Laser hair removal: how does it work?

Unlike classic hair removal techniques, which remove only the apical part of the hair, laser hair removal, including the hair bulb, allows it to be removed entirely. The principle with which it works is the physical one of light: the laser emits a beam of unidirectional and monochromatic waves at such a frequency as to selectively hit the melanin contained in dark-coloured hair on light complexions, overheating them and denaturing their vital structures  (in particular the bulb). If the surgery is performed correctly, the skin around the follicle remains unchanged. In laser hair removal, therefore, the hair is not torn, but photothermolysis (i.e. light energy that transforms into heat) causes the destruction of the bulb and the cells that regenerate it, allowing long-lasting results to be achieved through Medical Spa Newport Beach.

Procedure

Laser hair removal is a treatment that can be used safely on the face, bikini line, armpits, arms, chest, legs, back and other body parts. For an effective and long-lasting result, intervention in the desired area in several sessions is necessary to reduce hair in the active phase (anagen). The affected area must be shaved beforehand to ensure that the power of the light beam is directed towards the hair bulb; furthermore, it must be previously cleansed, therefore deprived of creams, perfumes, deodorants or any product that may interact with the laser. Furthermore, it would help if you avoided waxing, tweezing or bleaching hair a month before removal. The setting of the type of laser light, the power and the frequency of the treatment depend on the characteristics of the hair (colour, diameter of the shaft and hair density), phototype , any skin lesions and concomitant pathologies.

The session does not cause pain

The session does not cause pain; only a slight warmth or discomfort, like a needle prick, is felt. Sometimes, before proceeding with hair removal, the operator can apply an anaesthetic cream to some susceptible body areas (face, armpits and groin).During the procedure, the aesthetic doctor (or qualified beautician) and the patient must wear protective glasses, specific to reduce the ocular risk affecting the retina. Depending on the area to be treated, the duration of the treatment varies from 15 minutes to 4 hours; each laser pulse acts on a surface of approximately two square centimetres, and it seems that after one session, there is a decrease in hair growth of between 20-35%. Immediately after the treatment, redness of the skinappears due to the action of the laser beam, which varies according to the degree of individual epidermal sensitivity? The redness is temporary and disappears after a few minutes. Laser Treatment Newport Beach is one of the best laser treatment hub in USA with trained staff.

How many sessions are needed?

The number of sessions varies based on individual cases and the area to be treated with laser hair removal. Usually, several appointments are necessary, scheduled on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Individual results depend on various factors, including age, skin type, hair characteristics and hormonal structure. To eliminate unwanted hair from the face with laser hair removal, 4 to 6 sessions could be sufficient. In the case of large surfaces of the body, such as arms or legs, however, approximately 5-10 treatments are necessary. Typically, there are 4-6 weeks between one session and another.The results obtained with laser hair removal are long-lasting, especially if maintenance sessions are repeated once or twice a year.

When to do the sessions?

Laser hair removal sessions should be carried out at least 30-40 days before sun exposure, as they can predispose to the formation of dark skin spots on the treated area. If laser hair removal is carried out on tanned skin, however, hypopigmentation may occur due to damage to the melanin. For this reason, it is better to undergo the treatment in periods away from summer or, in general, when there is the certainty of not getting tanned. If hyperpigmented spots appear on the skin, hydroquinone and retinoic acid creams can be used, which usually solve the problem. However, there is no specific therapy for light spots, which tend to resolve when the tan disappears. Laser Treatment Newport Beach proceeds the treatment under the super vision of trained dermatologists.

Limitations of the technique

The laser can only effectively treat hair during the anagen phase since melanin is very concentrated in the hair bulb, especially at this time. For this reason, between one session and another, it is best  to avoid the use of waxing and other tear-off hair removal techniques, which interrupt the hair growth cycle. Laser hair removal provides better results on dark-coloured hair on a light complexion. On the contrary, the hopes of success are reduced for blond, white or bleached hair, if not zero. Furthermore, it is not advisable to treat skin with a high phototype  (V or VI), as it has large quantities of melanin: in this case, the heat tends to be absorbed by the skin and not by the hair, resulting in a painful sensation during the session. This is why it is better to abandon the idea if the hair is light or the complexion is very dark and, in general if there is little contrast between hair and skin.

Laser hair removal does not eliminate

Laser hair removal does not eliminate hair permanently, as the effects of the aesthetic treatment do not last for life. However, the procedure has the advantage of significantly slowing down hair growth. Therefore, it allows you to thin out waxing or other hair removal systems. The removal of hair with laser hair removal is not 100% total. Generally speaking, a treatment that eliminates 80% of the hair in the treated area can be considered excellent. These results can be maintained for a long if maintenance sessions are repeated through Laser Treatment Newport Beach. The hair that has not been completely removed is still transformed into a fine fluff, not visible to the naked eye.

Contraindications and risks

Laser hair removal is unsuitable for those with little contrast between hair and complexion (light hair on light skin, medium-dark hair on dark complexion, etc.), considering the risks of skin depigmentation. In any case, the specialized aesthetic or medical personnel will evaluate the possibility of the treatment. For the same reason, it would always be a good idea to do a small test on a small, poorly exposed surface to ascertain the effects of the laser on your skin type. Laser hair removal is a safe technique which has no contraindications. However, if hirsutism and hypertrichosis are secondary to hormonal dysfunctions, it is always better to seek guidance from Laser Treatment Newport Beach before treatment. Even moles must always be evaluated before treatment, avoiding treating the skin areas in which melanocytic moles are present, as they are subject to modifications in the event of absorption of the laser energy.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal is not indicated during oral therapies with high-dose corticosteroids, antibiotics, hormone replacement treatments, immunosuppressive drugs, and other photosensitizers (such as isotretinoin for acne ): the risk is of causing the onset of skin blemishes or producing only a temporary effect of hair loss. Furthermore, after the laser hair removal session, it is essential to avoid exposure to the sun, as the skin is particularly vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and can react with inflammation of the melanocytes, which will then tend to darken it. On the treated areas exposed to sunlight – such as, for example, the face – it is therefore advisable to use a filter with high protection ( SPF  50), even in winter. For further information, you can do contact and consult with the competent dermatologists of Laser Treatment Newport Beach.

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