Laser epilation

Laser epilation is a radical hair removal procedure that destroys hair follicles by means of laser radiation.

Laser hair removal is a medical cosmetology procedure and is mainly performed with a special laser, Alexandrite (755 nm), Diode (810 nm) and ND: Yag (1064 nm) laser. The laser beam is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and heats up, resulting in the destruction of the matrix of surrounding cells, blood and lymphatic vessels supplying the hair, and sebaceous glands. After about a week, the hair falls out along with the destroyed root.

Most of the follicles (80-90%) are in a dormant state, and a few are in the active growth phase. A series of procedures with an interval of 3-6 weeks is necessary for maximum removal of hair. Of course, the number of procedures is influenced by the individual characteristics of the body and the size of the treated area, which directly affect the rate of hair growth.

The number of procedures can be 6-10, depending on the power of the laser and individual tendency to hair growth. Epilation may not be effective during hormonal changes.

Indication:

Laser epilation is a medical aesthetic procedure and is performed only at the request of the patient. But in some cases, this procedure is already chosen as the only method in the fight against hair. These cases include:

• hairs grow excessively and new ones are formed very quickly;
• depilation procedures (waxing, sugaring, etc.) cause skin irritation and pain;
• hairs sink into the skin;

The procedure can be performed by both men and women who are over 18 years old and whose hair color is from dark to light brown. In people under 18 years old, the procedure should be done with the permission of the parents.

Preparation for the procedure:

Although epilation actually belongs to the group of cosmetological procedures, in terms of effectiveness and safety, the following should be observed:

• It is not recommended to tan under direct sunlight and go to the solarium for 4 weeks;
• A few days before the procedure, hairs should be shaved so that microburns do not occur;
• 1 week before the procedure, it is necessary to stop using alcohol-containing lotions, tonics or other cosmetological means;
• On the day of the procedure, it is necessary to remove all cosmetics from the skin;
• It is recommended to carry out the procedure 1 week before or after menstruation so that it is not painful;

Contraindications:

• Must: immune and oncological diseases, diabetes in the decompensation stage, individual intolerance, light and white hairs;
• Relative: acute and chronic diseases, 14-day darkening, the presence of multiple points in the procedure area, varicose veins, tendency to keloid scars, influenza, CVD in the acute phase, allergy in the exacerbation phase, pregnancy, age limit before puberty, burn, scratch in the procedure area, presence of injury;

Possible side effects and complications:

• Skin burns;
• Scars;
• Folliculitis (in patients prone to excess fat and sweat, visiting sauna and bath during the first 1 week);
• Allergic reactions (when using anesthesia);
• Complication of herpes (in immunocompromised patients);
• Conjunctivitis (laser beam falling into the eye as a result of the glasses not fitting well or the patient refusing the glasses);
• Hyper and hypopigmentation;
• Skin sensitivity;
• Hematoma and bruise;

Contraindications:

• Very blonde or white and red hair will not have an effect;
• Diabetes (but insulin-dependent form);
• Acute forms of herpes in the epilation zone;
• Acute infectious diseases;
• Pregnancy and lactation period (not tested on pregnant women);
• Dark skin (mainly related to alexandrite laser, not a contraindication to diode laser);
• New tanning (2 weeks before and after the procedure it was necessary to protect from direct sunlight);

Advantages of laser hair removal:

• The integrity of the skin is not disturbed during laser epilation;
• High result;
• Scars and irritation do not remain;
• The procedure is comfortable;
• Relative safety and absence of pain;