Laser
Hair Removal
Medical lasers have been used for dermatology applications such
as removal of port wine stains, dark spots, tattoos, acne scars
and other blemishes for over a decade. Lasers are used for a growing
number of cosmetic procedures including hair removal, treatment
of wrinkles, and tooth whitening. For risk information on the specific
laser treatment that you are considering, ask your physician or
operator for the patient labeling for the laser device.
The popularity of laser hair removal has increasingly grown, prompting
many laser manufacturers to conduct research and seek FDA clearance
for their lasers for this indication. The market is growing so quickly
that FDA cannot maintain an up-to-date list of all laser manufacturers
whose devices have been cleared for hair removal, as this list continues
to change.
Source: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/laserfacts.html
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group
of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root,
but not enough power to harm the surrounding skin. This process
is called selective photothermolysis. It is selective because it
targets only the hair and not the skin. Photo means light and thermolysis
means destroying with heat. The surrounding skin is usually cooled.
Some methods include a gel, a spray, or a cooling tip.
The Laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting the substance
that gives skin and hair dark color - melanin. Therefore, the ideal
candidate for laser has dark hair and light skin. The laser will
not work on people with red, white, gray or true blond hair. The
hot laser light will also be attracted to the melanin in the skin,
so people with suntans, or dark skin types are at more of a risk
for discoloration of pigment and other side effects.
Types of lasers
There are four different kinds of laser light that are commonly
used for hair removal:
- Alexandrite- such as the Candela GentleLase Plus.
- Ruby- such as the EpiTouch or the Epilaser.
- Diode- such as the Coherent Light Sheer.
- ND, and LP ND Yag- such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus
Cool Glide.
These are all effective, fast, comfortable and safe for permanent
hair removal.
Advantages
- Some consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or
permanent hair reduction.
- Considered safe if performed properly.
- Useful for large areas such as backs or legs.
- Regrowth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture.
- Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results.
Disadvantages
- Long-term data on safety and effectiveness have not been accurately
established.
- Response rates have not been established.
- Regrowth rates have not been accurately established and cannot
be predicted due to numerous variables.
- Generally not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and
red or blonde hair.
- Must be used very cautiously (if at all) on darker skin tones
or on consumers who tan themselves.
- Improper treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration
lasting several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth.
- Recent data suggest other skin structures are often affected
by laser irradiation, and long term effects of this constitute
an unknown risk.
- Requires eye protection.
- Can be expensive.
- Some find treatment painful.
- Regulation varies by state, so inadequate controls exist to
ensure competent practitioners.
- Some consumers, even ideal candidates, do not respond to treatment.
Source : http://www.hairfacts.com/methods/laser/lasermain.html
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