Getting rid of unwanted hair is an age-old issue, with long-term hair removal being particularly challenging. Laser hair removal since its availability has been primarily used for aesthetic purposes, however over the years it has emerged as an important therapy for various dermatological and surgical disorders. Hair removal methods used today are ground-breaking as new innovative technology offers an all-in-one solution for truly effective hair removal.
If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, laser is the only method you should choose, as it destroys the hair follicle. Once the follicle is destroyed, you won’t experience painful ingrown hairs ever. Whether you have light, dark, or tanned skin, coarse or fine hair you can, when using the best laser treatment, enjoy complete hair removal for all areas of the body that’s safe, quick and best of all – virtually painless.
Dr. Saumya T. Gautam, an aesthetic medical doctor and co-owner of S&S Aesthetics – is passionate about protecting and preserving the largest organ of the body, the skin, explains how new hair laser treatments work:
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. These treatments use focused light beams to destroy the hair follicles, removing it from the root. Every pulse of light has a very narrow, exact wavelength of energy that is absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle, and as the light builds up to heat the melanin, the hair follicles are destroyed which inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal after one or two treatments. Multiple laser hair removal treatments – between six to ten sessions – are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types when the latest laser technology is used.
Why do you want unwanted hair removed permanently?
According to a 2013 study, women spend an average of 72 days shaving over an entire lifetime! 1,700+ hours are wasted just getting rid of unwanted hair that can be eliminated forever in just a handful of 30-minute sessions.
Shaving, waxing, and plucking are rated as the ‘most loathed’ beauty task lists, so it makes sense that laser hair removal is the 2nd most common cosmetic procedure. Removing hair also minimises body odour due to accumulation of odour-causing micro-organisms in hair, and by most are deemed to support improved hygiene.
How does it work?
New laser technology allows for a gradual heating method that effectively damages the hair follicles while avoiding injury to the surrounding skin. Simultaneous contact cooling prevents burns and allows for more comfortable treatment, while a specialised applicator allows your physician to treat large areas in less time. This technique keeps the laser in constant motion ensuring full coverage.
An average of 6-10 sessions are needed dependant on the patient’s skin colour, hair type and the area being treated. Treatment time can range from a few seconds for a small area such as above the upper lip, to 8 minutes for the entire back.
How does virtually pain-free hair removal work?
By targeting the area under the skin’s surface, your skin is left completely intact and untouched with virtually no visible symptoms. The laser treatment is also paired with an effective air-cooling tool on the surface so that your skin feels a little warm and tingly, at most. Unlike other laser treatments and short-term waxing, you won’t experience any superficial burns or pain and there’s no need for numbing or anesthesia.
Although the new laser treatments are promising, be sure to get the best quality laser hair removal available to guarantee the best results. In addition, it is an attractive option for busy people, as there is little to no downtime after the procedure.
If you are considering hair removal or other best advance laser treatments, looking for advice or medical information on skin rejuvenation or skin health you can go to www.sandsaesthetics.co.za or follow @sands_aesthetics.
