The Facts about Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a technique that was first commercially used in the 1990’s, although people had been experimenting with it from the 70’s. Basically it’s the damaging of the hair follicle, by the generation of heat, through the concentrated application of light energy. The melanin in the hair follicle, being dark, absorbs the heat and kills the germ cells in the follicle.

The effectiveness of the treatment has now been widely accepted by the dermatological fraternity, and the treatment is widely available, through doctors and skin care clinics, throughout the country.

Are there Different Kinds of Lasers used?

Indeed, there are quite a few different types of lasers used worldwide. Lasers emit wavelengths of energy, which stretch from visible light to near infra-red. They are named after their varying sources of wavelength. Hence, ruby, alexandrite, pulsed diode array, Nd:YAG:, and finally IPL (intense pulsed light), which is funnily enough, not a laser.

Studies done on the efficacy of the varying types of laser also highlighted a very important fact: that the length of time of the pulse was critical in killing the required cells in the hair follicle. So, it’s not only important how much heat is generated, but also, for how long the heat is applied.

Isn’t this going to be very hot?

There are various types of cooling systems that are used, to cool the surrounding skin, during treatment. They are:-

  • Contact cooling
  • Cryogen Spray
  • Air Cooling

So, there is no need for you to worry too much about the heat.

So why have Laser Treatment?

Many people worldwide have hair in unwanted places. For example, if you’re a woman with a heavy moustache, you are obviously not going to let it grow. Or, if you are a guy with a very hairy back, you’d sure like to get rid of the hair. Now, you only have so many alternatives to remove the hair.

Shaving– which makes the hair grow stronger and more vigorously, and is temporary.

Waxing– which is PAINFUL and also temporary.

Tweezing– ditto the PAINFUL and the temporary.

Electrolysis– This involves inserting an extremely fine wire into each follicle and applying an electrical current, to create the heat, which will do sufficient damage to the follicle to prevent hair growing again. And finally…

Laser Hair Removal

The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Speed: Many hairs can be treated at the same time, and the length of time needed on each area is minimal compared to other treatments. If successful, it is permanent. Laser hair removal works best on light skinned people with dark hair.

Precision: Very specific areas can be treated with minimal damage to the surrounding area.

Pain Free: If correctly done, laser hair removal is relatively pain free. There might be slight swelling, redness and irritation, but these symptoms disappear in a few days.

There you have it folks, the basic facts about Laser Hair Removal. If you are really tired of shaving and waxing and tweezing, think about laser hair removal. It’s a treatment that results in permanent loss of hair growth and is almost painless. Give us a call if you’d like to know more about this permanent hair removal method.

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTO
GALLERY

Consultations Available Now

Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for your personal situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Yaletown Laser Centre for an in-person consultation.

Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

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If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Yaletown Laser Centre will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Vancouver, BC office directly to schedule 604-332-3453. Yaletown Laser Centre serves the greater Vancouver, BC area.