Laser hair removal

Written By The HealthMeth Team - Updated On Saturday, March 13, 2021 6:00 PM

Laser hair removal

There are a variety of ways to remove unwanted hair from cutting, shaving, waxing, etc., and each has its own advantages, but it is not effective in permanently getting rid of hair growth. The use of laser hair removal is an innovative and comfortable way to get rid of it permanently, and this is done by shining a light beam focused on the hair follicle, and the dye absorbs it, then the follicles die due to the high temperature. [1]


How to use laser hair removal

The use of laser hair removal is characterized by its selectivity, as the light focused on the area focuses on the natural hair dye that absorbs the light to reach the hair shaft, then its temperature increases to destroy the hair follicle, thus it stops hair growth again, and it is worth noting that the laser hair removal process needs Several sessions; This is because hair has a life cycle that passes through several stages, namely: the stillness phase, the transition phase, and the growth phase. Hair that is in the dormant stage needs a period of time to appear on the surface and are affected by the laser, so the complete treatment period needs between two to three months. [2]


The length of the sessions

Laser pulses need fractions of a second to treat a large number of hair at one time, [1] and a single laser session takes approximately an hour to treat large areas such as the back, while the area above the lips does not need more than a few minutes. Results can start from the third session of treatment. The required treatment period varies according to the region, so the area above the lips that grows rapidly needs four to eight weeks, while the back area needs a period of up to sixteen weeks. [3]


The durability of laser treatment

The use of laser hair removal is a permanent way to get rid of hair, but part of the hair may grow back again, but it will be lighter and lighter than the previous one, so even if the laser fails to completely eliminate the hair follicle, it weakens it greatly, and to get rid of the thinning hair that returns to growth It is recommended to do several separate sessions after the treatment so that the hair does not regrow at all, and if the hair continues to grow again, other solutions can be resorted to to remove it, such as plucking . The speed of hair regrowth also depends on the nature of the hair's passing through the three growth stages, which are different for each person. There are people whose hair grows faster than others, and the hair in the dormant phase takes longer to grow. The chance of hair regrowth often depends on the nature of the hair and the skill of the therapist providing the laser session. [2]


Skin type and hair color

Play skin color and hair color and nature an important role in the effectiveness of the use of lasers to remove hair permanently, where it is white with black hair skin more suitable for laser treatment; The dye collects in the hair, which makes it easier for the laser to target the hair shaft and then move towards the follicle to destroy it. People with dark skin or light hair need several sessions to get satisfactory results, and they may notice hair growth after treatment more than others. Some research was conducted in 2013, which concluded that the use of laser light with long wavelengths gives better results for people with darker skin, so for effective hair removal, the therapist must know how to target the hair and the appropriate laser quality. [2]


Tips for laser hair removal

It is important to choose the right clinic and the attending physician who is qualified and experienced in giving laser sessions, or that the treating person is properly trained and under the supervision of the physician in charge. And beware of spas, salons, and others that provide laser sessions by unqualified personnel. When seeing a doctor for the first time, he will need some information, such as health history, history of skin disorders, and old hair removal methods. To understand the patient's condition and determine if laser sessions are appropriate for them, then create a plan for sessions and costs. And what are the following tips that specialists ask to follow when laser hair removal: [3]

  • Stay away from the sun: It is recommended to apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection daily, and the doctor’s advice should be adhered to regarding not being exposed to the sun before treatment for a period of up to six weeks.
  • Skin whitening: The doctor may request the use of cream to whiten the skin if it has been exposed to tanning before, and the use of tanning creams and creams that do not contain protection from the sun should be avoided.
  • Avoid using other methods of hair removal: You must stop using any method of hair removal before laser treatment for at least four weeks.
  • Avoid taking blood-thinning drugs: You must inform the doctor about the medications he is used to taking, such as anti-inflammatory or aspirin, before undergoing the laser sessions.
  • Shaving the area that will be subjected to the laser session: It is recommended to cut or shave the hair a day before the laser session, in order to ensure that the skin is not damaged by the laser burned hair, because the presence of the cut hair makes the focused light penetrate into the hair shaft below the surface of the skin, affecting the follicle only.
  • Preparing for the laser session: special glasses are worn to protect the eyes from the laser rays, and a gel is used as a local anesthetic for the area to reduce the feeling of tingling and discomfort. Then the doctor begins by passing the portable laser device over the specific area for treatment, and a cooled gel may be placed on the skin or a cooling device is installed on the end of the laser device, depending on the laser beams used. To protect the skin and reduce the side effects of redness, irritation and pigmentation.
  • After the laser session: It is preferable to place ice cubes on the area to relieve side effects or when redness or swelling is noticed, and the doctor may prescribe a cream containing steroids if the laser session causes skin irritation directly. The doctor’s advice must be taken not to be exposed to the sun between sessions and to use sunblock cream.


References

  1. ^ A b Stephanie is S Gardner , , MD (12-7-2017), "Laser Hair Removal" , the www.webmd.com , Retrieved 26-10-2018. Edited.
  2. ^ A b v Zawn Villines (10-6-2018), "How To Long Hair Removal Does of laser are?" , Www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved 27-10-2018. Edited.
  3. ^ A b Mayo , Clinic Staff (16-5-2018), "Laser Hair Removal" , Www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 28-10-2018. Edited.