Over the years, permanent hair reduction has become a popular cosmetic procedure all over the world. Patients no longer have to deal with tedious hair removal methods like waxing, shaving, and tweezing. If you are thinking of laser hair removal, here is how it works.
What is a Laser?
LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is simply a strong beam of light. Laser hair removal uses medical-grade lasers to remove hair on human skin.
Stages of Hair Growth
One way to understand how laser hair removal works is by knowing the different phases of hair growth. There are four phases of hair growth. They are:
Anagen phase: It's the active growth phase lasting from two to seven years. In the anagen stage, the bottom hair follicle is attached to the dermis, and the blood supply using dermal papilla.
Catagen phase: it's the transition phase. It's in this phase that the hair follicle shrinks. The phase is short and takes about two weeks.
Telogen phase: this is the resting phase. In this phase, the hair remains inactive and easily falls out. The phase lasts for three months.
Exogen phase: In this phase, the hair follicle starts to shred and new hair begins to grow.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
During laser hair removal, the light of the laser beam is converted into heat. The light gets attracted to the melanin in the hair. The dark pigmentation absorbs light and then converts it to heat. The heat works by preventing hair growth.
For the hair follicle to be destroyed, a temperature of 70 degrees must be reached. When light is emitted, it gets absorbed by the dark pigment. The light travels through hair and is converted to heat and eventually destroys the root.
After a series of treatments the hair gets destroyed and won't grow back, although some hairs grow back much finer and slower, which is why occasional touch up treatments are necessary. That's how laser hair removal treatment is; simple and effective. Multiple sessions are needed to target the follicle during the growth stage. You may need at least 4 to 6 treatments to get long lasting or permanent results.
At Vboutique we use a new diode lasers, the Emvera Diolux, with many advantages over older diode lasers, including shortened treatment time due to high energy and large spot size, being virtually pain free on all skin types thanks to its powerful cooling system and speed, and having various pulse modes that allow it to be safely used on all skin types.
If your hair is really blond, gray, or red, consider electrolysis instead. Unfortunately there is currently no laser that removes blonde, grey, or red hair on the market. However, electrolysis can permanently remove hair of any color.
If you want to have laser removal, our team uses medical-grade lasers that are safety certified. Contact us today to get started with the permanent hair removal treatment. You'll enjoy 20% off and a free consultation.
Meet Dr. Vanden Bosch!
Dr. V - Neda Vanden Bosch is an highly-trained physician and sought after injector of dermal fillers and neurotoxins. With over 15 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, she is a faculty member of the prestigious Galderma Injection Training Network (GAIN) and trains physicians how to perform cosmetic procedures. Dr. V was recently named to Galderma's Top 100 Injectors. She has had extensive training and experience with collagen stimulators, laser and radiofrequency treatment, as well as skin care. Dr. V is licensed in 10 states. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology.