Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal work?

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, thereby heating up the basal stem cells in the follicle which causes hair growth, the hair follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects but reflected by light objects and water, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the hair or skin, with much more speed and intensity than just the skin without any dark adult hair or melanin.

Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin and gives skin and hair their color. There are two types of melanin in hair. Eumelanin gives hair brown or black color, while pheomelanin gives hair blonde or red color. Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only hair with color such as black, brown, or reddish-brown hair or dirty blonde can be removed. White hair, light blonde and strawberry blonde hair does not respond well. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, being most effective and producing the best results, but lasers such as the Nd:YAG laser are able to target black hair in patients with dark skin with some success.

What are the different treatment areas for laser hair removal?

• Lip
• Chin
• Eyebrow
• Bikini and/or Brazilian
• Underarm/axillary
• Leg
• Back or chest

We have multiple laser hair removal packages and specials for different areas of the body.

What to expect before procedure

• Do not pluck the hair or remove it by methods like waxing or threading for at least 1 month before the procedure.
• Avoid sunlight for at least 4 to 6 weeks before the procedure. Use a good sunscreen as directed by the doctor.
• Detan and bleach the skin using products recommended by the doctor.
• Trimming the hair in the treatment site is done just before the procedure to avoid burning of the existing hair.
• Inform the doctor about regular medications taken, if any as many medications may interfere with the procedure.

What to expect during procedure

• The removal process is done in a few sessions depending upon the hair quality and quantity.
• Goggles are worn for eye protection.
• Cooling gel may be applied to the site of hair removal before starting the procedure.
• Small handy device is used to pass hot laser beams. The light from this beam is converted into heat which inactivates the hair follicles in the area.
• After the procedure, cool pack and creams are applied to prevent irritation.

What to expect after procedure

• Swelling, redness and some changes in skin color are commonly experienced immediately after the procedure which subsides gradually in few hours.
• Ice pack can be applied to relieve these symptoms.
• Completely avoid sun for next few weeks and use a strong sunscreen lotion.
• Avoid all other hair removal methods in the treatment site.

What are side effects of laser hair removal?

• Itching
• Skin irritation and swelling around the treatment area
• Swelling of the follicles (follicular edema).
• Acne
• Skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)

These side effects rarely last more than two or three days.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

• Precision: able to permanently remove hair in a specific area without damage to the surrounding skin
• Predictability: majority (85-90%) of hair removed after 4-8 sessions
• Speed: Each laser pulse can treat many hairs at a time while it is taking a fraction of a second. The laser can remove hair according to the area that is approximately the size of a quarter each second.  This can take seconds to several minutes to remove unwanted hair.

Achieve the results you want at Phoenix Medical Spa LLC by calling (972)696-7993 today for a consultation and to schedule services.