- Laser hair removal involves using long pulsed, energy-filled laser technology to zap the hair follicles one by one, and remove the unwanted hair. The laser beams are designed to match and target the precise follicle size and depth, and disable hair growth during its active growth stage. These procedures are performed by specially trained physicians or laser specialists who operate the technology so that the beams penetrate the target areas of the skin with as little harm to the surrounding tissue as possible. It is typical to require multiple treatments to achieve desired results, since the hairs are continually in different stages of the growth cycle.
- Laser hair removal can be performed on virtually any external body part where there is unwanted hair. It is commonly performed on the back, upper lip, chin, ear lobe, breasts, thighs, bikini lines, shoulders and various facial areas. It is also used to get rid of hair on the hands, arms, legs, pubic area, thighs, abdomen, toes and feet. Even small areas of unwanted hair, such as in the underarms or around the brows, can be treated.
- Light sources can destroy the hair in the hair follicles using one of three different mechanisms of laser technology. The first is called the thermal laser mechanism, which uses local heating. Heat is instantly transferred from the laser beam to the hair follicle on contact. The second mechanism is mechanical, and uses shockwave lasers and violent cavitation lasers to destroy the hair and hair follicle. The third type is photochemical. This type uses energy-filled beams that intentionally generate toxic mediators, such as free radicals, to disable the hair growth. "Photo" means light, so add this prefix to the mechanism type for its technical term in the laser hair removal field: photothermal, photomechanical, and photochemical. All types have advantages and disadvantages determined by the patient's skin type and condition.
- The skin pigmentation and coarseness of the hair are used to determine which laser hair removal option will deliver optimal results with minimal side effects and scarring. Overall, the lasers work best on pale skin, since many lasers also function to eliminate melanin build-up, which can leave a light or white spot on darker skin. Also, coarser hair has less risk of scarring, because larger hair follicles can completely absorb the laser beam, whereas a tiny hair follicle may be overpowered by the laser and cause discoloration. Light-based lasers are ideal for darker hair. (Dermatologists actually have a special numbering system they use to assign skin type, with each number encompassing dermatological attributes that affect the laser use decision. Consult a dermatologist for this assessment.)
- According to Harvey H. Jay, M.D., a dermatologist and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Cornell Medical School, there are five basic laser types used for hair removal. Pulsed light lasers are used for all skin types, require no anesthetic, and, according to Dr. Jay, are the least painful and most versatile. The Nd:Yag lasers are also widely used, and can treat all skin types, although these lasers can be painful. Diode lasers are somewhat painful, and little long-term success has been reported. The alexandrite and ruby lasers are commonly used on fair-skinned patients. The ruby laser has had the longest historical use in dermatology for hair removal.
- Not all laser treatments results in permanent hair removal, although according to the HairRemovalForum.com, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed laser treatment as a "permanent reduction." Results vary greatly from patient to patient. For some patients, hair removal is completely ineffective. For others, results are permanent as a result of an efficient, safe and precise treatment (usually multiple treatments). Dermatologists use the following types of lasers for permanent hair removal: the ruby, Nd:Yag, diode and alexandrite. Use of these laser types is determined by the patient's skin type and hair thickness.
