Electrolysis was the only form of long term or permanent hair removal available before laser and IPL devices entered the market. Electrolysis is still performed today even though it is painful to the patient and invasive to the skin, allowing for the possibility of infection. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, delivering a galvanic current to destruct the stem cells in the follicle. Unfortunately, this painstaking process is performed one hair follicle at a time. Maintenance procedures are often needed for many years after the initial treatment.

In contrast, with laser and pulsed light technology, hundreds of hair follicles are treated at a time and vary upon the spot size (the size of the tip of the device delivering energy). These hair removal procedures are non-invasive and take only minutes to perform instead of the many hours with electrolysis.

What is Melanin?

A patient’s skin type and hair color can be the most important consideration prior to laser hair removal treatment. Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for destruction of a hair follicle) with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that produces color). The difference between the absorption of laser or light energy by melanin in the hair follicle and melanin in the epidermis determines the amount of energy that can be safely used without harming the skin.

A patient with very dark skin and gray or white hair, would have little if any response, while light-skinned patients with dark hair are considered to be the ideal patients for laser hair removal Since melanin in the hair shaft and follicle are the target source for laser and IPL hair removal procedures, patients should be advised during their initial consultation not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory device prior to hair removal. Hair which is protruding from the skin can singe during a laser or light treatment which causes an unpleasant smell and possible flares. The patient can shave the area to be treated or can use hair removal creams, which preserves the chromophore in the follicle

Procedure

Most laser hair removal devices technically operate the same way when performing a treatment. The parameters (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) on the device should be set according to the patient’s skin analysis and history. Patients should not wear dark clothing near the area to be treated as the pigment in the clothing can be absorbed by the laser resulting in a burn. The patient should be advised to refrain from using any lotions, body washes, cosmetics, or skin medications the day of treatment. A topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the procedure, but if any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. A patch test should be performed on the targeted treatment area. Several treatments are required at monthly intervals for the best outcome and yearly maintenance procedure is highly recommended.