What is laser hair removal method? Is it permanent?
LASER hair removal is the only permanent hair removal method, which abolishes the traditional hair removal techniques. It is suitable for women and men and any body area, removing safely unwanted hair without damaging the pores and skin structure. It is a permanent method, 96% of hair is destroyed, however, it requires special training and a doctor's license to perform.
How does the laser act exactly?
A specific wavelength of the light beam causes the absorption of energy from the melanin of the hair, destroying the hair follicle. By this procedure the root of the hair is destroyed while we have formation of new hair, leaving unaffected the melanin.
How many types of hair removal lasers are available?
There are several medical hair removal lasers such as the diode, the Alexandrite, theNdYag, etc. The Alexandrite hair removal laser (alexandrite) emits at 755nm and it is the most common. At the clinic, we have two alexandrite lasers, both being the latest model of the American house Candela Gentle Pro, with an automatic cryogenic cooling mechanism.
We also have a second laser, the Nd Yag. It is a specialized medical laser which is used only on hormonally dependent facial areas such as the chin, neck or cheeks because it has the unique ability to detect only the hair without affecting the normal facial fuzz (peach-fuzz).
We often see faces treated with the wrong type of laser, where there's activation of excessive hair growth instead of its removal.
In these cases we use the Nd yag laser and we always solve the problem successfully!
Thus, for a permanent face hair removal solution, we combine these two lasers.
This is the only way for an effective hair removal.
Dermatologist Dr Tzouma selects the protocol to be followed by combining thetwo lasers in order to have a successful and safe result.
What are the reasons that lead someone to undergo a laser hair removal treatment?
The laser hair removal metod is usually done for aesthetic reasons. But there are medical reasons that also require laser hair removal. Folliculitis is usually created after shaving, waxing or by using depilatory devices. Also, in cases of spider veins (telangiectasias) on the legs or irritation after waxing or depilatory creams, the laser hair removal method is the only solution.
Other reasons include hirsutism due to heredity, race or hormonal disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, tumors and menopause. We may need to prescribe hormonal tests in these cases and additional medication will be given accordingly.
In which areas it is used?
The hair removal laser method is used on any facial area with excessive hair growth.
What is the procedure followed during the session?
A complete medical history is needed, dermatological examination of skin color, the color and thickness of the hair.
We adjust the energy and the intensity of the cooling process and we start the procedure.
We always use protective eyewear (safety goggles).
How many sessions are required?
It usually takes from five to six sessions on the areas of the body, 8-10 sessions for theface. The number of treatments depends on the skin color, the color and thickness of the hair.
What is the interval of these sessions?
The hair growth cycle time has three phases, the anagen which is substantially the growth phase, the catagen and telogen during which the hair falls. The treatments are effective when the hair is in the growth phase (anagen phase). The sessions are repeated every 45 -50 days, in order for the hair to be in the anagen phase and for the hair removal to be effective.
When does the patient begin to see results?
The results of the laser hair removal method are permanent and impressive. The laser hair removal method leads from the very first session to hair reduction up to 50% on some areas, while the hairbecomes smoother, lighter and softer.
Is the treatment painful?
The procedure is almost painless, thanks to the automatic skin cooling mechanism that is provided exclusively from the laser of the American house Candela. However the degree of sensation is different from person to person and if necessary, on some highly sensitive areas, eg bikini, a local anesthetic cream may be applied.
How long does the session last?
This depends on the area, eg upper lip 10 minutes, legs 120 minutes.
How will the treated area look like after the session?
The patient can return home or to work immediately after the treatment. Transient erythema and perifollicular edema may occur after the hair removal but they disappear after a few hours. These symptoms may be reduced by applying ice or moisturizers on the area.
Is the procedure safe?
It is an absolutely safe method. The medical laser is a visible light that does not emit radiation and has no effect on skin structures without melanin, such as lymph nodes and the mammary gland (breast). Also, modern Alexandrite candela gentle pro lasers have automatic cooling mechanisms that protect the skin even in very high energies.
Contraindications of laser hair removal method
The laser hair removal is absolutely contraindicated in individuals with photodermatitis and people taking isotretinoin. In the past there was also a risk in the use of to people suffering from vitiligo or psoriasis, but nowadays, with the latest generation of lasersthat have automatic cooling mechanisms this is not a problem anymore.
Is it permitted during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breast-feeding are cases of relative contraindication, however we should have the consent of our gynecologist in order to avoid risking the embryo's health.
Precautions before and after the treatment?
Hair removal with wax or blonding cream must be avoided for 2 weeks, while the area on which the laser will be used must be shaved two days before (except the face).
Patients often ask, is the laser hair removal allowed during summer time? What do we answer to them?
With the modern hair removal lasers, hair removal can be done during summer time because we are able to increase the intensity of cooling and adjust the pulse duration, ie the time that the energy acts on the skin in order to have a completely safe outcome.
What should someone be aware of while searching for a laser hair removal?
Choose a clinic that has the lasers officially approved by the FDA and that which are appropriate for his case.
Choose a clinic which, at the end of each session,complements the patient's medical card with the settings used during the treatment.
Do not be lured by low prices and promotions.The price per session may appear (or be) very low but the session is performed hastily and with low intensity; thus it has to be repeated, often with questionable results.
