Laser Treatment For Hair Removal
Posted by: Laser Treatments MD In: Cosmetic Laser| IPL| Laser Clinic| Laser Hair Removal| Laser Treatment ()
Laser Treatment For Hair Removal
Laser Treatment For Hair Removal
Generally, most cosmetic laser treatments technically operate the same way when performing a hair removal treatment. The parameters on the aesthetic laser or IPL (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) should be set according to the skin analysis and history performed on the patient.
The patient should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of the treatment. Instruct clients not to wear dark clothing near the area to be treated as the pigment in the clothing could potentially be absorbed by the IPL or cosmetic laser.
Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. In most situations, a cooling gel or other cooling apparatus is applied to the skin.
A spot test should be performed on the intended treatment area. (Small white sheets of paper with perforated holes are often available for spot testing patients.) In the spot test procedure, the test paper is placed over the area to be treated and one firing of the laser or IPL device is applied over the hole in the paper. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, the area is checked for unusual redness swelling, bruising, or any other undesirable responses. If the area emits a slight reddish hue with no other abnormalities, the device settings are optimal.
Some cosmetic lasers or IPLs require a second pass over the treatment area with different settings.
Laser Treatment For Hair Removal: Post Treatment
After a aesthetic laser or IPL hair removal treatment or procedure the patient may experience a mild burning sensation and redness. Exposure to ultraviolet light (sun, tanning beds/booths) should be avoided. A sunscreen with an SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection should be applied to the skin prior to leaving the office.
If the treatment area shows burning or blistering the supervising physician should be contacted immediately. A topical antibiotic medication should be applied to the area covered by a loose fitting, non-adherent bandage.
Some patients may experience pigment changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin that could last for weeks or possibly months.
After the aesthetic laser or IPL hair removal treatment, the portion of the hair which remains under the skin will be expelled. The patient should be made aware that an actively growing hair is the only follicle which will respond to laser and light therapy. This is especially more noticeable in areas of the body which has thicker or more coarse hair such as the axillae and genetalia. It is important to educate the patient about the process of hair follicle destruction.
Laser hair removal patients should also be informed that no laser or IPL device can destroy all of the hair follicles… especially after only one treatment or procedure. Some hairs are in their dormant state and can’t be treated, some have been placed into a prolonged dormant state due to the procedure effects, and others have been transformed into vellus hairs (light, fine hairs). Several treatments are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome. A maintenance procedure performed at yearly intervals is recommended for permanent hair removal.
