Archive for 'Laser Hair Removal FAQ'
What are the brand names of some types of lasers out there?
11 December 20071. Alexandrite: GentleLASE, Apogee, EpiTouch Plus
2. Diode: LightSheer, SLP 1000, F1 Diode, MeDioStar, LaserLite, Epistar, Apex 800, Comet (w/RF technology), Palomar SLP 1000
3. Nd:Yag: CoolGlide, GentleYAG, Lyra-i, Sciton, Apogee Elite, Medlite IV, Varia, Athos
4. IPL: Aurora (w/RF technology), Harmony, EpiLight, PhotoDerm, Quantum, Aculight, Vasculight, Palomar Starlux and EsteLux
5. Ruby: RubyStar, E2000
No tag for this post.How do I determine my Fitzpatrick Skin Type?
11 December 2007In 1975, Thomas B Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, developed a classification system for skin typing. This system was based on a person’s response to sun exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning the individual experienced. For successful removal of hair, wrinkles, veins, sun spots, and scars using LASER technology, it is necessary determine your correct skin type.
TYPE I: Highly sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Red hair with freckles or Albino
TYPE II: Very sun sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair-skinned, fair-haired Caucasians
What is the hair growth cycle and how does hair growth work?
11 December 2007Under normal circumstances hair growth in each hair follicle occurs in a cycle. There are three main phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen.
Anagen (active) is the growing phase or when the hair fiber is produced. During anagen, the hair contains an abundance of melanin, the pigment which gives your hair its color. This is the phase during which laser hair removal treatment is most effective.
Catagen (club hair) is the period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. This phase is when the lower part of the hair stops growing, but does not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed. It will be difficult for permanence to be achieved when the hair is in the catagen growth cycle.
No tag for this post.What things should I consider when finding a laser hair removal center near me?
11 December 2007The clinic: Make sure that you go in for a “free” consultation to see if you are happy with the way the clinic looks and feels (clean, up-to-date and informative) and avoid being pressured by sales reps to sign up on the spot (often prevalent at chain clinics). It’s recommended to sample 3-4 places before committing. You will probably find that prices can vary as much as 100-200% (and some will have options of paying up front for a package of treatments, while others won’t). Make sure you feel that they showed more interest in how the treatment will work for you and your personal results instead of being more interested in how much you will be paying.
No tag for this post.What are the possible causes of excessive hair growth and how can it affect my treatments?
11 December 2007The causes of excessive hair growth pattern are many and varied, including:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Glandular and/or hormonal imbalances (possible PCOS condition for women), including diseases causing these effects
- Insulin resistance issues
- Reactions to certain medications
- Normal aging processes
- Excessive temporary removal methods like waxing, tweezing, creams and depilatories, etc
What are the possible risks, side effects, and complications of laser hair removal?
11 December 2007The possibility exists that some side effects or complications can occur given various variables, including:
Normal
- Itching, during treatment
- Redness for up to 3 days
- Swelling (around mouth of follicle) for up to 3 days
- Pain, tingling, or feeling of numbness (cold spray)
Rare
- Crusting/scab formation (on ingrown hairs)
- Bruising
- Purpura (purple coloring of the skin) on tanned areas
- Infection
- Temporary pigment change (hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation)
Is laser hair removal treatment painful?
11 December 2007In one pulse, the laser can remove all the hair on a patch of skin the size of a nickel (depending on the specific laser spot size ranging from 9-18mm on average – i.e. the “head” of the laser from which the power is coming with every pulse). Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but generally laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation is different. It resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream (like EMLA), but one may be used for very sensitive patients/areas (can be provided or prescribed at the clinic). Be aware that using anesthetic creams is only safe on small areas (like upper lip, bikini, or underarms) and in small quantities. Using it on large areas like the back can cause adverse effects or even death. Consult with your tech and doctor if unsure.
No tag for this post.How many laser hair removal treatments are required and spaced how far apart?
11 December 2007Most people need at least 6-8 initial treatments spaced 6-10 weeks apart. This is because hair grows in 3 phases and is killed in the first “anagen” active growing phase. Several treatments are needed to target ALL hair in the active growth phase. Approximately 6-10 weeks after every treatment, additional treatment is required to eliminate the hairs that came out of the dormant phase and are now active. After 6-8 treatments or so, patients should experience a considerable percentage of hair reduction. Depending upon hair type and genetic factors, some clients may require additional treatments beyond these initial treatments. If it seems like the treatments are not working after 6-8 treatments, patients should look into possible underlying reasons (see Question #9 below).
No tag for this post.How should I prepare for treatment and what should I expect after treatment?
11 December 2007You should shave the area to be treated 1-3 days before treatment (some clinics will offer to do this for you, but beware of irritation caused by disposable razors etc). No waxing or removing hair with the root with any other way is allowed 4-6 weeks before and throughout the course of treatment as hair needs to be in place to be targeted by laser. The area should be shaved as closely as possible so that laser can target the most energy towards the hair follicle and not waste energy on the part of the hair above the skin’s surface. If your hair is the type that you can’t see where it was right after you shave, make it a bit easier on your tech not to miss the spots you want treated by shaving 1-3 days before so the outline of where hair is growing is just VERY slightly visible.
No tag for this post.What is Laser Hair Removal?
11 December 2007Laser hair removal is a procedure by which hair is removed from the body by utilizing a long pulse laser. Lasers are developed and designed from years of research. The laser parameters are carefully defined by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the laser light and pulse duration to the follicle size, depth and location to inhibit the re-growth of the hair.
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