16 Mar Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem that can be a source of distress for both men and women. We will provide advice for consumers here when considering the latest laser hair removal procedures.

BACKGROUND

Excessive hair growth is classified as either hypertrichosis or hirsuitism.

Hypertrichosis is the excessive growth of body hair in a normal or abnormal pattern. It may be genetic or due to medications, hormones, malnutrition, tumors or metabolic problems.

Hirsuitism is excessive growth of hair in women, but in a male pattern — such as the beard, mustache or lower abdomen and may be due to hormonal problems, medications, tumors or heredity.

Many treatment options for managing unwanted hair have been available over the years, such as shaving and waxing, but these methods are temporary and offer varying degrees of success. In-office laser and light-based hair removal.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Lasers and light sources are used to safely and effectively treat larger areas of unwanted hair with minimal patient discomfort and fewer complications than other hair-reduction methods.

Most lasers are equipped with a cooling device that reduces the discomfort from the laser light and also protects the top layer of skin from excessive heating and potential changes in pigmentation.

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices send specific concentrated beams of light through the skin that are absorbed by the melanin (dark) pigment present in the hair follicle shafts.

Because hair grows in cycles, repeated treatments are necessary to destroy the hair follicles.

TYPES OF LASERS

• The ruby, alexandrite, diode and intense pulsed light systems were the first lasers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada for hair reduction.
• Lasers and light sources work best on light-skinned, dark-haired individuals because the light from these lasers is not significantly absorbed by dark pigments in the surrounding skin.
• Devices with longer wavelengths, such as Nd:YAG lasers, have the ability to treat darker skin types.

WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW

• In general, three or more treatments are required to achieve permanent hair growth reduction.
• Darker hair responds best to laser hair removal.
• Lighter-colored hair is least responsive, but topical medications can be used in an effort to increase effectiveness.
• Patients seeking laser hair removal are advised to avoid tanning or sunless tanners and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for up to six weeks prior to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS

• The most common side effects include discomfort, swelling, and redness that last one to three days.
• Other possible side effects include blistering, herpes simplex outbreaks, bacterial infections and temporary skin lightening or darkening (especially in patients with skin of color or those with tans).

EXPECTED RESULTS

• The percentage of hairs removed per session varies by location on the body, with thinner-skinned areas (e.g., armpits and bikini area) generally responding better than thick-skinned areas (e.g., back and chin).
• About 10 percent to 25 percent reduction in hair growth can be expected with each treatment.
• Treatments are repeated every four to eight weeks, depending on body area. 4 for the face and 8 for the body.There is NO benefit to earlier treatment.
• The hair that regrows following treatment tends to be lighter and finer in texture.
• Patients are instructed to avoid sun exposure and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher following the procedure.