PERMANENT LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser hair removal is the method of choice to combat excess hair in unwanted areas.

Laser hair removal is a permanent removal of unwanted hair in different areas of the body, with long-term results.

The laser works by applying controlled and accurate pulse of intense light (LASER) which are absorbed by melanin in the hair.

When the rays touch the hair, they are transformed into heat burning the hair root along with the permanent destruction of the follicle, without the skin being affected.

Each pulse lasts less than one second, produces a slight tingling sensation. In particularly sensitive areas such as the upper lip, it can be felt like a quick and smooth pinch.

All types of skin can be treated safely, and all hair colors can be treated effectively.

The laser destroys hairs that are in the active growth phase, so in the following sessions and / or repetitions there will be needed to be targeted hair that was not previously affected. The number of sessions required depends on skin type and hair color and last, on the part of the face or body being treated.

Hair papilla which underwent the thermal effect of laser will fall of in 15-20 days.

The wavelengths of laser light match the visible and infrared light, so they are not carcinogenic.

Is the laser carcinogenic?

No. The wavelengths of lasers that are used in Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery are visible and infrared light, so they are not carcinogenic.

Is it definitive?

The laser destroys hairs that are in the active growth phase, so in the following sessions and / or repetitions there will be needed to target hair that was not previously affected. Anyway the hair reduction achieved is between 80% to 90%. The hair that isn’t destroyed is the hair that was resting and probably stunted, the slightly pigmented ones, thin hair and that of slower growth due to the heat effect from the treated follicles.

Is it painful?

The impact of light rays on the skin usually cause a mild discomfort, often described as burning or pricking sensation.

The tolerance of the treatment varies from one person to another and many laser devices incorporate cooling systems to reduce skin discomfort. In highly sensitive areas or very sensitive people it may require a local anesthetic, but this is absolutely exceptional.

How do I handle the hair that grows back?

Between one treatment and another, hair can be cut with scissors, shaved or removed by depilatory cream. Never again the methods of hair removal by pulling (hair removal with wax or and / or tweezers) have to be used as it stimulates growth. This advice is especially important for people who have very thick hair or have endocrine problems.

Why multiple sessions are needed?

In the human hair grows in cycles, but not all hairs have the cycle at the same stage of growth, they are not synchronized.  At any given time there is a certain amount of hair that is growing (that is the hair sensitive to laser), and there is a certain amount of hair that has stopped its growth and begins its involution. There is a certain amount of hair that is falling and there are hair follicles that are not visible but they are at rest for many years. And this depends on the area of the body and the hormonal influence in the area.

In each session, the laser only destroys hairs that are growing, so it is vital to have several sessions at regular intervals in order to reach all the hairs. When they start to grow back it is necessary to have maintenance sessions, 1 or 2 annually, once the treatment is over in order to get those hairs that are at rest for years.

What is the frequency with which I should perform the treatment?

Controlled studies found that the best outcome is achieved when the patient attended at regular intervals.
For face depilation may you come every 3 to 4 weeks, for bikini and underarms, 1 time per month, for the legs and arms, 1 time each month and a half. These intervals are usually shorter when there are endocrine problems.

What care should I have with the skin after hair removal?

• Use sunscreen during treatment
• Avoid going to the beach for the first 15 days.
• Over the skin, scabs the size of the follicle are left which will fall in subsequent days. You should not perform chemical peels (peeling) or mechanical (corporal polishes) during 8 days. The first five days avoid placing cosmetic creams or deodorants especially exfoliating creams that contain hydroquinone, glycolic acid, etc.

Can all people get laser hair removal?

The patient must attend an assessment evaluation to determine if he has a disease that prevents the completion of treatment or if takes any medication that is incompatible with the laser treatment.

For example, if the patient is taking or took, isotretinoin or acitetrina or vitamin A in high doses, should wait 6 months to perform laser hair removal. If uses lotions with glycolic acid or retinoic acid must wait 2 days, and after the treatment, you can use it again in five days.

If the patient has long hair due to hormonal disorders, may require a greater number of sessions than the appointed or even shorter intervals of time, especially in the first 3 sessions.

What about pregnant women?

Pregnant women can not apply to laser; the international medical regulations tell us that pregnant women should not receive any medication or medical procedure that is not essential to their health or their baby’s. The laser is not teratogenic, since the wavelengths are non-ionizing radiations; the thermal effect of the laser reaches a depth of 4 mm so that the thermal effect is restricted to the skin.

How do depilatory lasers and intense pulsed light work?

Both the laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) use the energy in the form of light to remove hair, without damaging the structures across the skin. When the light beam is absorbed by the follicle it is transformed into heat, causing the hair loss.

How is applied the treatment of hair removal by laser or intense pulsed light?

The light beam is applied to the skin through a plastic or glass piece that is placed on it and is moved through the area in which you want to remove hair.

Some types of lasers require prior application of a transparent gel and is always required the use of glasses or eye protectors for the patient and the personnel providing the treatment.

What side effects can occur with laser or intense pulsed light hair removal?

After hair removal treatment redness can be caused in the area, which can last from several hours to several days. Resolves spontaneously and is improved by applying cold. It can also produce a slight transient hyperpigmentation, which does not require specific treatment.

Who should perform laser or intense pulsed light hair removal?

These treatments must be performed by a physician or under his direct supervision. The dermatologist is the specialist in skin care and therefore can provide appropriate advice about the signs and characteristics of the methods most appropriate for each person.