Permanent Laser Hair Removal Is The Goal Of Laser Hair Reduction
Author: Rose PualThe goal of laser hair removal is permanent hair reduction. According to the FDA, permanent hair reduction is defined as reduction of hair density for a period of time equal to one full growth cycle of hair. Of note, no treatment is available providing permanent complete hair removal.The laser light targets a dark pigment called melanin which is produced in the bulb, or deep part of the hair follicle during anagen phase.
The laser generates heat in this pigment, thus destroying the melanin producing cells along with the bulb and remainder of the follicle. Laser hair removal is only effective on hairs during the anagen phase. At any given time, up to 90% of the hairs in a region may be in anagen. Anagen phase may last from 6 months to ten years, while catagen lasts several weeks and telogen may be one to three months.
For these reasons, the laser hair removal treatment generally must be repeated 3 to 5 times to catch all hairs in the anagen phase.The efficiency of any particular laser hair removal system relies on the ability of that laser to target the melanin in hair follicles without damaging surrounding skin. This has to do with the laser's wavelength, the pulse duration (length of time the skin is exposed to the beam), and the fluence or power of the laser. Lasers with a longer pulse enable more complete ablation of the hair follicle, however have greater risk of thermal (heat) damage to surrounding tissue (skin). Newer devices incorporate cooling systems for the skin which allow longer pulse durations with less risk of non-specific thermal damage.
Lasers used for hair removal include the ruby, alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and diode laser. IPL (intense pulsed light) is also used with success for hair removal. IPL devices emit a broad band of light of varying wavelengths (a laser is one specific wavelength). Typically, a filter is used to narrow this band to the spectrum of light that is most efficiently absorbed by melanin in hair follicles. About 80% of patients respond well to laser hair removal. You should anticipate a 30% reduction in hair density with each treatment.
Optimal results may require five or more treatments. Treatments are spaced one to three months apart. The best candidates for laser hair removal have light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal is not without risks. There are few risks to laser hair removal, but may include blistering, scabbing, hyper-pigmentation, and hypo-pigmentation.
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