Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted Hair

Removal of unwanted hair has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in recent years for women, as well as for an increasing number of men. Treatments include the more traditional and often temporary methods, ranging from depilatories, epilators, shavers, waxing kits and electrolysis, to high-tech procedures, such as intense pulsed light and laser systems. 

How does hair grow?

Human hairs are comprised of three distinct parts: the bulb at the base of the hair follicle that produces hair, the shaft and the hair follicle itself. Both the bulb and the shaft are embedded within the skin, leaving only the hair visible to the naked eye. For long-term hair removal, the hair follicle must be destroyed along with its germinating centers that are in the bulb.

How do lasers and intense pulsed light sources remove hair?

Laser hair removal systems gently remove unwanted hair. While dermatologists continue to research the exact science of laser hair removal, it appears that the light energy causes thermal injury to the hair follicle. This occurs because laser light is converted into heat as it passes through the skin and is absorbed in the target pigment melanin found in the hair follicle. When the temperature reaches a high enough level in a hair follicle during its active phase, the targeted hair structures are disabled, thus inhibiting hair re-growth. In clinical trials to date using a number of different lasers and intense pulsed light hair removal systems, some test sites remained hair free for up to 2 years. 

What types of laser and light sources are used for hair removal?

There are several laser and laser-like devices currently used for hair removal. These include, but are not limited to:

• Alexandrite
  The long-pulse alexandrite laser achieves deep penetration into the dermis, where the hair follicles are located. The heat build-up in the hair shafts disables those follicles in the active-growth phase.

• Diode
  The diode laser is a very efficient device that contains small diodes or semiconductors that are arranged together to produce light. The diode laser has a longer wavelength than other lasers used for hair removal, which may improve treatment results on darker skin types.

• Light-based Sources
  Intense pulsed light devices operate on similar principles to lasers. Using the photoepilation process, the device offers a broad spectrum of light to treat a variety of hair and skin colors, as well as hair depths.  Read more about EpiLight®.

• Q-switched Nd:YAG
  This laser delivers two different wave lengths of light. One is an invisible infrared light used for deeper penetration. This wavelength is used to reach deeper hair follicles. The other wavelength, a green light, is used for treating hair follicles closer to the surface. In both cases, the Q-switching device emits rapid bursts of laser light to the treatment site.

• Ruby
  The red-colored beam seeks out the target melanin inside the hair shafts.

What are the advantages of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive method of photoepilation, which does not require needles or messy chemical creams. Since thousands  of hairs can be zapped in a single treatment session, large areas like the back, shoulders, arms and legs can be effectively and efficiently treated.

What are the limitations of laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal is an excellent treatment option, research efforts continue to enhance the procedure. Although permanent hair removal is the goal of therapy, some patients may experience hair re-growth that is usually finer and lighter in color. In addition, long-lasting laser hair removal typically requires multiple treatments, which can make it a more costly hair removal alternative. Possible side effects, though very rare, may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. Special considerations are important when lasers are used on darker skin tones to allow for safe and effective treatment.