Laser Hair Removal

In the 1970's an unwilling scientist exposed his arm to a 692 diode pumped YAG for several seconds only later realizing that the hair was burned off. The incident did not hurt him, and there were not any repercussions with the skin, but the hair never re-emerged.

The exact experiment was repeated countless times with the same results, slowly changing the face of the hair removal industry. Soon the FDA approved this new method of hair removal, and over the next 20 years, the progression of laser hair removal has been revolutionary.

A future without tweezers, razors, hot wax, and smelly lotions seems too good to be true for hairlessness. With research in energy wavelengths, pulse durations and intensity levels were carefully researched. Side effects were minimized and efficacy increased. Researchers and technicians added photosensitive (light-absorbing) carbon dyes late in the 1990's, dramatically improving the rate of photon thermal exchange (conversion of radiation into heat) and making the procedure more effective and reliable on light colored hair growth. This new field of development was called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

The use of lasers was not new to the cosmetic industry, it had been in use for years in dealing with facial and leg veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines on the face. Laser energy is transformed into heat, disabling the follicle while leaving the surrounding area unaffected. Methods in the past have included electrolysis, but that procedure was limited in its treatment, because it meant treating each individual hair independently, which was time consuming, not to mention ended up being quite costly.

With laser hair removal being non-invasive, it is easy to treat delicate skin in larger areas without disruption to the structure of the outer layer of skin. Technicians consult with you about the different types of lasers, and what process may be best for you. It is important to remember that the laser can only destroy hair in its active growth phase, called the anagen phase. Up to 85% of our hair is in this phase at any given time and the positive aspect to that is that during this phase, our hair has an abundance of melanin and the hair follicle is easily targeted.

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Types of lasers

There are four different kinds of laser light that are commonly used for hair removal:

• Alexandrite - such as the Candela GentleLase Plus.
• Ruby - such as the EpiTouch or the Epilaser.
• Diode - such as the Coherent Light Sheer.
• ND, and LP ND Yag- such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide.

These are all effective, fast, comfortable and safe for permanent hair removal.

There are several factors that a laser technician can often control to customize a treatment for efficacy, safety and comfort:

• Pulse length - long pulsed lasers are considered safest.
• Fluence - Selection of energy levels can be varied for skin type.
• Delay - The time in between pulses of light affects how much the skin and hair follicle are allowed to cool off.
• Spot Size - Affects the speed and penetration of the laser. A larger spot penetrates deeper. A good selection of spot sizes helps the technician reach the hair at the depth at which it grows.
• Cooling - The surrounding skin may be protected by a gel, spray or cooled tip pressed against the skin.

The emerging laser technologies have made it possible for people with many skin and hair color combinations to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. These lasers have been designed to ignore the melanin in the skin and to safely treat patients of all skin types. Having said that, the most successful results are those patients with dark hair and light skin-- light skinned, dark haired patients will have a more significant result than patients with blond or red hair or patients with darker skin and will need fewer treatments for a more permanent hair reduction. It is best to consult with your specialist to see which laser system will work for you.

Laser Hair Removal History

The 1960s brought society to a point of considered a way to remove unwanted hair. The hair removal industry seemed to be enthusiastic about the potential generated by research. Hair removal providers began developing and utilizing laser light before effectiveness and safety factors had been fully explored by clinical researchers that should have included dermatologists and researchers.

The generation of first lasers that were used for hair removal emitted a single continuous wave. Later it was discovered that this was not a practical application. Since the beam could not be controlled, damage to skin tissue was inevitable.

In 1969 lasers were developed that delivered energy through a tiny fiber optic probe to target and "attack" individual follicles. Before the device was cleared through the FDA as effective and safe, it was rushed to market. The claims were that they could permanently eliminate hair growth, but these were false, of course, since testing of the devices had not yet been completed; before long the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intervened.

Ten years later, data verified laser energy was successful in the treatment of ingrown eyelashes. Researchers also found lasers useful in removing specific kinds of tattoos. After it was noted that hair loss sometimes resulted, the device was once again promoted as a hair remover, even though adequate testing was still unavailable.

When the FDA approved use of SoftLightT lasers for hair removal during the mid 90's, it was once again presented to the hair removing industry. Still without sufficient testing, the device was nevertheless marketed as "painless" and "permanent." Once again the FDA stepped in. After several more years of unsubstantiated assertions, and using consumers as "guinea pigs" - lawsuits erupted and consumers were not happy.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Research has proven that it is a safe and effective method of hair removal as well as tattoo removal.

What have been determined are certain advantages laser hair removal has over other methods:

• It is considered safe when performed properly by an experienced provider.
• Light-skinned, dark haired consumers experience best results.
• Re-growth is often lighter, and finer textured.
• Because the laser method is quicker than electrolysis, it is especially useful for large areas of hair removal in one sitting.

Disadvantages:

• The procedure requires eye protection.
• The procedure can be expensive.
• It is not as effective on darker skin tones, or on persons with gray, red, or blonde hair.
• Improper treatment or overexposure to laser light can cause burns, lesions, and long-lasting skin discoloration.
• Re-growth can be patchy or patterned.
• Because regulations vary, inadequate control methods to ensure competent practitioners exist.
• Some persons find the treatment painful.
• Some persons, even those determined to be a good candidate, do not respond well to treatment.

Laser Hair Removal Cost

The cost for laser hair removal range from $150 - $650.