Laser hair removal is a method of permanently reducing hair growth. It has been used since the 1990?s for this reason, and can help reduce unwanted hair that is usually removed by plucking, shaving or waxing.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal works by using a laser or light source to target and selectively heat the hair follicle. The laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair follicle where it is converted to heat energy. This heat energy can destroy the stem cell in the hair follicle and prevent its future growth. The skin also takes up part of the laser energy, but it has the ability to lose heat quicker than the hair follicle, and is left intact. Hair also has a larger amount of melanin than skin, therefore it attracts the laser energy more readily than skin. Therefore, as a rule, people with darker hair and lighter skin are easier to treat as there is a greater differential between the amount of melanin in the skin and hair.
Laser hair removal works best on the hairs that are in their "anagen" or active growth phase.
How many treatments do I need and how often?
Laser hair removal works best on the hairs that are in their anagen or active growth phase. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of hair growth, multiple treatments are required to capture more hair follicles in their anagen phase of growth. Generally, 6 to 8 sessions are required at 4 to 8 weekly intervals (depending on the area treated) in order to achieve a 60 to 80% reduction in hair growth.
What is the difference between the lasers/light sources
available?
IPL or intense pulsed light is the most common machine used for hair removal. It is technically not a laser as it emits a broad-band of light frequencies rather than a single wavelength. IPL systems are effective for hair removal, but as there are a broad-band of light frequencies emitted, it tends to be less selectively attracted to the hair follicle in relation to the skin. Therefore, the probability of blistering and skin pigmentation problems after treatment is higher than some other laser systems.
At Cosmos cosmetic medicine, we utilise the Alexandrite laser with a wavelength of 755nm or the Sciton Laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm (Nd:YAG). These wavelength are not attracted much to the melanin in skin, and are the safest and most effective laser for people with darker skin types, including Asian, European, Indian, African, and other darker skin types. Furthermore, these Lasers have contact cooling which allows the skin to be cooled during treatment and this reduces the likelihood of skin damage.
Am I a suitable candidate for laser hair removal?
Most people are able to have laser hair removal. Unsuitable candidates include those who are currently pregnant (breast-feeding does not preclude you from treatment), patients prone to skin discolouration, patients who want grey, white, or very fine hairs removed.
Patients who have recently taken Roaccutane for acne need to wait at least 6 months after finishing their course of treatment to commence laser hair removal.
The laser used at Cosmos Cosmetic Medicine is the Sciton and Alexandrite and these lasers sre able to treat all skin types and tanned skin.
What do I need to do before treatment?
Hair should not be plucked or waxed 3 weeks before treatment. You may be advised to shave the treatment area prior to treatment however.
If you have a history of cold sores and and you are planning to have your upper lip hairs removed, you will need to inform your treating physician so that you can be put on appropriate anti-viral therapy beforehand.
Generally, there is a small amount of discomfort associated with laser hair removal. It feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin associated with the feeling of heat. Any discomfort is reduced by the contact cooling tip of the laser, but will increase with an increase in the size and density of the hair follicle, the darkness of the skin, and the laser energy used.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Sun avoidance is important after laser treatments, and sunscreen should be used on the treated area (if exposed to sunlight) on a daily basis. This is important to reduce pigmentation problems after the treatment (either gain or loss of pigmentation of the treated area).
Although uncommon, any blisters or scabs resulting from laser hair removal should not be scratched or picked at. This can result in permanent scarring (very rare) if these blisters or scabs become irritated or infected.
The skin may appear mildly red and swollen after treatment and aloe vera gel can also be used for any skin irritation from laser treatment.
Uncommonly, laser hair removal on the upper may also reactivate cold sores, and if this occurs you should inform your treating physician as soon as possible.
Why should I choose Cosmos as my provide of laser hair removal?
At Cosmos cosmetic medicine, we use the latest laser technology to perform your treatment. The Sciton Laser and alexandrite lasers are extremely safe and effective lasers for unwanted hair and it is the safest hair removal machines for darker skins.
Our doctors are also highly experienced in laser treatments, and will be able to give you the best advice for your treatment.
The first step is simply contacting us for your initial laser skin rejuvenation consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your laser treatment.
Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.
