Laser hair removal - permanent hair removal cosmetic surgery

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Laser Hair Removal

The Need for Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair can be a nightmare. Abnormal hair growth on body parts can affect the sex appeal of a person. Hence, permanent hair removal has been sought by many. The problem with unwanted hairs was solved with the development of laser hair removal technology. It is a convenient, relatively inexpensive and fast procedure for permanent hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal – The Reason for Its Popularity

Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women, and is quickly becoming a popular treatment for men as well. The removal of unwanted hair is an ongoing process and if more permanent results are desired, then laser hair removal may be considered. Shaving is temporary and can lead to stubbly re-growth. Depilatories can have a chemical smell and can be messy. Waxing is painful, though the results are longer lasting. All of these methods are temporary, while laser hair removal provides a more permanent solution to unwanted hair.

Laser Hair Removal – The Technology

It is necessary to discuss the components of the hair follicle so that the explanation of how laser hair removal works will make sense. A human hair is made up of three separate parts. One is the bulb at the base of the hair follicle—that produces hair. Two is the shaft of the hair. And three is the hair follicle itself. Only the hair fiber is visible to the eye as the bulb and the shaft are underneath the skin. In laser hair removal, it is necessary to target the hair follicle that is responsible for creating more hair growth, along with any growing centers that may be present in the bulb—sometimes called germinating centers. The trick with laser hair removal is that human hairs go through cycles. In the active growing phase, the hair can be destroyed, but if the hair is not in the active phase, laser hair removal needs to be repeated until the hair is destroyed. This can require multiple sessions in order to complete the hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal - Consultation

Men and women alike are qualified for laser hair removal, if the surgeon finds it is the best answer to remove the unwanted hairs. Because, in some cases, the laser may lead to discoloration in some skin pigments, so a physician may need to try other methods or other lasers in order to accomplish the total hair removal. Patients who have realistic expectations of the laser hair removal will benefit the most from the procedure. Patients who have unwanted hair due to hormonal imbalances—pregnancy, menopause, or due to illness or genetic disorders may also be good candidates for the laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal - Procedure

And how does laser hair removal work? Although there isn’t a specific reason for the outcome, most dermatological physicians agree that the laser causes thermal damage to the hair follicle, thus stopping further growth from occurring. As the laser light energy passes through the layers of the skin, it turns from light into heat and is taken in by melanin pigment —found in the hair follicle. If the hair is in the active growth phase and is targeted with the laser, then the hair follicle is injured by the build up of heat and this inhibits further hair growth. In some studies, laser hair removal has shown to be effective for at least two years following the treatment.

There are numerous kinds of lasers that are available for laser hair removal. The first is an Alexandrite laser. This is a long pulse laser that can go deep beneath the skin to the location of the hair follicles. The heat generated by this laser builds up in the hair follicle and inhibits further hair growth. A diode laser can be used in laser hair removal as well. The diode works by combining the effects of several smaller diodes (semi-conductors) to produce light. Because a diode laser has a longer wavelength, it works better in those patients with a darker skin pigmentation who desire the laser hair removal procedure. Intense light pulses also work for laser hair removal. Like lasers, these work by heating the hair shaft enough to hinder it from producing more hair growth. And these light based therapies can work on a variety of skin types and hair types. A Q-switched Nd: YAG laser contains two different kinds of light. One is an invisible infrared light that works at deeper depths of the skin while the other is a green light that is used to treat follicles that are closer to the skin’s surface. And the ruby laser works to target melanin that is present in the hair shaft. This list is not all inclusive of therapies and lasers used in laser hair removal, but any one of these lasers or pulsed light sources may be used effectively to remove unwanted hair.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal Over Other Procedures

Laser hair removal has many advantages. Not only does it not require the use of needles or chemicals, but it can also produce immediate results in the very first treatment session. Large areas of unwanted hair can be targeted by laser hair removal with few or no side effects. Some stinging and redness may be present immediately after laser treatment, but this is a minor effect that fades quickly. Scarring and burns are also possible effects of this laser hair removal if the procedure is not conducted correctly by the technician.

Although permanent hair removal is the goal of the laser hair removal, some patients find that the outcome of their treatments is the growth of finer and lighter hair. Multiple treatments may be necessary for long term and permanent removal of the hair.