The Basics of Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal is an increasingly popular process by which hair is reduced or removed completely by a "laser." This procedure has been performed experimentally for about 20 years but has only been commercially available since the mid-1990s.

The process uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators. These are technically not lasers. They really use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light. Sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, all laser and light-based hair removal or reduction methods are commonly referred to as "laser hair removal." This procedure is becoming more and more widely practiced and its efficacy is now generally accepted in the dermatology community.

The laser hair removal process is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. Lasers cause localized damage to hair follicles by selectively heating dark target matter in the follicle (the part of the skin that causes hair growth) while not heating the rest of the skin.

Increasingly, both men and women are seeking laser hair removal services. Popular areas for treatment include the lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini line, face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and toes. The process works best with dark, coarse hair. The ideal combination of skin tone and hair type is light skin with dark hair; however, lasers are now able to target dark hair even in patients with dark skin.

Commercial laser hair removal has been available since 1997. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these lasers for permanent hair reduction, not removal. Electrolysis is the only method approved for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis is the process by which an electric current is applied to each hair follicle. It is invasive, painful, and can take years since it targets each hair individually.

The success of the laser hair removal process depends on the type of laser and the skill of the laser operator who handles the case. Some people will need touch-up treatments. This is especially true when a large area is being treated, such as an individual's back.

People will vary in the number of sessions they will need to undergo to be happy. The number of sessions needed varies due to numerous parameters including the area of the body being treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, and gender. Multiple sessions are needed overall because hair grows in various stages. The laser being used can only treat the hairs that are currently growing. Treatments are generally spaced between 3 and 12 weeks apart although spacing, in the end, depends on an individual's response to treatment.

Joseph Devine

If you would like more information concerning laser hair removal, please visit dermagenix.net/laserhair.html dermagenix.net/laserhair.html. The skin care professionals of Dermagenix will be more than helpful to answer any questions you may have.