A guide to the removal of unwanted hair using the long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser. Answering your questions ....
The Science
Pulses of laser light are used to selectively heat up the base of the hair where the root is, leading to heat damage to the cells that are responsible for causing the hair to regrow. The target for the laser is the brown melanin pigment, however the laser light used is chosen to avoid any risk to the skin itself. This is called selective photothermolysis. A special cooling device is also used to make sure the job is done as effectively as possible, but still remains as gentle as possible.
The Results
Once the hair is heated up and destroyed it will not grow back again, BUT there are lots of hair follicles all producing hairs at different times so it takes around 6-8 treatments on average to catch them all. The sheer number of follicles producing hairs on the face can mean this could be more.
Is it risky?
If your skin has an active tan it can cause the laser to absorb in a higher skin layer. This not only can prevent successful removal of hair, but the heat at the surface can cause problems. This is true for other false tanning or gradual tanning products.
For those with darker skin, special care is taken through selection of appropriate laser settings, and the use of a special cooling device, to ensure the hair root is damaged, without causing any risk to the skin itself.
Your eyes are always covered during laser hair removal treatment.
What happens once you decide to go ahead with laser hair removal?
Pre-treatment consultation
Questions should be asked in relation to any medications you are taking (it’s a good idea to have a note of them), about your medical history and about how you have removed your hairs in the past. All this is important and answering honestly will help prevent any problems later. You will also be asked about holidays and tanning.
The laser will be used to test a little area where you want to remove hairs from. This is to check how the skin reacts to the laser, and also so that you know what to expect from the laser treatment.
Before your Laser treatment
Any area to be treated needs to be cleanly shaven, ideally the day before, with a nice clean razor. Its better not to apply body lotions and potions, as this will need to be removed.
During your laser treatment
During the treatment you will just sit back, try and relax and think about not having hair there soon. There may be a slight sensation or nipping and that really depends on how much hair is there. This usually gets easier with every treatment as there are always fewer hairs there when you return.
After your laser treatment
Once the treatment has been completed a steroid cream can be applied. Its also nicer not to wear tight, hot clothing if it can be helped.
The area you have been treated can vary in its reaction depending on you. It may be a little red or darker brown, have little red dots where each hair has been treated or it may just be itchy. If it’s sore or hot its important to let it cool down and maybe apply more steroid cream.
Don’t do hot things! and this means – saunas, extreme exercise hot showers and baths for example.
Coming back
You always need more than one treatment, so you will have a great time of being hair free and new hairs will grow back – do not be alarmed these are getting ready for your next
treatment, you can deal with them - shave or cut them but you must not wax, thread or pluck them as this rips out the root and those need to be saved for the laser at the next treatment. This is a process and it will take time. You will be advised how soon to come back for your next laser section.
After your course of treatments it could be happy ever after or you may need a quick top up to treat any new hair.
Special considerations
In-growing hairs: Lasers can be used to manage in-growing hairs, especially when they occur in the beard region, known as shaving/razor bumps or medically pseudofolliculitis barbae. It is more frequent in men with dark skin and curly hair. The bumps in the beard region can become infected and lead to scars and dark marks/blemishes. One of the most effective strategies for dealing with this problem is the use of laser to remove the hairs from the affected areas. By doing this, the bumps will reduce and this will minimize the risk of developing scars and dark marks/blemishes in this area. Your doctor may also add in other medical therapies, this together with laser hair removal, will leave you with smoother clearer skin, and minimize the potential for future problems
