Send to friendLASER is an acronym for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers used for hair removal operate in the visible, near-infrared, or infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Lasers target the melanin in the “bulge” and papilla region. The bulge area of the hair follicle is important in the cycling and regeneration of hair. The papilla is an extremely vascular region of the follicle and provides nutrients and oxygen to the other areas. These regions need to be severely disabled for permanent destruction of the hair follicle to occur.
Lasers remove hair by the process of selective photothermolysis. The light energy from the laser is transferred to thermal energy in the hair follicle. The laser targets melanin, or the pigmented regions of the follicle. When the thermal energy, or heat, is absorbed by the melanin in the cell structures (namely the bulge and papilla) they are destroyed. All lasers also come with a cooling mechanism that prevents damage to the surrounding cells.
Firstly, a laser device is pressed on the patient's skin, along with a cooling device that keep's the health of the rest of the skin well. At this time, the patient wears special goggles to protect the eye from potential laser light that could leak out. When the laser passes through the skin's surface and to the tiny sacs (hair follicles), the patient will usually feel a sting. Anesthetic products may be applied before the hair removal to alleviate the pain. When the hair follicle is being damaged, an odor of it being destroyed can also be smelled. This same process goes on over the whole treatment area, which can take from a few minutes with small areas to a few hours with bigger ones.
After the treatment, to successfully heal, the patient should avoid direct sunlight. Also, direct contact with the removed area should be avoided. Nonetheless, the patient can quickly go back to his or her daily routines after the removing process.
Results show that the laser hair removing process can reduce hair from 20 to 90 percent, results can drastically vary depending on the person being treated. Not to forget, to successfully and completely conduct a laser hair removal, multiple treatments are necessary. Usually this process takes anywhere from six to eight weeks to achieve the desired effects and results, and then an additional few weeks of periodic maintenance treatments. Of course, during this time, the patient can freely go on with his or her daily schedule.
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