Facts about Laser hair removal

 Facts about laser hair removal  

  

What is it?  

Laser hair removal uses a machine to remove hair permanently  

A number of factors need to be taken into consideration before a plan is made for a laser hair removal program for a patient   

There are a lot of different types of laser machines with wavelengths which are designed for Hair removal on different skin types and hair colour.  

The machines available in clinics range from wavelengths of Alexandrite 750nm for patients with lighter skin and hair to diode 808nm and nd-Yag 1050nm suitable for darker skin types with higher surface melanin concentrations and patients with thicker dark and coarse hair.   

  

Key considerations during laser hair removal are the patient’s skin colour and grade on the Fitzpatrick scale and matching this to the correct setting and wavelength used for hair removal.   

Typically, patients of lighter skin colour and Fitzpatrick scale 1 to 3 tend to have lighter, downy hair whereas those patients on the higher end of fitzpatrick scale of 3 to 5 and darker skin tone typically have darker more coarse hair with more pigment in it.  

  

However, there are always variants and occasionally patients can present who are Fitzpatrick scale 1 to 2 of lighter skin with extremely dark hair which is very pigmented with high melanin concentration, for these patients the 808nm and 1064 nd-Yag are more effective for laser hair removal   

  

A patch test is always performed in clinic to ensure the setting is correct for the patient and safe prior to commencing with a course of laser hair removal sessions   

  

How does it work?  

The Laser hair removal machine uses the selected wavelength and pulse energy to destroy the melanin pigment in the root of the hair and thus reducing hair growth. 

Prior to the session it is important that the hair is not plucked or tweezed and that only shaving is the method employed to reduce hair growth in between sessions.  

It is also important that the after-care is appropriately followed and instructions are always provided in clinic at the end of each session.  

  

The number of sessions and the interval between each session depends on the part of the body or face from which the hair removal is being removed and this will all be explained to you by your therapist during the laser hair removal session.  

  

In addition, if the root cause of the hair growth is hormonal imbalance or some other endocrine reason results cannot be guaranteed that the machine will entirely and permanently cease the growth and this is something that is discussed with the patient at the outset of the consultation before booking in.  

 Laser hair removals offers a method of hair removal although often maintenance treatments may also be required to upkeep the results and cannot be classified as an altogether permanent method in all patient groups either. 


What is it used to treat?  

Laser hair removal can be used to treat and remove hair from different parts of the body and face. This Includes the sides of face, upper lip, under the chin area, between the brows, nostril hair, and even inside the ear lobe hair as well. Body areas include upper and lower legs, back, arms, under arms as well as intimate areas 


What is the time in minutes of the procedure?  

 The duration of the procedure can vary from as little as 15 minutes to longer depending on the number of areas that are treated. The area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed and a cooling gel is applied as well to ease any discomfort and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.  


How many sessions are needed?  

The number of sessions that are needed vary on the body area being treated, generally we recommend up to 8 sessions to ensure optimal outcomes. 


How often should I have it?  

How often you have the treatment depends on the area that is to be treated. This can vary from 2 to 4 week intervals for small areas like those on the face to 4 to 6 week intervals for larger areas across the body. 

 

The spacing interval and all the after-care and pre-procedure instructions would be discussed with you at the consultation. 


Can you have laser hair removal if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding?  

It is generally recommended not to have laser hair removal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 


Can I have laser on tattooed / pigmented areas?  

Tattooed and pigmented areas of the skin contain pigment and melanin. Laser hair removal targets melanin and destroys this which is the essence of laser hair removal, therefore the skin which contains pigment should avoid the laser removal machine. The areas of the skin containing melanin and pigment can be avoided by ensuring the laser hair removal does not make contact with these body areas.  


Which skin hair type can have laser hair removal?   

In general, any type of skin type can have laser removal. A skilled therapist who has a thorough knowledge of different skin types will be able to select the safest setting to ensure that the correct wavelength and pulse strength is used for the skin type and hair colour of the patient.  Essentially it is the skin colour and Fitzpatrick grading and the hair colour and the contrast of the two therein which ultimately dictates the selected setting of the machine and the success of the procedure. A patch test is always conducted to ensure the setting is safe and optimal for the patient before embarking onto the course. 


Can men have laser hair removal for excess hair growth?  

 Men are suitable candidates for this procedure and it is gaining more and more popularity as well, especially on areas like the upper torso back , chest and the face areas as well. 


What are the possible side effects?    

The most common side which can last a few days after the procedure include swelling and redness.  


How do I prepare for laser hair removal?  

Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the procedure and avoid plucking or tweezing the hair before hand.  The area of the skin should be thoroughly cleansed and the target area shaved 24 hours before. 

It is also recommended that any harsh exfoliants or retinoids are applied to the skin as this can aggravate the sensitized skin to which the laser is applied.

Avoid any tanning products on the day of the laser hair removal and applying cosmetics, skin actives, or use of sun beds and saunas.   

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