Calgary Laser Hair Removal
How does it work?
The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL). Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, (melanin), in the area that causes hair growth, (the follicle), while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.
Laser Hair Removal works by selectively target melanin:
Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed.
Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, cleavage, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.
Can all skin colors be treated?
Yes. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin.
How many treatments will I need?
Multiple laser hair removal treatments, usually 5-7, but as many as 12, depending on the type of hair and skin color have been shown in practice to provide long-term reduction of hair. Current parameters suggest a series of treatments spaced at 4–6 weeks apart for most areas, although the timing of treatments has still not been standardized.
The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, and sex. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Finer hair and hair on darker skin is harder to treat and may require more treatments. Certain areas (notably men’s and women’s faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results. In addition, since hair grows in several phases, (anagen, telogen, catagen), and laser can only affect the currently active growing follicles, (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
It’s important to note that laser does not work on light hair and very fine and vellus hair (”peachfuzz”). Laser hair removal is not permanent but it is long term and can be patchy. Electrolysis is the only permanent solution for those types of hair but has shortcomings such as possible scarring, expense, and discomfort, as noted above.
Is there a risk of complications?
Every action has its consequences. And every procedure we have performed on out bodies will, in some way, leave an effect. Some of the effects are intentional, and some are unintended side effects. Some side effects are temporary; our bodies can recover from them. And some are permanent. But side effects, good or bad, almost always accompany the desired effects of our chosen procedures.
When a new and relatively unproven technology or medication becomes available in the market place, those interested in using it should educate themselves on its potential side effects. Laser hair removal side effects, can differ depending on the skin and hair characteristics of the persons undergoing it. And while these laser hair removal side effects are temporary, they can be worrisome unless you recognize them for what they are.
Because laser hair removal side effects will vary from person to person, the side effect you might experience may be totally foreign to someone else you may know who has undergone the procedure. You can’t rely on anyone else’s laser hair removal stories as guidelines for what will happen to you. What you can do is get as much information as you can about all the possible laser hair removal side effects. Then take steps both before and after your treatments to minimize any of them which may appear.
Some Side Effects
While laser hair removal therapy is a relatively painless procedure, it sometimes requires the use of a topical anesthetic for those patients with sensitive skin. But once the treatment is over, there is no residual pain. You’ll be able to go about your daily life as if nothing had happened.
But, depending on your complexion, you may experience, as one of the laser hair removal side effects, the darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area. And if you have not taken the recommended pre-and-post treatment safety measures, and you have sensitive skin, your treated area may also have blistering and burning. But all these laser hair removal side effects are temporary.
Most of the side effects associated with the treatments, if they are going to occur, will appear immediately and heal quickly. They rarely last more than a short time. While no serious long-term side effects have so far been associates with laser hair removal, if you experience yours for a prolonged period, consult with your doctor.
There may be a way to adjust your treatments to accommodate for your skin’s sensitivity and eliminate the severity of your reaction to them.
History has shown the side effects of laser hair removal to be both short-lived and insignificant, making it a safe and successful long-term solution for the millions of people who are afflicted with unwanted hair.
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