Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Like any other technology laser machines have evolved significantly during past decade. Older equipment did not have to option for as many adjustments as can be made to the settings of the laser as available today. Not too long ago there was a need for application of numbing medications or cooling devices to decrease the pain during the procedure. That no longer is the case, more advanced lasers are capable of making adjustment to surface area, and amount of energy and the frequency of laser pulses are introduced t the treatment area. Therefore laser can be used for maximal efficiency and minimal discomfort to produce the best results possible in the least amount of time or sessions needed for optimal results.
The procedure itself usually consist of introducing laser rays through a handheld that may or may not contact the skin. Newer devices have a cooling device incorporated to the laser so that it can provide instant cooling as the energy is introduced to the treatment area leading to significant improvement in the amount of discomfort felt by our patients.
Hair growth cycle is divided into four stages: Anagen or growth phase, Catagen or transition phase, Telogen or resting phase and Exogen or new hair phase. At any point in time any one of the hair can be at a different phase. Our understanding is that anagen phase can last about 2 to 7 years and determines the length of our hair and about 70% of hair is in this stage at any specific time. Hair follicles are most sensitive to laser while they are in anagen phase but because our hair follicles are in different stages at any given time, several laser treatments usually between 4 to 8 sessions are required on a monthly basis for maximum effect to assure that the hair is treated during the anagen cycle. Other factors that can affect number of treatments and the outcomes include texture of the hair, location of the hair, and hormonal status of the person receiving treatment.