Electrolysis was the only real method of long term or permanent hair removal on the market just before laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) equipment moved into the industry. Electrolysis can be still conducted these days even though it is agonizing for the client and damaging to the dermis, including the potential of an infection. Throughout the electrolysis treatment, a fine needle may be put into the hair follicle, dispensing an electric current to destroy the stem cells in the hair foillicle. Unluckily, this painstaking procedure can be performed one hair follicle at a time. Maintenance treatments tend to be necessary for quite some time following the original treatment.

In contrast, with laser and pulsed light products, numerous follicles of hair are dealt with at a time depending upon the spot dimensions (the size of the actual tip on the unit delivering power). These kinds of laser hair removal procedures are non-invasive and need only seconds to perform rather than the many hours of electrolysis.

Laser Hair Removal and Melanin

The most crucial consideration in advance of a laser hair removal treatment will be the person's skin tone type and hair shade. Laser hair removal is actually determined by selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for the purpose of damage of the hair follicle) along with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that produces color). The difference between the absorption of laser or light energy by melanin inside the hair follicle and melanin within the skin determines the amount of energy which might be correctly utilized without harming the epidermis.

Light skinned clients with dark hair tend to be accepted as the best clients for laser hair removal On the other hand, a patient with extremely dark skin and gray or white hair, would have limited if any reaction. Because melanin inside the hair shaft and follicle are the target source for laser and IPL hair removal procedures, it will be important for patients going through their first appointment not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory item previous to laser hair removal. The patient can, however, shave the location to be treated (which often saves the chromophore from the hair foillicle), or may use hair removal creams. Hair that is protruding from the body might singe throughout a laser or light procedure which causes an unpleasant odor along with possible flares.

The Laser Hair Removal Proceedure

Most instruments technically act exactly the same while performing a laser hair removal procedure. The guidelines on the apparatus (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) ought to be established based on the skin color evaluation and background performed on the individual. It will be important for clients to not wear dark clothing close to the area to be treated as the pigment in the garments could possibly be absorbed via the laser or IPL and can lead to a burn. The patient should be advised to refrain from applying any body washes, products, cosmetics, or any skin medicines the day of the treatment. Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. A spot test, or patch test, should be performed on the intended treatment area. Several procedures are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome and a yearly maintenance procedure can be recommended.