How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses technology in which a beam of light is applied to unwanted hair on various parts of the body. This light is a specific wavelength that targets the melanin—the pigment in the hair that gives it color, in the hair follicle. When the light enters the follicle, it is converted to heat energy that destroys / inactivates the follicle, preventing the hair from growing again.
Understanding the hair growth cycle
There are three stages of hair growth. They are: Anagen—active growth; Catagen—a brief phase in which growth stops and resting begins, and Telogen—a resting phase in which no further growth occurs. For laser treatments to be effective, hair must be in the active growth stage—Anagen. Because individual hairs are at different stages of growth at any given time, multiple laser treatments are required, in order to target each hair when they are in the Anagen stage. This is also the reason that subsequent treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
What is an 810 Diode?
Here at Atlas Dermatology, we use the 810 Diode laser for laser hair removal. This is often referred to as the gold standard in hair removal. The Diode laser uses a single wavelength of light, 810nm, that has a high abruption rate in melanin. When directed at a target area, the light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. As the melanin heats up, it destroys the root and blood flow to the follicle, disabling the hair growth permanently. By allowing only the hair follicle to be damaged, this preserves the surrounding tissue and will make your treatment process as comfortable as possible. The 810 Diode laser is highly reliable, which allows a wide range of skin types to be treated, including skin types V and VI.
How does the Spectrum 810 Diode from other laser treatments?
The 810 Diode has built-in contact cooling to protect the surface of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable, pain-free experience for patients.
What to expect?
Hair grows in cycles, making it necessary to receive a series of treatments. The number of treatments varies from patient to patient. Each treatment is spaced between 4-6 weeks apart, with a minimum of 6 treatments recommended.
How long does each treatment take?
Timing for treatments depends on the size of the area. Smaller areas, such as the under arms, can take around 10-15 minutes.
Will I need to take time off?
No, there is no downtime.
When will I see results? How long do they last?
You can begin to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair that is in its active growth stage. Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just one treatment, you’ll need to return for multiple follow-up appointments to see optimal results. After optimal treatment sessions of laser hair removal, you can enjoy long-lasting hair reduction. Hair removal is not 100% permanent and hormones play a role in hair growth cycles, which may decrease depending on age. Hair that comes out of being dormant after several years will need to be treated.
Can I exercise after treatments?
Yes.
Are there any side effects?
While extremely uncommon, adverse effects were defined as: discomfort, damage to the natural skin texture, scarring, excessive swelling, blisters, bruising.
Is it safe?
Yes, 810 Diode for hair removal has been clinically proven to be a safe method for all skin types.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Treatment costs are based on the area being treated and quantity of sessions.
Who is a good candidate?
Hair removal works best on dark black/brown hair follicles on all skin types and will not work on blonde/red/grey hairs.
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