What is laser hair removal?
Laser is a light beam that has certain physical characteristics and is highly energetic. Laser hair removal is designed in such a way that it removes excess hair without affecting other parts of the skin and body.
Laser hair removal is one of the best options for permanent hair removal.
Various lasers are used to remove excess hair. Alexandrite, Nd: YAG and Diode technologies are among the most widely used lasers for hair removal. These lasers differ in application. Alexandrite, for example, is more effective for light skin, and Nd: YAG is more commonly used for dark skin. This functional difference is due to differences in the physical properties of lasers such as frequency and wavelength.
Types of technologies and laser hair removal devices
In general, we have 4 types of technology for laser hair removal, each of which has its own uses:
The first technology is called IPL. This technology is not really a laser and is just a beam of light. IPL technology is mostly used in home laser devices or beauty salons and massages. But the other three technologies, which include Alexandrite, Diode, and ND Yag, are considered clinical devices and are only allowed by a physician or professional operator and have no personal function. We also have an older technology called the ruby laser, which is a pioneer in other types of laser hair removal technology. But today it is no longer used much. That is why IPL and Ruby lasers are not used in beauty clinics due to their low effectiveness.
The laser works on the follicles and is designed to remove excess hair in a way that heats the hair follicles and damages them. The follicles are small organs inside the skin that make up the body's hair. By damaging the hair follicles, hair growth stops permanently. Laser heat causes damage to the follicles, but this damage is entirely selective. That is, it does not damage the skin and tissues adjacent to the follicle at the same time.
The laser permanently reduces excess hair. This method can remove between 70 and 90% of excess hair permanently. That's why we say scientifically that laser causes permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. Because in one course of treatment we can not get rid of 100% of excess hair. But those 70 to 90 percent that have been removed will never grow again.
Laser hair removal applications
Laser hair removal can be used for all parts of the body. Of course, there are more referrals for lasers in some parts of the body. For example, bikini and genital lasers and facial hair lasers are more common in women. In men, underarm hair laser, beard line laser, back hair, and back of the neck are done more. However, the laser method is so flexible, fast, and effective that the whole body can be lasered in less than an hour in one session.
No matter how limited or wide the treated area (whether it is just behind the lips or the whole body laser) to effectively remove or reduce excess hair, you must complete a course of treatment. This course usually includes 4 to 6 laser sessions at intervals of about 6 weeks.
Depending on the area being treated, you may need about four to six sessions of treatment, four to eight weeks apart. You may also need to have re-sessions every 6 to 12 months.
Laser hair removal
Laser treatments use a single wavelength to target hair follicles, rather than using a wide range of light (which reduces accuracy). The laser focuses on maximizing heat absorption by the hair follicles in the treated area to prevent hair regrowth.
The most common complication of laser is skin irritation and redness, which usually disappears after a few hours. This treatment can also cause temporary pigment changes, especially in dark-skinned people. More serious side effects include blisters and sores, but these are very rare.