Medical Spa Q&A: How Does Hair Removal Treatments Work?
Electrolysis was the only form of long term or permanent hair removal out there just before laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) units joined the market. Electrolysis could be still performed these days though it will be painful for the patient and damaging to the epidermis, permitting the potential of an infection. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle may be put into your hair follicle, serving up an energy current to kill the stem cells in the follicle. Unluckily, this scrupulous method may be performed one hair follicle at a time. Upkeep procedures will often be needed for many years following the first procedure.
On the other hand, with laser and pulsed light solutions, many hundreds of hair follicles are taken care of at a time depending on the spot size (the size of the particular tip on the system supplying energy). These laser hair removal procedures are noninvasive and take only seconds to perform rather than the many hours of electrolysis.
Laser + IPL Hair Removal & Melanin
A very important consideration prior to a hair removal treatment can be the person’s skin tone type along with hair shade. Laser hair removal is dependent on selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for the purpose of destruction of the hair follicle) along with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that generates coloring). The big difference between the absorption of laser or light energy by melanin within the hair follicle and melanin within the dermis determines the quantity of power which can be correctly employed without injuring the skin.
Light skinned subjects with darker hair are usually thought to be the suitable clients for laser hair removal On the other hand, a client with very dark skin tone and gray or white hair, could have little if any response. Because melanin in the hair shaft and hair foillicle are the focus source for laser and IPL hair removal procedures, it is important for individuals during their starting consultation not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory machine prior to laser hair removal. The patient might, however, shave the location to be treated (which preserves the chromophore within the follicle), or can use hair removal creams. Hair which is sticking up from the skin may singe throughout a laser or light procedure which then causes a powerful disagreeable smell and possible flares.
The Laser Hair Removal Treatment
The majority of units from a technical perspective function exactly the same while delivering a hair removal treatment. The variables on the device (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) should be set based on the skin color evaluation and history carried out on the individual. It is necessary for patients to not wear black clothing close to the area being treated since the pigment within the clothing may potentially be absorbed via the laser or IPL and can lead to a burn. The patient should be advised to refrain from using any body washes, creams and gels, makeup products, or any skin medications the day of the procedure. Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. A spot test, or patch test, should be performed on the intended treatment area. Several procedures are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome and a yearly maintenance procedure could be recommended.
In case you are involved in finding out exactly what dermatologists and different medical professionals running laser treatment centers think about the most recent IPL and dermatology laser technology choices by Solta, Palomar, Candela, Cynosure, Lumenis, Syneron, Sciton, Alma, Cutera and others, as well as treatments such as Thermage, Slim Lipo, Botox and Dysport, mesotherapy and other IPL and cosmetic laser treatments, be sure you view the cosmetic skin laser discussion threads on Laser Clinic MD, a community of health professionals in cosmetic medicine.