Laser hair removal can take only a few minutes per area treated; however, depending on its complexity it could take up to an hour.
Your skin may experience reddening, swelling and pain post-treatment; to minimize further side effects use an SPF30 broad spectrum sunscreen daily and stay out of direct sunlight after receiving care.
1. Electro Optical Synergy (ELOS)
Laser and IPL technologies work by targeting Melanin pigment in hair follicles; therefore, blonde, grey and white locks do not contain enough melanin for laser/IPL treatments to work effectively.
Dr Shimon Eckhouse made a quantum leap forward in photorejuvenation technology when he combined IPL with bipolar radio frequency energy to develop electro-optical synergy (ELOS), which brings visible light, infrared and radiofrequency energies together into one system that offers unparalleled treatments not available through any single technology.
ELOS uses a combined pulse of both radiofrequency and optical energy into the skin to deliver targeted heating of target structures such as hair follicles. Meanwhile, IPL energy targets blood droplets within the epidermis to convert into heat energy; its absorption by cool epidermal tissue increases electrical resistance further pushing RF current deeper into target structures where thermal damage occurs.
Combining RF and IPL energy results in faster treatment times than either technology alone, meaning fewer sessions may be needed to reach desired results. A typical laser or IPL session typically lasts anywhere between five minutes to half an hour.
ELOS can also be used for skin rejuvenation, pigmented lesion removal and nonablative wrinkle reduction. Thanks to its combination of radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IPL), ELOS’s dual approach allows it to treat darker skin tones which would otherwise not be safe or suitable for many other photorejuvenation systems.
Innovative Medical Technologies is Australia’s sole TGA-listed Sponsor of Syneron ELOS Intense Pulsed Visible Light & Laser systems and offers the largest selection of brand new, ex-demo, and pre-owned systems for purchase or rental. Additionally, IMT also provides expert clinical support and training services related to these products.
Prior to initiating any laser or IPL treatment, a patch test should always be administered in order to ascertain if the client’s skin is sensitive to these types of energies and ensure the device is programmed with safe settings appropriate for their skin type and tone.
2. Alexandrite
Laser hair removal is an efficient, noninvasive way to permanently get rid of unwanted facial and body hair. The procedure utilizes a powerful laser beam to target hair follicles responsible for growth, leaving behind hair-free skin that remains smooth after each session. Although generally considered safe, this procedure can sometimes result in burns, scarring, or changes to skin color if performed incorrectly.
Laser hair removal works by heating up and destroying hair follicles with its light; this causes their pigment to heat up, leading to its destruction and subsequent thinning or loss. Laser treatment works best on dark hair since its natural pigment easily absorbs laser light; for white or gray locks however, its effectiveness decreases as its light cannot reach their follicles.
As part of the laser hair removal process, your face or body will be placed under a cooling system to minimize discomfort and the technician will apply a gel-like substance directly onto your skin prior to beginning treatment. Once laser pulses begin hitting melanosomes within your hair follicles, treatment can commence.
Once melanosomes are destroyed, hair will no longer grow back and you will experience permanent hair reduction. Laser treatments should be repeated regularly until all hair follicles have been damaged and will no longer produce hair.
Even though laser treatment is typically painless, some patients may experience a sensation similar to that of having a rubber band snap against their skin. Following treatment, your skin may appear red or swollen for a short period of time; this should go away within hours or so. Also important: It is advised to avoid direct sunlight for several days following laser therapy for optimal results.
Many hair removal companies now provide laser treatments specifically tailored for lighter-colored hair, such as blonde or gray locks. These treatments use pigmenting dye to enhance the effectiveness of laser hair removal for these hair types; applying this pigmented dye directly onto hair follicles before laser treatments will lead to improved results for each treatment. It should only be administered by professionals experienced working with various skin tones and hair colors.
3. GentleLASE
Candela’s GentleLASE 755nm alexandrite laser is Candela’s premier solution for hair removal. Fast, safe and versatile in its use for both pigmented lesions and vascular lesions treatment as well as wrinkle reduction on all skin types, the GentleLASE is ideal for fast hair removal with minimum downtime and cost.
Laser treatments use long-pulse high energy alexandrite light that is absorbed by melanin in hair follicles to transform energy into heat, thus destroying them and stopping future hair growth. This procedure is suitable for all parts of the body including face, neck, underarms, bikini area and legs; it should however be noted that it’s best not to wax or pluck hairs prior to receiving laser therapy as laser must target its source – the root.
After laser treatment, it is recommended to apply oil-free moisturizers and avoid products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids to help speed up hair removal process and shed dead cells more rapidly from hair follicles. In addition, SPF 50 or greater sun protection must be reapplied regularly as skin becomes more vulnerable after laser treatments.
As hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments must be completed at different points in its cycle in order to ensure all the hairs treated and destroyed are effectively destroyed. Maintenance sessions may then be scheduled every six months in order to preserve results and avoid new hair growth.
Some may experience a reduction in hair growth after one session; however, those with darker locks will require multiple sessions as their melanin absorbs laser light more readily than in lighter strands of hair.
4. IPL
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is an innovative solution used for both hair removal and discoloration. Light energy penetrates the skin to break up dark pigment and seal off broken surface blood vessels, leading to more even skin tone and more youthful complexions. Additionally, IPL can be effective against rosacea, redness, sun spots, as well as treat rosacea symptoms, redness, and sun spots; and due to not needing contrast between skin color and hair color IPL can even be utilized on darker complexions.
Hair removal using IPL requires multiple sessions spaced four weeks apart. It is important not to wax, pluck or use other hair removal methods on the treated area until after your cycle has concluded – this allows the hair follicles to stay active and produce more effective results.
As part of IPL treatment, your esthetician will use a device called an Intense Pulsed Light device that emits pulses of light that cover the area to be treated. This process typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated; eyewear protection must also be worn during this procedure as IPL can be painful; those with low pain threshold may benefit from topical anesthetic cream or pads to ease any discomfort felt from its administration; some describe its sensation as pinching or snapping rubber bands on skin when first exposed to light for treatment.
Since IPL doesn’t depend on pigmented hair to work, it will also work on white or grey strands – although its effectiveness might not match up to red or blonde coloured ones. Before making a decision about IPL treatments for yourself, always consult a professional first. They can give a better assessment of whether this treatment would suit you.
If you are concerned with the color of your hair or skin, talk with a cosmetic surgeon about available treatments. They can explain which laser types will best address your individual needs as well as their associated benefits and risks.
