Laser

How Does Laser Work? Selective Photothermolysis is the underlying principle for most laser procedures. "Photo" refers to light, "thermo" refers to heat and "lysis" refers to damage or destruction. Selectivity implies that we can target specific structures to destroy without collateral damage to surrounding structures.

With laser/light therapy, precise "burns" are used to target what we want to destroy or to disable. The light energy becomes heated, and thermal diffusion to the hair follicle damages or destroys its capability to regenerate a new hair. The goal is to isolate damage to the follicle only and spare the epidermis and other skin structures from thermal damage.

What Type of Machine Do We Use in Our Facility? There are various types of lasers/IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines on the market today including the Ruby (approximately 694 nm wavelength), Alexandrite (approximately 755 nm wavelength), Nd: Yag (approximately 1064 nm wavelength), Diode (approximately 800 to 900 nm wavelength) and the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) which has a wavelength up to 1,200 nm. In basic terms, nanometres indicate how far the laser/IPL can travel into the depth of the hair follicle.

We use an IPL (Intensed Pulse Light) machine in our facility and have seen excellent hair removal results especially in the underarm area, bikini, legs, arms, mens' backs, etc. The IPL machine that we are using is suitable for most skin and hair types; however, there are a few expections, and this will be discussed during the initial consultation with the laser techinician. For example, we advise our clients to refrain from sun exposure several weeks before and after the IPL treatment. It is important to remember that laser/light therapy will significantly remove much of the undesired hair in the area being treated; however, the client cannot expect perfection. In addition, several cummulative treatments are required to see an improvement in the removal of unwanted hair.

The goal with laser/light therapy is an overall improvement of the termination of unwanted hair; an individual cannot expect to see 100% of the hair permanently removed - this is an unrealistic expectation. Laser/light therapy generally results in a permanent hair reduction. After the client has completed several laser/light therapy treatments, often it is beneficial to have the remaining hair removed by electrolysis.