Laser hair removal provides an alternative to more traditional forms of hair reduction such as shaving, waxing and creams. On average, four to six treatments will be required to achieve permanent hair reduction; additional touch-up sessions should be scheduled annually in order to keep results intact.
Pulsed light therapy identifies and destroys pigment from hair bulbs, being especially beneficial in people with darker skin and hair.
Ruby
The Ruby laser is one of the earliest types of hair removal machines, emitting a 694nm wavelength. While effective against fine hair and darker skin tones, its effectiveness in treating those with Fitzpatrick skin tones IV or VI may be diminished because its wavelength absorbs all forms of melanin (including epidermal melanin). This can result in discoloration to treated skin areas.
Ruby laser hair removal works by first disabling each individual hair by sending bursts of light energy directly at its pigment, disabling its color while leaving surrounding skin undamaged. Once the light energy has been absorbed by an individual follicle it transforms to heat which destroys it preventing further regrowth. Treatment can last from several minutes up to an hour depending on its size; occasional discomfort is common but usually minimal. After treatment it is important to protect this area from direct sunlight as well as avoid harsh scrubs or cleansers as these will cause further harm than needed!
Before seeking laser hair removal, it is advisable to visit your physician. They can determine whether you’re suitable for laser treatment as well as recommend additional options that might benefit you, such as microdermabrasion. Before the procedure starts, a topical anesthetic may be applied before hand pieces are placed against skin surface and pulses of laser light are delivered via hand piece to surface – some have reported feeling similar sensations as rubber band snapping against their skin during each pulse of laser light delivered via hand piece; then cooling devices are typically utilized during treatment to minimize discomfort during procedures.
Once treated, skin may remain red and swollen for several days following treatment. Scrubbing or using harsh cleansers in the affected area should be avoided to avoid irritating it further and potentially leading to blisters forming. It’s advised that cool compresses be applied as soon as possible after receiving this type of therapy and that sun exposure be kept to a minimum for best results.
Laser treatments should be suitable if you aren’t pregnant, taking Accutane, or using other photosensitive medications that could alter your results. If unsure, speak to your physician or dermatologist first before scheduling treatment with laser.
Alexandrite
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution for unwanted hair. Laser energy absorbs pigment in hair follicles to destroy their roots and stop producing further hair growth. This technique is particularly advantageous for patients with darker skin as it’s less likely to lead to hypopigmentation or scarring issues.
Laser hair removal utilizes multiple different laser types. These include normal-mode ruby, alexandrite, diode and neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers as well as intense pulsed light devices (IPL). IPL treatments vary in wavelength, peak fluences, pulse durations and spot sizes; therefore their selection should depend upon each patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type, hair color and thickness and desired results.
The ruby laser emits reddish light at 694nm that absorbs melanin in hair follicles. One of the oldest types of laser hair removal technology, it remains popular with lighter skin tones but may require multiple sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction.
Alexandrite lasers use shorter wavelengths to target melanin found in hair follicles and are the fastest and most efficient lasers for treating large body areas with light to olive complexions. After multiple sessions they are reported to reduce hair growth by an average of 70% compared to its counterpart.
Diode lasers use longer wavelengths for hair removal. These tend to be more effective at eliminating coarse dark hair for people with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2, as well as being associated with lower pain thresholds and less discomfort than alexandrite lasers.
Before receiving laser treatment, there are certain important steps that must be taken before proceeding with any type of laser procedure. It is crucial that patients refrain from shaving, waxing or plucking areas to be treated; as well as depilatory creams. A cooling device will be utilized during treatment in order to shield their skin from excessive heat from the laser; care must also be taken when taking off clothing so as not to accidentally catch on its tip.
Nd: YAG
Laser light pulses target hair follicles to disable them so they no longer produce hair growth, while their light energy also causes it to break apart so it falls out and doesn’t regrow again from its source. Laser is more permanent solution than shaving which only removes surface-level hair removal; and can work on all skin types – even those tanned and darker in shade.
ND YAG lasers emit light with longer wavelengths than ruby and alexandrite lasers, making them an ideal choice for patients with darker complexions. Their long wavelength enables deeper penetration without interference from pigment and directly treats hair follicles for hair reduction.
ND YAG lasers can be utilized to treat unwanted dark skin spots, limit hair growth and diminish spider veins or other vascular lesions, treat rosacea and improve overall skin tone and texture as well as reduce redness and swelling caused by inflammation conditions.
Pulse duration and fluence (energy per square area) of laser systems are critical components for optimizing results while mitigating side effects. A laser with longer pulse duration and higher fluence may absorb more of its heat energy into surrounding tissue, potentially leading to scarring or discoloration, while shorter pulse duration and lower fluence allow more accurate targeting of melanin pigment in targeted areas.
Nd: YAG laser treatments are suitable for people of all skin colors and can help treat various complexion concerns, though some individuals may experience temporary stinging and redness similar to that experienced following sunburn treatment. Patients may also experience temporary hypopigmentation which will subside over time.
Before your treatment begins, a topical numbing agent will be applied topically and you will wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from laser beam. Once this cream has taken effect, your technician will initiate a computer-assisted sequence with cooling devices for added comfort. Most patients require multiple treatments four to six weeks apart in order to achieve desired aesthetic results.
IPL
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure suitable for people of any skin color. Laser light absorbs pigment found within hair follicles, which then destroys them through heat from the laser beam – this removes hair without it coming back, giving way to smoother, softer skin with permanent hair reduction. While there are other means of hair removal such as plucking and waxing available to them, lasers provide long-term solutions.
However, it’s essential that the type of laser you select fits with your skin tone, hair color and thickness. While using the Fitzpatrick scale is an effective starting point for choosing an appropriate laser, for optimal results it is wiser to consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in order to select an effective one suited specifically to you. They will take into account factors like skin tone, hair color and thickness and any potential side effects so as to mitigate them effectively.
The Alexandrite method of laser hair removal is one of the most widely-used laser techniques, and works particularly well on light to medium skin tones. Although relatively painless, multiple sessions may be required before seeing desired results are achieved.
Laser hair removal works differently from other methods because it targets not just the hair itself, but also its root. Because of this, they’re much more efficient than their traditional alternatives – although even with highly effective lasers it is impossible to permanently rid yourself of all hair follicles; some will remain active throughout your lifetime, necessitating further treatments over time.
The Nd:YAG laser hair removal technique is one of the most advanced available. With its short wavelength and deep penetration into skin layers, this laser can treat coarse or darker hair more efficiently. Although safe for tanned skin types, avoid sun exposure for at least five days prior to any treatments in order to decrease complications and promote faster recovery times.
