Biolase - Laser Hair Removal   

Today many methods of hair removal have been proposed cyclically and the use of lasers and light sources, to selectively target the hair follicle.

Many different lasers have been investigated and various commercial systems have been developed, but only one delivers a permanent reduction on hairs. Biolase  ND: Yag long pulsed laser.

In order to achieve clinical success, the best laser has to cause significant injuries to the hair follicle without producing significant post treatment side effects.

Laser light has the physical property to determine a particular biological effect on the living tissues; this interaction between laser and tissues determines the transfer of the energy becoming heat and destroying the tissue itself.

The laser light must be absorbed by a target molecule and transformed into another kind of energy, as heat in our particular case; the absorbance is linked to the presence of particular molecular structures with sensitivity and a capacity to absorb that kind of radiation at that wavelength.

The depth of penetration of the ray is another basic parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of the laser: the Nd: Yag is the deepest, without damaging the skin while other kinds of lasers are not so delicate and effective. The clinical investigations have demonstrated little if any skin reaction, even on dark skins, and excellent prolonged depilation.

Hair growth results would also depend on many personal factors including age, ethnicity, weight, metabolism, medication, and hormones. Vellus hairs can transform into terminal hairs with aging.

An important reduction of the hair is visible already from the first session. The visible reduction for each session is from the 20 to 30 percent. Multiple treatments allow the laser to reach more hair follicles during the Active growth phase ( Anagen).

In most casese, little specific post-operative care is necessary. Mild burning sensation and redness can be treated with ice packs and oral pain medication. In cases where slight blistering may occur, an antiseptic topical cream can be applied. Sun exposure should be avoided, and an SPF 15 or greater sunscreen, should be used. Moisturizing lotions and makeup may be appliead the next day.

During the weeks after treatment, damaged hair follicles and hair shafts are extruded or shed, and may be misinterpreted as early regrowth of hair. This is especially noticeable in areas with thick, coarse hair.

Any side effects such as Erythema and Edema are relatively common following Laser Hair Removal, which usually resolves within minutes to hours. At times you can produce edema around individual hair follicles resembling "goose bumps" . Superficial blistering may occur, especially in patients with darker or tanned skin, and these patients may experience transient pigmentary changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin, which may take a few days or two weeks to clear entirely.

Treatments are based on the growth of hair. Hair growth takes place in a cycle of growth and rest phases. It is only during the growth phase that the laser light can destroy the root of the hair follicle effectively. A course of treatments allows the area to be free of hairs.