Hair removal
Unwanted hair growth on the body or face is one of the most common aesthetic issues that bother women, since it is closely related to their daily appearance, but it is an issue that bothers many men, as well.
Hair growth in the body is divided into three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. At any given time, a percentage of human hair growth is in any of the aforementioned phases. To achieve successful hair removal, the treatment must be performed during the anagen phase, so as to destroy the hair follicle which, at this phase, produces pigmentation, and the hair shaft is still attached to it.
Traditional methods of hair removal include:
- Shaving, which cuts away hair at the skin’s surface; hair grows and comes back quickly.
- Waxing, which leave the body hair-free for 3-6 weeks, does not damage the hair follicle and is painful.
- Depilatory creams, a non-convenient, time-consuming method.
- Electrolysis in various forms which, although often leads to permanent results, however it is painful and time consuming, as it acts on a hair follicle at a time.
Laser treatments constitute the latest evolution in effective hair removal as, unlike electrolysis, they can simultaneously destroy many hair follicles, covering large areas (back, legs); it also treats folliculitis or infected hair follicle (pimple-like bumps that appear on the skin after the use of traditional hair removal methods, due to the hair entrapment inside the skin).
Process
The success of laser application in hair removal, in particular the GentleLase Pro-U, the latest Alexandrite laser model by Candela, which we use in our clinic, lies in the fact that a thin beam of light penetrates the skin, reaches and destroys the hair follicle, without affecting the surrounding skin tissue. Thus, through the heat generated, the hair follicle that is responsible for hair regeneration is destroyed, preventing hair from growing back. The process is simple, painless and safe.
Most hair removal lasers are ideal for light skin types and dark hair, while special care is advisable when treating patients with dark skin and/or sun-tanned skin.
The number of treatments depends on the color of hair and skin, the depth of the hair bulb, and the hair diameter.
Risks and Side Effects
Following treatment, you might experience mild redness and swelling, possible hyperpigmentation or hypochromia, but they are rare, transient and reversible.
Results
With the use of the laser, hair growth is significantly reduced and at the same time, the texture of the skin is greatly improved.
Useful Information
- It is important to review the medical history of the patient prior to treatment, so as to give proper post-treatment care instructions.
- Unwanted hair growth is usually due to hormonal disorders, the use of certain medicines or hereditary factors.
- Waxing method had been known in the United States as early as the 1840s. Until the early 20th century, it remained the prerogative of the upper social classes, while the areas of application were the face and underarm. In the late 1990s, 95% of American women were engaged in some degree of hair removal, while 65% in a full body hair removal.
- The first lasers were introduced in the early 1960s and since 1963, they have been used for hair removal.
