subject: So What Is Laser Hair Removal? [print this page] Laser hair removal emerged during in the 1990s, rapidly spreading across the cosmetic field. In 1997, the American FDA approved the procedure, making laser hair removal available to everyone. The technical term for hair removal is epilation, or depilation. It is also a remarkably popular procedure conducted in a variety of ways, from professional medical facilities to inside the home. The procedure can be carried out on nearly every portion of the body wherever unsightly or unwanted hair might appear.
While the most common forms of hair removal include shaving, waxing, plucking, and creams, these are all considered to be temporary measures for eliminating hair. People who are interested in a more permanent hair removal solution often seek out laser hair removal. The process capitalizes on the unique properties of laser light to remove the hairs permanently from the treated area.
Lasers work by targeting chromophores, specific compounds (either naturally occurring or injected) that respond to light. The light emitted by the laser is matched to both the wavelength and pulse duration that will cause the most damage to the chromophore while leaving the surrounding tissue unscathed. This process is known as photothermolysis.
It is important to note that only brown and black hair is effectively treated by laser hair removal, as the eumelanin in the pore of these colored hairs is what responds to the light. Unfortunately, the pheomelanin in blonde and red hair is unresponsive to the treatment.
Argon, Ruby, Alexandrite, pulsed diode and Nd:YAG lasers have all been effectively applied in laser hair removal treatments with wavelengths ranging from 488nm-1064nm. Similar treatments have also been applied to other follicular related issues such as ingrown hairs (particularly those referred to as shaving bumps).
Pulse duration, and fluence play a large role in the nature of the treatment. The longer the pulses, the more exposure the follicle gets from the laser. Consequently, so do the surrounding tissues (which may also risk damage). Fluence refers to the energy being delivered from the laser that can contribute to the degree of damage delivered to the follicle and the resultant heating to the targeted and surrounding tissues.
For cases where stronger lasers are required, or when there is discomfort due to heating, cooling gels and sprays are available to patients in order to make the procedure more comfortable.
Side effects of the treatment tend to be minor and include itching, redness, and sometimes swelling around the treated area. These issues tend to last for a few days before passing. Contacting a physician is the best way to ensure the proper laser hair removal procedure is applied to your particular skin and hair type.
