Laser Hair Removal June 29, 2007
Posted by D.O in : Laser Hair Removal, MedSpa , trackback Celebrity Plastic SurgeryDEFINITION: Many methods have been devised to remove unwanted hair, from waxing and shaving to electrolysis. Unfortunately, waxing and shaving are not long term solutions and while electrolysis is variably effective, it involves significant time, discomfort and expense. Leading edge technology involves the use of laser light to remove unwanted hair. The laser generates a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed. The heat from the laser energy disables the follicle, thus eliminating growth. The skin is protected during treatment by a coolant that is sprayed onto the skin immediately before a laser pulse to cool the skin and provide increased comfort. This method helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.
HAIR GROWTH: Every hair goes through 3 cycles of growth. The hair you can see is either in its active anagen growth cycle (still attached to the hair follicle) or in its inactive cataqen phase (already separated from the follicle). Inactive hair will fall out on its own as it has completed its growth cycle and already disengaged from the follicle. Beneath the surface of the skin are the dormant hair follicles that have not entered a growth cycle. The laser targets the hair you can see, meaning it will remove both the active and inactive hairs. Hair in an active growth cycle will not grow back as the laser will destroy the hair follicle beneath the skin. Inactive hair will be removed; however, it will grow back as the follicle is still intact. As the hair moves through its cycles, repeated sessions are necessary to treat the follicles when they enter the growth phase. To see long-term results, you can expect at least 2-3 treatments with the laser.
HOW THE LASER WORKS: A long -pulse high energy laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat which can disable the follicle leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. The skin is further protected during the treatment by a coolant that is sprayed onto the skin immediately before the laser pulse. This also cools the skin and provides increased comfort. This selectivity helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED: The best results for hair removal have been achieved on darker, finer hair but other factors may influence the treatment process and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person. Any area of unwanted hair can be treated including face, bikini area, legs, armpits, back, neck, chest, feet and hands. The number of treatments required for each area depends upon your skin, hair coloring and coarseness of the hair.
WHAT TO EXPECT: When you arrive for your treatment, digital photos will be taken of the area to be treated as a means of tracking your progress. You will then be given safety eyewear to protect your eyes during the procedure from the intense laser light. During the procedure, the degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Some areas tend to be more sensitive than others (such as under the neck for men and the bikini area for women). Most patients experience little discomfort during treatment as the coolant spray helps to numb the area prior to the laser pulse. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to several hours depending on the area treated. All times are dependent on your particular hair growth and can be discussed prior to treatment. The treated area may become pink or red after treatment and this may last from a few hours to several days.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT: Prior to beginning laser treatment, it is important to avoid the sun for approximately 4 weeks. You must avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing for 3-6 weeks prior to the treatment. However you may shave the area prior to treatment.
RESULTS: After each laser treatment, you will notice the hair growth reduced dramatically and subsequent treatments will take less time as the amount of hair diminishes. Though lasers have only been used to treat unwanted hair for about 3 years, the results have found that after approximately 3 treatments, patients experience long-term, if not permanent, hair removal. No further studies are available at this time, however, it appears that long-term and possibly permanent hair removal is possible with laser technology.
COVERAGE: Insurance generally does not cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Payment for a treatment is due the day of service and can be paid by cash, check or major credit card. Each subsequent treatment will require payment the day of service.
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?