Syneron Laser Hair Removal Problems
Beyond plucking, waxing and shaving, there exists more advanced techniques for removing unwanted body hair. Lasers and radio frequency tackle the problem of hair growth at its root, literally, rendering the follicle inactive. The Elos (Electro-optical Synergy) system by Syneron features hair reduction technology combining laser energy and radio frequency. The makers claim it's "safer" on skin because it uses lower light energy levels than traditional laser treatment, and has virtually no side effects. However, Elos technology can be problematic if not administered correctly, and it doesn't permanently stunt all hair growth.
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Breakouts
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According to WebMD, folliculitus or infected follicles, can result from damaged hair follicles. The combined energies of the laser and radio frequency in Elos technology partner up to heat up the active hair follicle damaging it beyond repair, according to Syneron.com. Folliculitus is characterized by red pimples that contain liquid, and may itch or burn. They frequently occur on the face and are caused by bacteria or fungus in the damaged follicle. A conductor ultrasound gel is used with the treatment. The specially formulated gels may contain ingredients that aggravate skin and possibly lead to breakouts or irritation.
Pain
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Most patients undergoing laser Syneron hair removal may require an anesthetic cream pretreatment to numb the skin because for some, it can be painful. Treatment should only be administered by professional aesteticians or physicians trained in the proper use of the Elos system. Otherwise, poor technique or carelessness could lead to burns from the equipment. The product's head has two metal bars that can leave minor burns if technicians don't make complete contact with the skin each time they fire the pulse.
Operators
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As in any medical setting, skilled and professional technicians operating the system must maintain a sanitary environment and tools. The hand piece tip must be fully sanitized before use and the conductor gel bottles should be like new and completely clean at the nozzle. Such products, if poorly maintained, are breeding grounds for bacteria that can make its way to the follicles and surrounding skin. The technician must also wear gloves during the procedure or risk infecting the vulnerable skin with bacteria and debris.
Limitations
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Light hairs such as blond, red, white or gray may remain, despite claims by Syneron that Elos can remove even minimally-pigmented hair colors on all skin tones, even tan ones. At SeattleCosmedicSkinCare.com, a company that performs Elos, they say "permanent hair reduction can be achieved by most patients with hair darker than their skin tones," however, lasers cannot treat white or blond hairs. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2006, laser treatment efficacy has traditionally been limited to those with dark hair and light skin. However, the same source revealed Elos was slightly more effective on blond hair than on white, independent of skin tones.
Misconceptions
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No single hair removal method will completely eliminate every single hair growth or future regrowth. Depending on the hair's coarseness, location of the hair, color and skin type, the amount of Elos treatments necessary to obtain the maximum amount of hair loss varies and will require multiple visits, spaced out with one to two months in between treatments. This is due to the various growth stages of active follicles. Aside from being a lengthy process, it is also expensive. Price depends on size and difficulty of area to be treated and ranges from several hundred to thousands of dollars.
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