Laser systems emit a gentle beam of light
that passes through the skin to the hair
follicle. The hair absorbs it, the energy
from the laser is transformed into heat and
the hair follicle is disabled.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
The hair must be darker than the surrounding
skin. Light skin with dark hair responds
best. Persons with dark, coarse hair are the
easiest to treat as dark hair contains
melanin. Melanin is a dark pigment which
attracts the laser light so more laser
energy is absorbed. This results in needing
fewer sessions. Light colored, blonde, and
red hair are more difficult to treat and
blonde and red hair are very difficult to
treat requiring multiple sessions with
varied results. For best results, persons on
a diet high with beta-carotene will need to
change eating habits. Beta-carotene, found
in vitamin A, carrots, squash and other
vegetables produces a yellow or orange color
in the skin which absorbs the laser energy
and interferes with it reaching the hair
follicle. Beta-carotene can remain in the
body for months, therefore an adjustment in
diet may be needed well in advance.
Safety and Side Effects
The laser uses a wavelength of light which
passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays,
there is no residual left in the body. Skin
may appear pink or red after treatment. This
disappears - in some cases after some
minutes, in other cases after a few hours,
or in still other cases, a few days. Use of
cold packs will speed up the recovery time.
What About Pain and Recovery Time?
Here are some estimates which can give an
approximate guide to how long the process
will last:
Back 1-2 hours
Shoulders 10-20 minutes
Underarms 1-2 minutes
Bikini Line 8-10 minutes
Upper lip less than 1 minute
Chin 2-3 minutes
Legs 1-2 hours
At least 5 treatments are necessary.
Pain varies from person to person depending
on their sensitivity. Some have described
the sensation to a slight sting on the skin.
Others say it feels like a pinch on the
skin.
