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A Brief History of Laser Epilation

'Laser Beamed'

Imagine a hair-removal treatment that doesn't involve regular battles with razors, hot wax, or lotions that smell like a chemical plant.  Laser hair removal may sound like something out of Star Wars but its the greatest beauty breakthrough since the invention of the blow-dryer.

The first laser hair removal treatment occurred in the late 1970’s, quite by accident.  A scientist unknowingly exposed a portion of his arm to a 692 diode pumped YAG for several seconds, which burned all of the hair off.

The incident did no damage to his skin and was quickly forgotten, until several months later when he noticed a bald patch on his arm.

The procedure was repeated countless times and carefully studied. Clinical tests showed a substantial and permanent reduction of hair growth to the treated areas.  FDA approval followed shortly thereafter. 

Over the next two decades laser hair removal continued to evolve.  Energy wavelengths, pulse durations and intensity levels were carefully dialed in.  Side effects were reduced and efficacy increased.  Technicians added photosensitive (light-absorbing) carbon dyes late in the 1990's, which dramatically improved the rate of photon thermal exchange (conversion of radiation into heat) and made the procedure more effective and reliable on light colored hair growth.  This new field of development is called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).  

[ Laser Hair Removal Procedure ]  [ Laser Equipment and Accessory Packages ]

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines on the face. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle leaving the surrounding skin unchanged.

Why is laser preferred for hair removal?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only long-lasting hair removal solution has been by electrolysis - which can be time-consuming and is usually limited to small areas, because each hair is treated individually. Laser hair removal is non-invasive, and safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under 45 minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.

What does the treatment include?

Depending on the amount of hair and area treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include  safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes during the procedure from the laser light.

A small hand piece will be used to deliver the laser light. Most experience little discomfort at the treatment site. The sensation and the degree of discomfort varies with each person. In some cases, topical anesthesia is an option.

Depending on the size or number of areas treated, the time will vary in length from minutes to hours. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. The area may become slightly red and may last from a few minutes to several days depending on the area and skin sensitivity.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The laser is only effective on hair in its active growing cycle. At any one time there will only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that consistent treatments at appropriate intervals are absolutely necessary for the best possible results. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, coarseness of the hair and density per treated area.

Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Additional treatment will be necessary to treat other follicles when they re-enter the growth phase and produce new growth.

Power, Wavelength and Tissue Penetration

The most efficient wavelength required to achieve results by laser is in the 670 to 890 nm (nanometer) range. This particular frequency allows for the greatest tissue penetration without loss of photon intensity through the dermis(2). This range is also highly selective (as well as reactive) with follicle melanin and carbon dye.