Interesting facts about LASER hair removal

1. Interesting facts about LASER hair removal Removing unwanted hair is an increasing trend in a beauty conscious, striving-for-the-bestsociety. In the home based treatment, waxing, threading, bleaching, plucking, shaving andepilators are the most common. Electrolysis is another method commonly used by manynon-medical professions such as beauty parlours, hair salons, etc. wherein electric currentis used to burn hair follicles using probes / electrodes. However electrolysis is an operatordependent procedure and the end results may vary. LASER Hair Removal (LHR) or light based technology is a more permanent method. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HAIR: A single hair follicle is divided anatomically into 3 parts - infundibulum or the visible portion,isthmus and inferior portion Stem cells in hair follicle regenerate at the base / bulb of the hair Hair growth cycle: Is divided into three phases: anagen or the growth phase, catagen or thedegradation phase and telogen or the resting phase. At any time, all three phases co-existin a hair follicle HAIR TYPES: The various types of hair are:  Lanugo or fine hair normally seen fetal stage or post delivery. Vellus or non-pigmented hair.  Terminal or coarse hair. Colour of the hair is produced by melanin. Disorders of excess hair growth:

2. 1. Hypertrichosis - excess hair growth at any site non-hormonal dependent 2. Hirsutism - an abnormal male-pattern hair growth in women eg., over face and chest. It is hormone dependent TYPES OF LASER: The various LASERs used for hair reduction are:  Nd:YAG (long pulsed)  IPL (Intensed Pulsed Light) Diode LASER  Long pulsed Ruby LASER Long pulsed Alexandrite Fluorescent pulsed light PATIENT SELECTION:  Medical history should include history of menstrual irregularity, thyroid problem, history of medicine use for any other problem and any other endocrine abnormality Patients with history of photosensitivity / skin infection (Herpes infection) Patients with history of keloid / scar to be avoided  In either case, patient consent has to be sought prior to commencing of treatment Patients with realistic expectations PRE-OPERATIVE:  Informed consent - Prior to LASER sitting, patient should be informed about the mechanism of action and potential side effects, and a signed consent should be taken from the patient Topical anaesthesia - Topical lidocaine or EMLA cream may be applied for 45-60 minutes prior to the procedure. This helps in reducing the pain associated with LASER  Cooled room - An air conditioned room to provide soothing effect on the skin during the procedure  Protective eye cover to prevent any retinal damage  Ice pack cooling before, during and after the procedure is also advised POST-OPERATIVE:  Erythema and edema appears around the treated hair follicle and may last for 2-3 days. Cooling with ice pack and corticosteroid cream may be used  Use of a potent sunscreen and other sun-protective measures (hat and umbrella) to be used in the post-LASER period, as the skin is sensitive during that time

3.  Each sitting will cause reduction of 10-15% hair and patient should be advised about being “PATIENT” and be regular with LHR sittings  Paradoxical hypertrichosis or increase in hair density may occur after any sitting as hair root may be upturned by the LASER Article Source http://www.skinclinicbangalore.com/post/interesting-facts-about-laser-hair-removal/1533