How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Posted on March 12, 2010, under Uncategorized.
Laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic treatments performed today, with many people wanting to remove excess hair in this manner rather than the more time consuming traditional methods. Waxing, shaving and plucking only produce short term results and can be associated with with unwanted side effects.
Laser hair removal has been shown to be fast, gentle and effective and is becoming more popular as people recognise the benefits it can offer. This procedure can be a solution for sufferers of ingrown hairs and shaving rash as the hair is removed and the associated maintenance with having to wax or shave is no longer needed to keep the area free from hair. Laser can be utilised safely on many areas of the face and body, and after several treatments a significant reduction in the number of hairs will be evident.
Laser is a single wavelength of light which is pulsed onto the skin in the treatment area to in order to reduce the number of actively growing hairs. The light energy converts to heat once absorbed into the hair shaft thus damaging the follicle and preventing it from growing another hair. The process is called selective photothermolysis in which the laser targets the melanin rich hair follicle whilst bypassing the lighter colour of the skin.
This heating of the hair follicle is what is felt during treatment resulting in a slight pinching sensation. It is important that laser hair removal treatments are accompanied by a cooling mechanism to reduce discomfort from the treatment and protect the skin whilst ensuring the treatment is delivered effectively. The length must be removed off the hair prior to treatment (usually by shaving) to ensure the energy is transferred to the base of the follicle where the cells responsible for hair growth lie. This process damages the cells responsible for growing a hair if it is in the active or anagen stage of growth.
Several treatments are required as not all hairs are in the active stage of growth at one time, though a reduction in the number of hairs should be noticed after each treatment. Subsequent treatments are usually performed when the next phase of hairs appear in around 4 - 5 weeks time. Hair that regrows will be fine and sparse and these are the hairs that will be targeted in the next treatment. During a course of laser hair removal treatments it is important that the skin remain as pale as possible as this results in a more effective treatment as well as minimising unwanted side effects. Tanning and solariums should be avoided and fake or chemical tans should not be used at least 1 week prior to treatment.
Post treatment it is advisable to keep the area cool for the next several hours, so avoid sun exposure as well as hot baths/sauna/spa’s. The hair remains in the follicle post treatment and gradually moves up and sheds within approx 2 weeks.
No waxing or plucking should be done in between treatments; however the area can be shaved if needed. Removing the hair with waxing or plucking during the course of laser hair removal treatments will render the treatments less effective as there will be less hair present to treat. Costs vary depending on the area and the amount of hair growth of the individual, as will the number of treatments required.
For more information about laser hair removal Brisbane and laser hair removal Sunshine Coast, please contact Image by Laser today.
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Posted on December 21, 2009, under Uncategorized.
There are now many different types of equipment to perform hair removal the best being genuine Quantum IPL machines.
Permanent hair reduction is performed by using a specific wavelength (colour) of light to destroy the hair follicle and to restrict the hair regrowth.
IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the hair follicle. This means both the hair and skin are treated at the same time.
If the hair removal laser has only one specific wavelength of light this is why there are so many different types of lasers in the world today because each specific laser is built to do a certain type of procedure.
The laser most suitable for hair removal is either the 755 Alexandrite laser or 810 diode laser. These two types of lasers are pretty much equal. The Alexandrite is great for light skin and dark hair, whereas the 810 diode laser is better suited to a slightly darker skin tone.
IPL was generally regarded as one of the better forms of hair removal until knock-off machines became available at ridiculously low prices. These machines are typical of the saying you pay for what you get and the results relate to this.
Though you will get some hair reduction with these knock-off IPL’S , most of the time the hair follicle is only made dormant, rather than destroyed, and the hair tends to regrow after about six months. That is why clinics who use this type of equipment will say that you will need maintenance treatments.
The latest technologies in laser hair removal are the IBL Alexandrite and IBL Diode laser. The reason these lasers are superior to the older types of laser is that the new lasers can change the pulse duration as well as the pulse power. This means a vastly superior hair reduction treatment on more hair types and more skin types.
The Alexandrite is a unique laser that can be customised to treat hair with different degrees of thickness and density. This is achieved through a large range of spot sizes. Another advantage of the Alexandrite lasers is that they are fast. With professional use, they can remove male chest hair in about less than 40 minutes.
Due to the specialised nature of laser equipment, professional laser hair removal clinics are required to be licensed with state health authorities. The strict regulations that clinics must adhere to and number of licenses that must be obtained means that there are very few genuine specialised clinics in the community.
Image by Laser has been in hair removal business since 1999 during this time we have treated thousands of happy clients. No-Cost, no-obligation consultations are available at Image by Laser Brisbane and Image by Laser Sunshine Coast. Our friendly, informed, and qualified laser technicians will customise a laser hair removal program to meet your individual needs.
Sphere: Related ContentConsidering Laser Hair Removal?
Posted on April 12, 2009, under Uncategorized.
The laser we use at Image by Laser for laser hair removal is a genuine Polylase Alexandrite medical grade laser not an IPL, SPL, SIPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Since lasers deliver light at one specific frequency, that which is most specific for hair, the energy that can be used is much more effective in destroying the hair follicle.
You will be more effectively treated per visit with a laser and will therefore need fewer sessions than with other light based techniques.
Our Polylase laser uses a patented cooling system that reduces the temperature of the skin during, and after laser {use|exposure}. Therefore, the laser hair treatment is generally less painful and is well tolerated.
Be sure the laser hair removal treatment you choose is with a genuine laser and not intense pulsed light. Most clinics cannot use a genuine laser, and try to claim that intense pulsed light machine is just as good.
This treatment is suitable for both men and women and great for people that have ingrown hairs.
The requirements to own and operate lasers in Queensland is highly regulated this is why we are one of a few clinics who are fully licensed. At Image by Laser our safety net to our clients is that all our Laser operators for hair removal are fully licensed and accredited by the Queensland department of Health.
Consultations are Free…..Results Priceless. To make a booking for a free consultation, and more information including video’s on our laser hair removal website.
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