Laser Hair Removal Detailed Information
BACKGROUND
A laser is light at a specific wavelength. It is different to normal light for many reasons. It travels in a synchronised fashion, retains its intensity over a long distance, is monochromatic (of the same wavelength/ colour) and can be pulsed. The principle of lasers is based on light absorption. In the same way that a black car will become hotter than a white car because it is absorbing more of the sun’s rays — certain target tissues will absorb certain wavelengths more effectively. This process is called photothermolysis. In laser hair removal the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair and transmitted down the hair shaft, disrupting the hair growth mechanism when it reaches the root.The light energy is transformed to heat energy and the hair follicle is heated to a critical temperature at which point it is cauterised. The laser disrupts hairs that are principally in the active growth (anagen) phase at the time of treatment. The laser is pulsed, or ’switched on’, for a fraction of a second. The length of each pulse is just long enough for the hair follicle to be disrupted. The lasers each have a specially designed cooling system to help protect the skin.
Patient selection is a key aspect of laser treatment. Hair colour and skin type are the two most important factors. Temporary hair loss almost always occurs but for long term hair loss, the colour of hair is a significant factor. Black or brown hair indicates a high concentration of melanin in the follicle and is ideal for laser treatment. Blonde and red hair is treated less successfully and white and grey hair is unaffected.
TYPE OF LASERS
Laser Type: Alexandrite GentleLase
Manufacture: Candela
Wavelength: 755nm
Cooling Device: Cryogen Cooling Spray
Pulse Characteristics:
Rep Rate 1Hz
Duration 3 ms
Spot Size 8mm-18mm
Treatable skin types: All
Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for “permanent hair reduction”
Laser Type: SLP1000
Manufacture: Palomar
Wavelength: 810nm
Cooling Device: Pre, post and parrallel chill tip
Pulse Characteristics:
Rep Rate to 3Hz
Duration 100 -1000 ms
Spot Size 10mm, 12mm
Treatable skin types: All
Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for “permanent hair reduction”
Laser Type: Lightsheer Diode Laser
Manufacture: Coherent
Wavelength: 810nm
Cooling Device: Chill tip
Pulse Characteristics:
Rep Rate to 2Hz
Duration variable
Spot Size 9mm x 9mm
Treatable skin types: Light and dark skin types (excluding Negro skin)
Approved by the United States FDA for
“permanent hair reduction”
TREATMENT INFORMATION
— WHAT TO EXPECT
The length of a laser session may be a few minutes up to an hour or more, depending upon the size of the area being treated. A course of treatments is required for optimal results. The exact number of treatments is usually three to six, however this all depends upon a number of factors and the hair’s ability to absorb the laser light. Also, hair grows in three different phases and treatment tends to be more successful in the anagen phase of the hair cycle. The laser treatment itself can cause some discomfort. Most clients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort but for those with a low pain threshold, a topical anaesthetic is always available. The appearance of the treated area immediately after a session does vary from one person to another. The after effects are usually minor and may include some redness. Most people are able to return immediately to normal activity.