What is Laser Hair Removal?
It should be said at the very beginning that laser epilation is a medical procedure.
It is the process of long-term elimination of unwanted hair on the face and body (hair growth caused by hormonal disorders, ingrown hair, ingrown hair, structural excessive hair growth) with devices called laser. In 1997, for the first time, some devices were approved by the FDA (American Food and Drug Administration) that they are harmless to human health and also provide permanent reduction in hair.
Working Mechanism of Epilation Lasers?
Laser light is unidirectional, single-phase and monochromatic. The primary mechanism of epilation is selective photothermolysis. Pigments in the tissue that have the ability to absorb light of a certain wavelength are called chromophores. The main chromophores of the skin are melanin, water and haemoglobin in the blood vessels. When light energy is absorbed by one of these chromophores, a heat effect occurs and this destroys that chromophore. The target of laser hair removal is the substance called melanin, which provides the colour of the skin and hair. Melanin in the hair is 2-6 times more than melanin in the skin. The laser light passes through the tissues with less melanin in the treated area and is absorbed only in the hair body in this area. The overheated hair shaft transmits the heat energy to the hair root and prevents the hair from regenerating by destroying the hair root. The skin is protected from the overheated hair shaft by applying gel, cold air or cooling by spraying coolant gas. Thick and dark coloured hairs are treated more successfully with laser because they retain heat better due to melanin density and transmit higher heat to the hair follicle. People whose skin colour is lighter than the hair colour can reach the result in the shortest time with the least risk of side effects.
Hair on our body has different growth phases: anagen, catagen and telogen phases. Laser beams are more effective in the anagen phase, which is called the active growth phase. It is the phase in which the hair is attached to the follicle and fed. In this phase, the hair is visible on the skin and has grown. In the catagen phase, growth has stopped. In telogen, there is no hair attached to the hair follicle. Although the hair in the anagen phase varies from person to person at any time, it is generally 10-20%. This indicates that repeated sessions will be needed to eliminate body hair. Sessions should be performed every 6-8 weeks in other areas except the face and every 4-6 weeks in the face area. The number of sessions may vary from person to person due to personal differences in the number of hairs in the anagen phase. It is an average of 4-6 sessions in other areas except the face. It is 8-10 sessions on the face.
Due to the lack of melanin, it is difficult to achieve success with yellow, red and white hair. Eumelenin in black and brown hair absorbs more laser beam than pheomelanin in yellow and red hair. The number of sessions may be higher in individuals with dark skin structure and the success rate of permanent epilation may be lower. However, with the developing technology, good results are obtained in people with dark skin type with different principles and laser devices.
With laser energy, either the catagen and telogen phase is prolonged in the hair root, which slows down hair growth after the first laser epilation session, or it prevents hair growth in the hair root for a long time or forever, or the hair root is completely destroyed. If the hair starts to grow again, its characteristics change completely, its colour lightens and becomes thinner.
Which devices are used in laser epilation?
The first laser used is ruby laser. Later, alexadrite, diode, Nd: YAG lasers and IPL (light sources) were started to be used. All lasers used in medicine, including epilation lasers, create light energy that travels in a tube without dispersing at a certain wavelength. The wavelength and power of lasers reveal the areas of use in medicine. Laser beams of different wavelengths are absorbed by different tissues of the body. The wavelength required for melanin is 600-1000 nm. The wavelength of the beam absorbed by water is over 1100 nm. Haemoglobin and protein absorb wavelengths below 600 nm. Ruby laser has a wavelength of 694 nm and is highly absorbed by melanin, so it is used in light-skinned people (skin type I-III). Today, their use has decreased considerably with the emergence of new technologies.
Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755 nm and penetrates deeper and causes less damage to the skin because the skin melanin absorption is lower. However, when enough energy is given to destroy the hair in dark skin types (type V- VI), unwanted skin burns may occur. It is very effective in people with light skin and dark hair structure. During the procedure, alexandrite laser devices do not have any part in contact with the skin, they are hygienic. It cools the skin in the applied area by blowing cold air or spraying cold gas. The risk of burns and stains is low if worked at appropriate doses by specialised and prone people.
Diode lasers produce light at 800-810 nm wavelength. They give results as successful as Alexandrite in epilation. Generally, a cooling gel is applied to the application area during the procedure and the device contacts the skin. It is reported that this laser is more effective on fine hair and can be used safely on type 4-5 dark skin. Diode lasers give better results in areas where hair follicles are located deeper such as shoulders, arms, back in men and upper arms in women. There may be discomfort in terms of hygiene.
The target chromophore of the 1064 wavelength Nd:YAG laser is haemoglobin in the blood. This type of lasers are mostly used in the treatment of capillaries and varicose veins. The mechanism of action in hair removal is that it damages the hair follicle as well as the capillaries that feed the hair and causes permanent hair removal. Therefore, it is reported that it can also be effective in red and yellow coloured hair. Again, since male hair is more deeply located, this wavelength laser is reported to be more effective in men. Since Nd:YAG laser is the deepest laser, it can be used safely in dark and bronze skinned people. However, the application is painful because the rays reach deeper and target the capillaries.
IPL (blue light, photoepilation) are not laser devices, they give concentrated light energy, they are light sources. Their power is less than laser devices. Instead of destroying hair follicles, they usually only weaken them. They can cause burns and permanent stains when they are not worked properly. It is very difficult to get permanent results with such devices commonly used in beauty salons and hairdressers. In our country, Far East and Chinese origin devices with very low investment costs are generally used. Due to the contact of IPL devices with the skin, hygiene conditions should be observed, otherwise infectious diseases such as warts can be passed to another patient by contact.
Which Device is More Effective in Laser Epilation?
This concept is relative. There are cases where laser epilation devices are weak or superior according to their technology. In addition, not every device may be ideal for every skin type. There are differences between them in terms of application methods and mechanisms of action. There are also various performance and technology differences between laser epilation devices with the same mechanism of action but different brands. For example, while the Alexandrite laser epilation device of x brand provides high success in facial hair, another brand device, which is extremely successful in armpit hair, can trigger facial hair in some people, that is, increase and thicken it.
In order to obtain effective results from laser epilation, the application should be performed by specialists regardless of the brand or technology. During the laser epilation process, the power (energy) suitable for your skin type, pulse duration should be calculated correctly, laser head diameters should be selected appropriately.
The energy level refers to the amount of energy per cm2 (joule/cm2). The energy should be low enough not to burn the skin and high enough to effectively destroy the hair follicle. Pulse is the energy applied by the laser light to the skin per unit time. Long pulse means transferring more energy per unit time. It has been shown in some publications that long pulse devices provide more successful results with fewer side effects. Spot size in laser refers to the diameter of the laser light. Spot sizes vary between 8 – 18 mm. The larger spot size can provide more effective treatment in a shorter time.
Thanks to these choices, the most effective result should be achieved with the minimum number of sessions by adjusting the doses that will maximally affect the hair follicles but at the same time will not damage the skin. This can only be achieved with experience and expertise in this field.
The way the skin is cooled is important for an effective laser epilation treatment. It reduces pain and the risk of side effects. It allows higher doses to be tolerated.
The response is best in those with light skin and dark hair. As the hair thickness increases, the hair root is more easily destroyed as the energy to be absorbed will increase. The effect of laser energy decreases as it goes deeper. Therefore, it is more difficult to destroy deeply located hairs.
In general, 70-90% permanent hair removal is achieved in women and 50-70% in men. 100% success cannot be achieved even in women, but the remaining hairs become thinner, lighter in colour and less cosmetically disturbing.
SOME INTERNET SITES AND ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGNS PROMISE DEFINITE PERMANENT RESULTS. QUESTION WHAT THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THESE PEOPLE ARE AND ON THE BASIS OF WHICH SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL STUDY THEY GIVE THIS GUARANTEE. THEREFORE, REQUEST PROMISES SUCH AS “COMPLETION GUARANTEE” “DEFINITE RESULT” IN WRITING BEFORE PURCHASING A PACKAGE PROGRAMME.
What is the Superiority of Laser Epilation over Other Methods?
It usually provides permanent or long-term epilation.
It provides epilation in large areas in a short time. All body hair can be removed in 2-3 hours.
If it is done in skilled hands, the risk of side effects is very low, it is reliable.
Even if there is no permanent damage to the hair follicle, the growing hairs take the form of lighter coloured weak hair and become more cosmetically acceptable.
It is less painful than other methods.
There is no risk of infectious diseases and skin infections if performed by specialists.
It is the most important treatment method for ingrown hairs, ingrown hairs and hair follicle inflammations called folliculitis.
It does not irritate the skin, has no toxic or allergic side effects on the skin, there is no evidence that it is carcinogenic.
What Should Be Considered Before Having Laser Epilation?
The duration of laser epilation is approximately 1 year due to recurrent sessions, it is a very long process. Therefore, it will benefit you to do a meticulous research before starting treatment. Laser epilation can only be performed in health institutions such as medical centres, hospitals, polyclinics and clinics.
Always request a preliminary interview from the health institution where you plan to have laser epilation. Do not decide with the information and impressions you get from advertising brochures or the internet. Because an unrealistic corporate image can be given in the virtual environment. On the contrary, with a face-to-face meeting, you can evaluate the expertise of the person in front of you and whether they can give satisfactory answers to your questions based on scientific foundations. For example, promises such as campaigns until the end of laser epilation have no scientific basis. In addition, check whether the hygiene and physical conditions of the organisation where laser epilation will be performed will satisfy you.
Ask the person you are interviewing what the risks are, what kind of result you will get after how many sessions, what should be considered before and after treatment, which laser epilation device is used, how much experience the doctor in charge has in this business and with the devices he uses.
When choosing a laser hair removal centre;
For the continuity of your treatment and your safety, prefer health institutions with a dermatologist or plastic surgery specialist.
The preliminary interview must be made by a specialist doctor and it should be checked whether it is suitable for your health.
Unless it is an organisation with very strong references or an organisation that you trust with everything, do not prefer to buy a package campaign and pay in bulk in advance, even if the price seems very attractive.
Be sure to ask the centres and salons that offer “campaign until the end” or “end guarantee” what it means to end, and if you decide, request the end guarantee with a written contract.
You can have IPL in health institutions for epilation, but do not set your expectations too high in terms of permanence. Successful results can be obtained with IPL devices of new technology well-known brands, provided that they are worked correctly. Especially it should not be forgotten that Far East and Chinese devices are widely used in many places that work extremely cheaply. Serious burns on the skin due to misuse of IPL come to dermatology polyclinics every day. In addition, IPL can strengthen the hairs instead of reducing them or make the lasers ineffective against these hairs by thinning the hairs.
The average number of sessions for people with suitable skin structure is 4-6 for women and 8-10 for men. Since the hair ratio in the anagen phase is different in each person, the number of sessions required for effective results may also be different from each other. The number of sessions and permanent epilation success rate may vary from person to person and region.
The face is a resistant area and the number of sessions is at least 8-10. People with dark skin structure, those with hormonal disorders, those who use excessive cream/cosmetic products may require more sessions than average.
Sessions should be performed every 6-8 weeks in other areas except the face and every 4-6 weeks in the face area. Session intervals can be opened with the advancing sessions. Instead of continuing the sessions at regular intervals, it can be waited until the hairs appear on the skin surface for the next session. Sessions are continued until no change is observed in the amount and structure of hair. At this point, laser hair removal treatment is considered completed. The remaining hairs are thin and light coloured hairs with little cosmetic importance that the laser will not affect.
Years after laser epilation treatment, recurrence can be seen, that is, hair can reappear. But not all of them come back. It is impossible to predict such a thing in advance. Rather, this is related to the hormonal or genetic structure of the person and does not mean that the laser hair removal procedure was unsuccessful.
Laser epilation procedure is somewhat painful, many people tolerate the treatment easily. However, the technology of the device, the cooling system used, the intensity of pain varies according to the pain threshold of the person. Cooling is done with gas, cold air, gel or water cooled heads. Air-cooled devices continuously deliver -20 C air to the skin with a hose integrated into the hand unit. Pain is very little in this system. In gas cooling, gas is sprayed just before and after each shot. In the gel system, gel is applied and the procedure is performed by sliding the device head. Alexandrite and Diode laser applications are extremely comfortable and less painful. Each shot creates a sensation like a rubber bump on the skin. Nd Yag devices are more painful than Alexandrite lasers. Those with low pain threshold can use anaesthetic cream. In diode lasers, gel is usually applied for cooling.
What should be done before laser epilation?
Skin type, hair thickness, hair colour should be evaluated, medications, allergy, herpes simplex history, hormonal disorders should be questioned. Laser epilation can be performed with hormonal medications.
In patients with a history of herpes simplex (herpes), prophylactic antiviral treatment can be started.
Before laser epilation, if there are products such as make-up materials and creams in the application area, they should be cleaned.
Sunbathing or solarium should be avoided 3 weeks before laser epilation. Otherwise, if the same dose is continued, there will be burns on the skin, and when the dose is reduced, effective results will not be obtained.
Again, the hairs in the area where laser epilation will be applied should not be yellowed beforehand.
10 days in advance, peeling products (skin peeling) should be discontinued.
If the hairs are removed by methods such as waxing, tweezers, rope before starting laser epilation, 2 weeks should be waited for the face and 3-4 weeks for the body.
A few days before laser epilation, the hair should be shortened with a trimer or razor.
What should be done after laser epilation?
After laser epilation, slight redness and pinking may be seen on the skin, but this image disappears in a very short time. Small redness and swelling called perifollicular oedema may occur around the affected hair follicles, indicating that the effective dose is applied. These swellings usually disappear in 24 hours.
Approximately 5-10 days after laser epilation, hairs are seen on the skin. Most of the hair follicles are destroyed. These will fall out over time and if the root is destroyed, there will be no new hair growth. The shedding process can be supported with the help of a washcloth in the bath (after 4-5 days). Epilation methods that will remove the hair from the root should be avoided between sessions. If you are uncomfortable with hairs between long sessions, you can use razor or tremer between sessions. You can shorten it with scissors on the percentage.
After laser epilation, procedures such as scrubbing should not be performed for 3-5 days, sports and activities that will cause excessive sweating should be avoided for 24 hours. If there is no problem on the skin, make-up can be applied after 24 hours, but make-up should not be applied if there are skin changes such as redness and crusting. The laser area should be protected from the sun for 2-3 weeks after laser epilation.
Laser Epilation in Men
Nowadays, men are also disturbed by the hair on the back, beard, chest, shoulders, neck and neck areas in terms of aesthetic appearance. Laser epilation is also applied in these areas in male patients. However, the success rate in male patients is 50-70%. The biggest reason for this is that male hormones constantly trigger new hair production. In addition, the success rate decreases especially in the back, shoulders, nape and upper arms as the hairs are deeply located. Chest, beard and leg areas respond better to laser epilation. The average number of sessions is 8-10 sessions in men. Although the chance of success in permanent hair removal is lower than women, as the sessions increase, the session intervals will be longer and there will be comfortable long periods without hair.
Who is not allowed to undergo laser epilation?
It is not performed in pregnant women because there are not enough clinical studies. There is no evidence that there is a disadvantage in breastfeeding people.
It should not be applied in patients with chronic skin disease, patients with epilepsy, local infection in the area to be applied.
It should not be used with drugs that cause sensitivity to light. Again, laser epilation should not be performed in patients with light-triggered diseases.
It should not be performed 3 weeks before and after sunbathing and solarium.
Is there an age restriction?
Although there is no age restriction, the success rate of laser epilation will be higher since the hormonal status will be regulated 2 years after menstruation.
What are the side effects that can be seen after laser epilation?
Laser beams do not contain radiation and have no cancer-causing effect. When the correct dose adjustment is made, the risk of side effects of laser epilation is very low. There may be redness and oedema that may last up to 48 hours after laser application. Small swellings in the hair follicles indicate an effective dose.
Sometimes it may cause cold sores. Rarely, it may cause spots lighter or darker than the skin colour. These spots usually disappear in a few weeks or months. While water bubbles (burns) occur with high energy, the hair follicle is not destroyed with low energy, only thinning and lightening in colour occurs. This type of hair does not affect the effective dose of laser epilation to be used later.
Laser Epilation Prices?
PRICES ARE IN A VERY WIDE RANGE AND THIS SITUATION CAN BE QUITE CONFUSING. PRICES WILL NECESSARILY BE CHEAPER IN PLACES THAT USE THE SAME DEVICE AND PARAMETERS FOR EACH PATIENT, WITHOUT ANY DOCTOR OR HEALTH PERSONNEL, WITHOUT FULFILLING THE HYGIENE RULES, WITH CHINESE FINANCIAL DEVICES WITH AN INVESTMENT VALUE OF ONE IN 20 OF THE DEVICES OF WELL-KNOWN BRANDS.
For information about laser epilation prices, you can contact us by email or phone. Email: drserifearslan1@gmail.com Tel: 05069464410