laser is most effective on fair-skinned
subjects with dark hair, darker or black skin types can be
safely and effectively treated using the laser. Patients suffering
from hormonal disorders will be referred to an endocrinologist
for consultation prior to treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal. Very rarely, patients may experience
some changes in pigmentation (hyper-or hypopigmentation),
but this is generally a temporary condition that disappears
within a few weeks of treatment. As well, any freckles or
pigmented lesions, like beauty marks, on the treated area
may fade or vanish altogether due to their concentration of
pigment.
