Modern laser hair removal treatments have evolved to become virtually pain-free and highly efficient; however, that wasn’t always the case.
Theodore H. Maiman invented the first laser designed to destroy hair follicles back in the 1960s – this initial ruby laser proved tedious, painful and frequently caused severe burns – though it did reduce hair growth temporarily it did not provide permanent solutions.
Theodore Maiman
Theodore Harold Maiman invented the first laser hair removal device in 1960. Today he is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest innovators of the 20th century; his invention of laser has revolutionized medicine as it has led to applications such as surgery, welding, special effects effects, barcode scanners and teeth whitening systems. For his efforts he received multiple awards such as Buckley Solid State Physics Prize and Wood Prize as well as being honored with induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Maiman did not intend to develop a laser for use on skin, yet accidentally discovered that his ruby laser could remove hair from its surface of skin. His findings were published in Nature Magazine in 1960; however, its technology was far from perfect and caused severe burns when used directly on human skin; scientists required approximately 40 years to perfect their process and create a safer device suitable for laser aesthetic treatment of skin conditions.
As scientific experiments and inventions often do, laser hair removal was not always successful in permanently destroying hair follicles resulting in permanent hair reduction. Just like with all inventions and experiments, there were setbacks along the way; specifically when treating darker-skinned patients due to absorption of laser heat by darker-haired patients which caused irreparable cell damage; hence why laser treatments on dark-skinned people haven’t always proven successful and some still have not seen permanent hair reduction with this treatment method yet.
Once Maiman realized its potential, he began exploring other applications for his laser. He discovered it could be used to treat cancerous tumors and perform heart bypass surgery among other medical procedures. Hughes Aircraft Company hired Maiman and continued his research with this laser; ultimately making improvements that made human clinical use safer; however, results remained unpredictable.
Richard Rox Anderson
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after noninvasive cosmetic procedures available today and widely acclaimed as an “miracle cure.” According to NPR, Boston-based scientist Richard Rox Anderson is responsible for creating this revolutionary beauty solution.
After being suggested as the topic by one of his colleagues at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Rhee would go on to secure more than 60 international and national laser-related patents. Working at that time as part of the team researching laser hair removal technology. Rhee’s method involved using a concentrated light beam that penetrated deep into skin layers and destroyed hair follicles preventing future hair growth – this method was approved by FDA in 1997.
Anderson was able to optimize the laser’s intensity and duration in application on skin, leading to more consistent, permanent results that were also more suitable for treating patients of different skin tones; something which classic lasers could only accomplish by working best on very light Caucasian skin; any tanning interference would prevent successful treatment.
After Maiman’s invention of lasers, more safe-but-ineffective models such as YAG and alexandrite lasers were introduced into society. While these lasers provided temporary hair loss relief without permanently dissolving hair follicles.
Anderson first invented an effective laser that successfully targeted and destroyed hair follicles to stop further growth, patenting his invention before creating an FDA-approved device for home use (source).
Now, laser technology has greatly advanced. Not only are spot size and fluence better targeted, but lasers also target melanin more effectively which has led to greater success rates among patients with darker skin tones.
Though there are numerous types of laser hair removal devices on the market, it’s essential that you visit a salon or clinic which uses only FDA-approved equipment in order to receive safest and most effective treatment! This way, you’ll know you are receiving safest and most efficient care possible!
ThermoLase
Hair removal has been practiced since ancient Egypt, yet laser technology has revolutionized its process. Not only is it quick, easy and highly effective – no one needs to experience pain – its results last much longer than traditional methods, too! While not a miracle cure, laser hair removal remains one of the best choices available to those wanting to permanently reduce unwanted hair. Most cosmetic dermatologists now utilize the LightSheer diode laser device from Sciton for permanent hair reduction on both men and women; FDA certified and safe for all skin types alike!
The device emits a beam of light which absorbs melanin present in hair follicles and reflects it back to the surrounding skin, heating them up and eventually leading to their destruction. A cooling gel may help alleviate discomfort; however, those with low tolerance for pain may require an analgesic.
One of the greatest advantages of laser hair removal systems is their ability to target multiple hair follicles simultaneously, thanks to pulses of light being delivered from it. This enables therapists to treat large areas quickly compared to electrolysis treatments which only treat single hair follicles at a time.
Laser hair removal systems can often be more precise than needle-based electrolysis methods, due to targeting early Anagen phases of hair growth cycles with greater accuracy. It is believed that differences in accuracy between these processes is related to differences in their respective stages. Hence a laser device may provide superior accuracy.
Laser technology is less prone to errors than needle-based electrolysis; however, laser treatment may still cause side effects if the technician fails to adhere to procedures properly or the treatment protocol correctly.
Laser technology has not only advanced practical uses but has also contributed significantly to scientific understandings in quantum and optical physics, biology, hair growth cycles, as well as contributing to new technological innovations like LASIK surgery procedures.
LightSheer
LightSheer is a revolutionary laser hair removal system approved by the Food and Drug Administration for permanent hair reduction on all skin colors. The system’s safety is assured with its patented cooling system protecting skin before, during, and after treatments to help avoid burns or pigmentation issues associated with traditional laser treatments.
This device emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by pigment in hair follicles. When pulsed for fractions of a second, this short burst disables and eventually reduces hair production over time. Treatment sessions take only six to ten weeks apart. Most hair follicles will be completely disabled after just one session but for best results it is necessary to complete all six to ten series as some dormant follicles could potentially regrow once hormonal fluctuations take effect.
ChillTip, an innovative handpiece built into this device, provides constant cooling flow over the treatment area to alleviate discomfort prior to and during laser energy application, making the experience more relaxing than with other laser systems. Furthermore, this cooling system helps protect surrounding skin tissue from damage while permitting patients to receive treatments without resorting to numbing creams or gels.
Lumenis’ latest system, LightSheer Duet, provides even greater comfort and safety for laser hair removal patients. This is achieved using vacuum-assisted technology which eliminates much of the pain associated with laser hair removal treatments; using handpiece technology which stretches and suctions skin so as to bring hair follicles closer to energy source of laser, thus increasing effectiveness per session by permanently damaging more follicles at each session and decreasing number of new regrowth after treatments.
LightSheer Diode laser technology not only reduces permanent hair reduction, but it can also be used to remove benign pigmented lesions and treat Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (razor bumps). The system can be used on all skin tones – even those who tan easily – as it also targets deep follicles responsible for this condition; making it an excellent solution for patients looking to eliminate razor bumps once and for all.
