Laser hair removal is a process that involves the removal of unwanted hair from the body by use of laser light. The laser light is directed to the hair follicle where it disrupts the normal growth of the unwanted hair.
The laser hair removal process has been under clinical trials for more than twenty years before it became commercially available in the mid-90s. Laser hair removal has been fully accepted in medical clinics, laser centers, and especially in dermatology departments. Devices that are designed for consumer self-treatment are also available in homes.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Selective photothermolysis is the primary principle involved in the process of hair removal. A particular light wavelength is directed to the hair follicle to provide optimum results with minimal effects on surrounding tissues.
Melanin, a color pigment found in the skin is the primary target for the laser light. Melanin gives the skin its color. Hair has two main types of melanin. They include eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for the brown or black hair color while pheomelanin gives hair a red or blonde color. Laser light is selective to the black or brown color produced by eumelanin.
Process of Laser Hair Removal
During laser hair removal, beams from the laser light penetrate through the skin to a specific hair follicle. The laser beam produces an intense heat that ends up destroying the hair follicle.
The destruction of the hair follicle leads to the removal of the unwanted hair from the targeted area. The process inhibits future hair re-growth from the area. The procedure is effective for individuals having light skin and dark hair. The medical procedure does not guarantee permanent hair removal, and it only assures of a slow growth of the hair.
Why is Laser Hair Removal Done?
The primary goal of carrying out the procedure is to prevent unwanted growth of hair. The most common locations where the procedure is done include the underarms, legs, chin, and along the bikini line.
Besides these areas, other sites can be treated with the procedure apart from the eyelid and its surrounding region. The success of the procedure is determined by the skin type and hair color. Individuals with light skin and dark hair will have the most efficient results. However, advancement in technology is making the procedure to be effective on people having dark skin.
Potential Risk Factors
Although uncommon, the risks that may result from laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation: the skin irritation presents with redness, inflammation, swelling, and discomfort to the patient. However, the signs and symptoms will subside after some time.
- Pigment changes: the skin may become lightened or dark after going through the laser hair removal procedure. The variations in the skin pigment are temporary. The side effect is common in individuals having dark skin.
- Other rare side effects that may be experienced by the patient include blistering, scarring of the skin, or crusting. Rarely, the patient may also experience graying of the treated hair. Sometimes the hair may end up growing excessively in the treated area.
Again, these risk factors of laser hair removal treatment are very uncommon. When conducted in a professional setting over the course of several treatments, laser hair removal is typically very safe and results in minimal issues.