Are you fed up with shaving and waxing your body to remove unwanted hair? Laser hair removal could be the perfect solution. This noninvasive cosmetic procedure uses laser light to break down pigment within hair follicles, stopping them from producing new hair growth.
Note that sun exposure or tanning must be avoided during and post treatment; using a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily is vitally important.
The Ruby
Laser hair removal works by disabling the hair follicle. This causes it to separate from its roots, effectively stopping any future growth of new strands of hair from appearing. While results of the procedure are permanent, multiple sessions are typically necessary in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.
The ruby laser was one of the first cosmetic lasers to gain widespread use for facial use. It emits light at 694nm that absorbs specifically by melanin found in skin and hair cells – this allows the ruby laser to target only unwanted hair while sparing surrounding tissues and skin from being destroyed in its wake.
Initial use of the ruby laser was for retinal photocoagulation; however, due to risks of retinal hemorrhage this use declined quickly. Soon thereafter it gained favor for its ability to treat various pigmentation conditions on both face and body such as birthmarks such as Naevus of Ota, Hori macules and Naevus Spilus; freckles; cafe au lait spots as well as post-sclerotherapy pigmentation from injection of chemical solutions into varicose veins. It worked quite effectively at treating all these conditions simultaneously!
Though the ruby laser can be highly effective for light skin types, its efficacy diminishes on darker complexions. Therefore, lasers with longer wavelengths such as the ND:YAG may be more suitable when trying to eliminate unwanted facial hair growth.
The ND:YAG laser is an extremely powerful system that is suitable for all skin types and colors, including darker complexions such as those found among Asian or African American populations. In particular, its application on darker complexions like those from these groups makes this laser more than capable of providing comparable results to rubies while being safer and more comfortable for patients with darker complexions.
Prior to beginning laser treatments, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and numbing gel may be applied directly onto the area being treated. Protective eyewear must also be worn during the session. Shaving or other methods for hair removal must be avoided at least four weeks in advance as these could disrupt hair follicles.
The ND:YAG
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that uses non-ablative laser technology to permanently destroy hair follicles and stop future hair growth. While IPL technology cannot effectively penetrate dark skin tones due to heat transference into melanin deposits, ND:YAG laser technology provides safe results for all skin types.
ND:YAG lasers are solid-state devices that emit intense beams of light at extremely fast pulse rates, thanks to being activated by light exposure from its crystal surface. Irradiation will activate neodymium atoms within, prompting these lasers to emit these powerful light pulses that can help treat various complexion problems such as pigmentation, brown spots and unwanted hair as well as improving texture, reducing fine lines/wrinkles/pores/scars etc.
Study findings showed the efficacy of using a novel 650 microsecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser for permanent hair reduction on Fitzpatrick skin types II-VI was successful for 85% of patients after six treatments at four-week intervals; any adverse side effects consisted of transient erythema and one case of hypopigmentation that resolved within eight weeks.
Due to its low absorption rate of Nd:YAG laser into melanin, it can safely and effectively treat darker skin tones for long-term hair reduction. This treatment method is suitable for people of color and mixed race skin types alike and does not alter melanin content in skin cells directly; however it should still be remembered that treatment may still affect melanin content in skin cells which may result in superficial crusts; these should typically peel within two weeks revealing your normal tone beneath.
At your treatment session, we will apply a topical numbing agent and put on protective eye goggles before starting our laser’s computer-assisted sequence. Your skin may feel warm and tender at first – similar to experiencing mild sunburn – however this sensation will gradually subside with each session and your results should appear within several months.
In the meantime, it’s wise to avoid waxing, plucking and threading to minimize how much hair will be present at your laser session. In addition, daily sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 or greater should also be utilized for optimal results.
The Diode
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to unwanted facial or body hair, using targeted beams of light. Diode lasers tend to provide better results with minimal side effects than their counterparts.
Lasers work by targeting specific pigments beneath your skin (melanin or blood) with selective photothermolysis. Dermatologists employ specific wavelengths and pulse duration combinations that target specific pigments while sparing surrounding tissue from being affected. Melanin absorbs this energy, heating up rapidly before damaging follicles and inhibiting future growth – this technology also includes an inbuilt cooling system to ensure patient comfort and safety.
Based on their area, most individuals will require at least six sessions to achieve significant reductions in both hair growth and its thickness. After this initial set of treatments have taken effect, maintenance treatments should be carried out every four to six weeks to maintain permanent hair-free status.
Diode laser hair removal offers many advantages, including:
Expect some swelling or redness after each session; this is perfectly natural for skin. To reduce hyperpigmentation, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily and refrain from waxing or tweezing the area as this disrupts laser’s effects and increases risk of ingrown hairs.
At our clinic, we utilize the Eneka PRO laser machine, which delivers multiple wavelengths of light at the same time to quickly treat all skin and hair types within a shorter timeframe while offering safer and more pleasant experiences for our patients. This is achieved using our cooling system which protects outer layers of skin while simultaneously decreasing sensation during treatments while attenuating discomfort for patient comfort. Furthermore, built-in temperature sensors on this laser ensure optimal levels of cooling are always being met during treatments.
The IPL
IPL laser treatment for darker skin can treat multiple skincare concerns effectively and quickly. Producing multiple wavelengths at once, unlike lasers which emit only one wavelength at a time. IPL waves reach down into your second layer where pigment cells and hair follicles absorb them – the heat produced from which destroys each one completely and stops future growth of that hair follicle.
An IPL photofacial can also help diminish signs of aging by dissolving dark age spots and freckles, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, due to reaching into blood vessels to target redness it makes an effective treatment option for broken capillaries and spider veins.
When it comes to facial hair removal, IPL can be used successfully on skin of all colors to get rid of unwanted hair effectively. However, keep in mind that your hair growth may return after several treatments; therefore, repeating this process over time may be necessary.
IPL treatments are generally safe for most clients and don’t require any downtime. However, it is important to remember that this device should only be used by licensed dermatologists or aestheticians and shouldn’t be attempted at home. You should avoid tanning several days prior to having any procedure performed; and if you have dark complexion issues it would be wise to speak to your physician beforehand.
Faces PLLC in Ridgeland offers laser hair removal treatments designed to give you results with no significant discomfort, downtime, or expense. Contact our team at Faces PLLC in Ridgeland today if you are interested in exploring your options for laser hair removal! A consultation will enable us to determine the most appropriate procedure to restore your glow – without significant discomfort, downtime, or expense.
