Hair Removal

Permanent Hair Reduction

Using an 810 Diode laser for permanent hair reduction. It can be used safely on all skin types, even tan skin. According to the FDA, laser treatment methods produce “permanent hair reduction” instead of outright permanent removal. This distinction is due to how these lasers work. Essentially, lasers target hair shafts in the anagen phase of cyclical hair growth, or when a hair is actively growing. When the laser applies energy to the hair shaft, the energy causes thermal damage to the underlying follicle and papilla, reducing its ability to produce hair in the future. Hair may grow less frequently, less densely, and the hair shaft created by the follicle may be thinner or even lighter in complexion.

How does laser hair reduction work?

Permanent laser hair reduction uses technology in which a beam of light is applied to unwanted hair on various parts of the body. This light is a specific wavelength that targets the melanin – the pigment in the hair that gives it color, in the hair follicle. When the light enters the follicle, it is converted to heat energy that destroys/inactivates the follicle, preventing the hair from growing again.

There are 3 stages of hair growth; anagen, catagen, and telogen. The laser only works when the hair follicle is in the anagen phase, the growth phase of the hair follicle. Because individual hairs are at different stages of growth at any given time, multiple laser treatments are required to target all of them when they are in the Anagen phase. This is the reason that each subsequent treatment must be spaced out appropriately.

What type of laser works best for permanent hair reduction?

810 Diode lasers are the gold standard for laser hair reduction. This wavelength is highly reliable, has high papilla absorption, and can address a wide range of skin types. Laser energy is selectively absorbed by melanin (brown) in the hair follicle and converted to heat, injuring the hair follicle during its growth cycle. Laser hair reduction works best on dark colored hair follicles on all skin types, will not work on blonde/red/grey hairs. Studies demonstrate that the 810 Diode’s advanced speed technology has the industry’s highest coverage rate and gives operators the ability to treat at 10 hertz (pulses) per second.

What to expect?

Hair grows in cycles, making it necessary to receive a series of treatments. This varies from patient to patient. Each treatment is spaced 4-6 weeks apart and a minimum of 6 treatments is recommended. The 810 Diode laser has a built-in contact cooling to protect the surface of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable, pain free experience.

Pre-treatment

Please shave 12-24 hours before all treatments. Do not tan for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Remove all makeup, lotion, and deodorant. Do not wax, thread, or tweeze for 2 to 4 weeks prior. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to allow for a smooth glide of the hand piece. A gentle warming sensation of the skin will be apparent and very tolerable. Shave one day before treatment, do not pluck or wax. Avoid sun exposure for approximately 4 weeks prior to treatment, tanned skin has extra melanin (pigment) which attracts laser energy from targeting the hair follicle.

Post treatment

There is no downtime associated with this treatment and patients may resume their normal activities. Avoid picking or scratching skin, do not use any other hair removal during treatment (waxing, electrolysis, or tweezing). Wash and pat dry for 3 days and on the 4^th day start gently exfoliating. SPF is always recommended post treatment. Be advised that treated hair can take 1-2 weeks to be excreted from the body, and to fall out. Feel free to shave between treatments. Do not wax, thread, tweeze, or use depilatory products – this will remove the hair follicles, making it impossible to remove the hair with laser. Do not exercise, take hot showers, or use a hot tub or sauna for 48 hours.

How long does it take?

Depends on the size of the area, usually each area takes 10-15 minutes

Is there downtime?

There is no downtime

When will I see results?

You can being to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair follicles that are in the active growth stage (anagen phase). Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just 1 treatment, you’ll need to return for multiple follow up appointments to see optimal results. After optimal treatment sessions of laser hair reduction, you can enjoy long lasting hair reduction. Hair removal is NOT 100% permanent and hormones can play a role in hair growth cycles, which may decrease depending on age. Hair that comes out of being dormant after several years will need to be treated.

How many treatments will I need?

A minimum of 6 treatments is recommended

Can I exercise?

Yes, just please wait 48 hours after treatment

Are there any side effects?

While extremely uncommon, adverse effects were defined as: discomfort, damage to the natural skin texture, scarring, excessive swelling, blisters, bruising.

Is it safe?

Yes! I completed my laser hair removal series about 15 years ago, and I am still having excellent results.