Laser Hair Removal Problem

Side Effects and Complications: Erythema and edema are relatively common following Laser Hair Removal, especially with the shorter wavelength lasers used at high fluences, and usually resolve withing minutes to hours. Longer wavelength lasers may produce edema around individual hair follicles resembling "goose bumps". Superficial blistering may occur, especially in patients with darker or tanned skin, and these patients in particular may experience transient pigmentary changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin, which may last weeks or occasionally months. The risk of infection is extremely low, as is the risk of scarring, but may occur if there is blistering which is subsequently contaminated or irritated.

Especially with the shorter wavelength devices such as the Ruby laser, pigmented lesions and freckles may be lightened or lost altogether, and rarely fever blister outbreaks may occur, especially when the perioral or bikini areas are treated.

Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal: The "permanence" of Laser Hair Removal is often called into question. In practice, no laser destroys all of the hair follicles. Some follicles are destroyed, others are miniaturized into vellus hairs, and some are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatments are needed for best results, and the best interval for treatment is when new hair regrowth is observed, usually 6 to 12 weeks after the first treatment, and 3 to 6 months after the second treatment. In most cases there will be visible improvement within a week after the first treatment. Repeat treatments can be performed at suitable intervals.

It's possible that with a sufficient number of treatments, true "permanent hair removal" can be ultimately achieved, but not for every single hair present in a given area. As an example, only 30% of hair follicles on the back are in anagen (active growth) at a given time-70% of the hair follicles are in telogen (dormant), even though they may contain visible hairs. Assuming a single laser treatment permanently eliminates every actively growing follicle (the actual figure may be closer to half), 70% of the hair follicles originally present may eventually sprout visible hair. After 3 months (the average length of dormancy on the back), 30% of the remaing follicles will enter anagen, and if a second laser treatment eliminates every actively growing follicle (30% of the 70% remaining after the first treatment), then only an additional 21% of the original hair follicles will be destroyed, leaving 49% of the original hair follicles able to regrow visible hair. A third treatment will leave 34% of the orginal follicles, a fourth 24%, and so on. In actual practice, some of the follicles are shocked into prolonged dormancy, or converted to vellus hairs, so the visible effect is greater than suggested by the percentages. Experience to date with laser hair reduction suggests that the hair reduction achieved is "permanent".

There may be some difference in each lasers' relative effect on the hair follicle. Current studies indicate that longer laser pulses, and possibly longer wavelengths may be more effective at eliminating the follicle, while shorter pulses and possible shorter wavelenghts are more likely to miniaturize it. In either case, there is a long term reduction in the amount of visible hair

When used properly, all of the devices discussed above are safe and effective for laser hair reduction.  The response to treatment is based on the patient's hair color and skin type. Light skinned, dark haired patients will have a more noticeable, longer-lasting response than patients with blond or red hair or patients with darker skin, and will require fewer treatments for permanent hair reduction.  Multiple treatments will be necessary for long-lasting visible hair reduction, and miniaturization of some hair follicles contributes to the visible appearance of hair removal. True "permanent" hair removal may be possible with repeated treatments over time.

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

'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, believe me, its the greatest beauty breakthrough since the invention of the blow-dryer.

I was initially skeptical when I set off to investigate this futuristic sounding miracle.

Anyone who passed O level physics will be pleased to hear that the laser works with low energy. Those who failed the exam should content themselves with the knowledge that it's gentler than other laser treatments and suitable for all skin colors.

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 handpiece 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. Your laser specialist will discuss this before laser treatment. 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.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?  If you are tan or have a darker skin type, a bleaching cream should be started 4-6 weeks before treatment for our melanin absorption lasers.

How many treatments will I need?  Hair grows in cycles. The laser is only effective on hair in its actively 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.