Laser Hair Removal
About Laser Hair Removal
Traditional hair removal methods – shaving, waxing, tweezing and creams – are all time consuming and short lasting. Until recently, the only effective method for hair removal and reduction was electrolysis, a slow and painful process in which follicles are individually destroyed by electrical current. Since 1995, however, lasers have proven to be effective in providing fast and long-lasting hair reduction. The MeDiaStar XT by Asclepion offers the ultimate in safe hair reduction technology for all skin types. The high power of the 810mm diode laser allows larger spot sizes and ensures effective treatment down to the deepest follicle, while the laser’s unique double-pulsing technology guarantees preservation of surrounding tissue.
The light emitted by the Mediostar XT is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) located in hair follicles, melanin pigments give the hair and its shaft their color. Permanent hair reduction involves heating the root of the hair. By coagulating (cooking) the root of the hair, we can ensure that it will not grow back. The root of the hair acts like a "lighting rod" for the laser. The light of the laser travels down the follicle and destroys the bulb, without any damage to the surrounding tissue. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment in the hair follicle – disabling several hair follicles at a time to eliminate or significantly impede the hair’s regrowth – but not long enough to damage the surrounding skin. The Mediostar XT's special contact-cooling hand piece further protects the epidermis (upper layer of skin). This patented method of epidermal preservation allows delivery of more laser energy deeper into the hair follicle.
How does hair grow?
Hair forms in a pouch-like structure below the skin called a follicle. What we see as hair is actually the hair shaft, which is the keratinized, hardened tissue that grows from this follicle.
The best hair color for the laser light to target is dark or black hair.
Everyone's hair grows differently, depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnicity, medications, and other factors. But all hair goes through three distinct growth phases:
- Active growth phase (called the anagen phase)
- Can last up to 3 months. At any given time, 20-30% of our body hair is in this phase. During anagen, the hair has an abundance of melanin and that is the key target for the laser light. To get the maximum result 6 treatments are generally required to achieve 90-95% permanent hair reduction.
- Regressive phase (catagen phase)
- Lasts about 3 days, during which the hair stops growing but is not yet shed. About 3-4% of our body hair is in this phase at any given time.
- Resting phae (telogen phase)
- Lasts 4-14 days, at the end of which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to form. Following the laser treatment the hair appears to still grow. These hairs are in fact club (dead) hairs and within 3-4 weeks the new hair from another active growth phase will begin to grow out of the same hair shaft. Remember that even though the hair is growing out of the same hair shaft, the follicle growing is new and is now ready for laser light.
Since hair grows in cycles multiple treatments will be necessary. The duration of the cycle (i.e. interval between treatments) will vary, but typically 4 weeks for the face, 6 weeks for the rest of the body and 8 weeks for the legs.
FAQ
How does hair reduction work?
A pulsed light penetrates into the skin and delivers the energy at the root of the hair, destroying the hair root while sparing the surrounding skin.
What areas can be treated?
All areas of the body can be treated except around the eyes.
How long does the procedure take?
It depends on the area being treated. It will typically take about 15 minutes to treat the underarms and up to an hour for legs.
Is it painful?
Anesthesia is not required – the only effect felt is a hot and tingling sensation that will be tolerated.
Is it safe?
Complications are rare. In less than 1% of cases, skin lightening or darkening may occur. It is advisable to wear sun block when in the sun during the month following laser treatment.
How many treatments will be required?
Because hair grows in multiple cycles, several treatments are necessary, their number depending on types o hair and location. Treatments are usually performed 4 to 6 weeks apart.
What results can I expect?
Clinical studies have demonstrated a permanent reduction in hair numbers after each treatment.
Is it permanent?
Yes. After each treatment, the hair that re-grows is thinner, lighter and less numerous.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal and are generally limited to slight redness of the skin which should not persist for more than a few hours.
Youthful Essence Medical Spa - Katy, TX - Serving Greater Houston
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We invite you to explore the complete menu of products and services offered at Youthful Essence, the premiere Medical Spa of Katy. Come visit our friendly and personal staff for any skin or body concerns or questions that you might have. Our office is just 30 minutes from downtown Houston. Our clients come to us from all around Greater Houston and we would love to meet you!
Call for a complimentary consultation or contact us today.
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414 West Grand Parkway, Suite 115
Katy, Texas 77494
Phone 281.663.SKIN (7546)
Fax : 281.693.7548
