subject: Laser Hair Removal Is Effective And Safe [print this page] Laser treatment is an FDA approved non-invasive approach to permanent reduction of facial and body hair. Long term studies in the U.S. and Europe have shown the technology to be effective and safe when done by experienced professionals. It is a convenient way to remove unwanted hair without shaving, waxing, or electrolysis. Women most often treat the lip and chin, under arms, bikini line, and legs. Men usually treat the back, shoulders, and upper arms. Many cosmetic surgeons use the Gentlase Plus for all of their hair removal.
Dark pigment (melanin) in the hair attracts and absorbs the energy of the light emitted by the laser. In a fraction of a second, the absorbed laser energy is transformed into heat, destroying the hair follicle, without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue. A certain percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved.
Many people don't realize that laser hair removal will take a long time. Hair grows in three phases: the growth phase, the mature phase and the dormant phase. The laser affects hair follicles only in the growth phase. Because of this, more than one treatment is necessary to disable all hair follicles. Treatments are done 4 to 6 weeks apart, in order to treat hair follicles in the growth phase. Usually 3-5 treatments are necessary to treat all hair follicles. In total laser hair removal can take from several months to a year.
Over time, skin will grow new hair from follicles that have never been active before. This is common due to a variety of reasons, such as hormonal changes, aging, maturation, etc. If you experience re-growth, you will notice the texture of the hair is fine and lighter in color. After you have successfully been treated for hair reduction, you may require an occasional maintenance session to eliminate the new hair.
Since it is the pigment in the hair that absorbs the laser energy, darker hair will absorb more energy. Thicker hair will absorb more energy, as well. Thus, the perfect patient for laser hair reduction is fair skinned and has dark hair. Patients with very light, blonde, or gray hair are not good candidates for this treatment. This is why it is a good idea to get rid of unwanted hair before it turns gray.
In darker skin types, or tanned skin, hyper-pigmentation may occur. Hyper-pigmentation is a response of your normal pigment calls to laser stimulation, is basically a dark tan, in a very localized area. Fortunately, it is temporary and will fade over time. If you are tanned however, it is best if you wait 4 weeks for your tan to fade, to minimize the chances for hyper-pigmentation.
