Many people spend long hours every day trying to remove bothersome body hair. Eyebrow plucking, underarm or leg shaving are part of the daily routine in almost every bathroom.Laser epilation (synonyms: laser epilation, laser hair removal, hair removal by laser therapy, hair removal by laser) is a modern method for permanent removal of these annoying hairs. The procedure is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, a physical effect achieved by laser therapy. As a result, the hair roots are destroyed by heat generation. The following parts of the body can be freed from bothersome hair by laser:
- Chin, upper lip, cheeks, eyebrows, ears.
- Neck
- Shoulder, neck
- Armpits
- Intimate area, bikini line, buttocks
- Chest
- Belly, back
- Hands, arms
- Feet, legs
Indications (areas of application)
- Permanent hair removal in transplanted hairy skin in usually hairless areas.
- Gender reassignment from male to female in transsexualism.
- Hirsutism – enhancement of body hair, which corresponds to the male hair type and may be caused, for example, by gynecological disorders or disturbances in hormonal balance.
- Hypertrichosis – pathological (pathological), increased body hair.
- Constitutional hypertrichosis – for example, in southerners.
Before treatment
Before laser epilation, an intensive medical history discussion should be conducted that includes the medical history and motivation for the procedure. The procedure, any side effects, and the consequences of the surgery should be discussed in detail. It should also be asked whether the patient is prone to pigmentation disorders. Note: The requirements of the explanation are stricter than usual, since courts in the field of cosmetic surgery demand a “relentless” explanation. Prior sun exposure should be avoided, as the treatment is more successful on non-tanned or fair skin. For this reason, the use of a bleaching cream may be useful. In addition, the patient should remove other creams and makeup, as well as shave so that the hair roots can be reached more directly. Furthermore, you should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sleeping pills or alcohol for a period of seven to ten days before the procedure. Both acetylsalicylic acid (platelet aggregation inhibitor) and other analgesics delay blood clotting and can lead to unwanted bleeding. Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure to avoid jeopardizing wound healing.
The surgical procedure
At the beginning of laser epilation, a test area should be treated first to determine tolerance. The effect of the laser depends on the wavelength of the light, the pulse duration and the energy density. The treatment is started with a low energy density and slowly increased. As mentioned above, laser epilation is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The pigment melanin (brown skin pigment) gives both skin and hair their color, but it is most concentrated in hair. Melanin thus represents the so-called target chormophore. It absorbs the laser light best and is thus strongly heated. The heat destroys the hair follicle and the hair falls out. Since heat develops quickly on the skin surface, cooling the skin is very useful. Different cooling systems are used, including ice cubes, cooling sprays and transparent cooling gels. The following laser or light treatment methods are suitable for epilation:
- Ruby laser
- Alexandrite laser
- Diode laser
- Nd:Yag laser
- Epilight*
- Epilux*
- Photoderm*
* Light treatment methodsBecause human hair grows in phases and depilation is successful only in the anagen phase (growth phase; lasts 2-6 years), several sessions are necessary to destroy all hair roots. Approximately 90% of hair is in the growth phase (anagen phase). The remaining hairs are in the catagen phase (transitional phase; lasts only a few days to 3 weeks) and the telogen phase (resting phase; lasts about 2-4 months). The hairs fall out during the telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair.In the hair cycle, the ideal time for laser epilation is in the anagen phase. Therefore, the treatment must be repeated several times at intervals of 4-6 weeks. Since the success of laser epilation depends on the melanin content of the hair, the results are best in dark-haired patients with light skin. The effectiveness is very low or not at all in blond, gray or white hair.
After treatment
Following laser epilation, strong sun exposure should be avoided at all costs. If swelling and redness occur, the treated areas can be soothed with ice cubes or cooling compresses. If folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) occurs, local antiseptic therapy (e.g., using creams to remove the bacteria causing the inflammation) may be used.
Benefits
Laser epilation is for your beauty and well-being. Annoying hairs can be removed thoroughly and effectively, leaving your skin soft and caressable.
