Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the latest in the hair removal methods. Laser hair removal is a form of epilatory hair removal in which both the hair and its root are removed. It became commercially available in 1990. This form of epilation is also called phototricholysis or photoepilation.

Intense pulsed light therapy using Xenon flash is sometimes referred to as laser hair removal, though laser is not used in it.

Principles of laser hair removal:

Light of a specific wavelength is selectively absorbed by dark pigmented target matter like hair, sparing the surrounding light-colored areas. The absorbed light releases energy causing thermal or mechanical damage to the hair follicles while not affecting the surrounding tissue. The dark pigmented target matter is called the chromophore. The chromophore can be a naturally occurring one or artificially introduced.

Some of the chromophores used are:
  • Carbon - artificially introduced
  • Hemoglobin - naturally occurring in the red blood cells of blood
  • Melanin - naturally occurring in skin and hair. There are two types: Eumelanin giving black or brown color and pheomelanin giving blonde or red color. Laser therapy removes only black or brown colored hair.

Types of lasers used in laser hair removal:

Different lasers used for hair removal are
  • Nd:YAG laser: for people with all skin colors
  • Ruby laser: for people with light skin and dark hair
  • Argon laser
  • Alexandrite laser
  • Pulsed Diode laser
The laser with the longest wavelength is Nd: YAG which is 1064 nm and the laser with shortest wavelength is argon which is 488nm.
Laser radiation with the longest wavelength is safer for darker skin and hence the Nd: YAG laser is the safest. The width of the beam should be 4 times the target depth.

Laser treatment:

Laser hair removal including the intense pulsed light therapy is a very efficient method of hair removal with the results comparable to electrolysis. It is a permanent method of epilation with the effects lasting for more than a year after final treatment.

The treatment duration depends on the area where it is applied.

Multiple treatments up to 3-6 times are required for a satisfactory outcome. Though the procedure is not painful, the patient may feel uncomfortable and ask for anesthetic cream. Sometimes epidermal cooling is done to reduce pain using gel, cryogen spray, circulating water or air cooling.

Soon after the treatment, the treated area becomes red and puffy, but returns to normal within a few hours.

Efficacy of laser hair removal:

Like electrolysis, laser hair removal is a permanent form of epilation. Multiple pulsed therapies with the most appropriate type of laser can produce a satisfactory result which may last more than one year.

Since laser hair removal is a recent concept, the long term effects of it are not well documented. Though laser hair removal therapy has been claimed to produce permanent results in many patients, theoretically, it is not possible as the target dermal papilla containing the hair root is 7-8 mm deep and the laser can penetrate only 2 mm.

Light-skinned, dark-haired individuals get the maximum benefit  from laser hair removal.


Cost of laser hair removal:

Though laser hair removal needs multiple treatments, it is less expensive than a full course of electrolysis. The entire treatment may cost up to $1000 though the average cost may be as less as $ 429.



This page was last updated on June 20, 2006


 


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