Modern Day Hair Removal by Laser or IPL
The distribution of hair on the human body surface is determined by genetics and gender. It differentiates the human gender to a significant extent and it defines the aesthetic outlook of the person. However, hair needs to be cared for meticulously and groomed regularly - as unwanted hair growth in certain areas of the body can elicit social embarrassment.
Modern day grooming has moved away from epilation creams, razors and waxing, as their effects do not have sufficient longevity and may even produce unwanted side effects such as pain, razor cuts/burns and uneven hair removal. In this light, Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are not only in trend, but also more practical.
To understand the principles behind effective treatment with lasers and IPL, we must understand certain aspects of hair growth and the differences between lasers and IPL.
Hair Growth Cycle
Graphics: Google
Hair growth is cyclical, as hair follicles go through resting and growing phases. Only follicles in the Growth Phase (Anagen Phase) contain hair and are destroyed by laser. Resting hair follicles need to enter the growth phase before they can be effectively destroyed by the laser.
As such, this necessitates repeat treatments at specific intervals (6-8 weeks apart) until all, if not most, of the hair follicles that have undergone the Growth Phase are destroyed. Once this is achieved, maintenance treatment is required to keep hair growth suppressed and the treatment intervals may be longer, for some patients. Treated areas will have finer hair that are much more easily treated.
The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by body location, hair density and thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal status and age. So, treatment regimen needs to be customised but can be personalised to suit the lifestyle and the required look of the patient.
Differences between IPL and Laser in Hair Removal
Graphics: Google
IPL can be imagined as a rainbow of light, and Laser as pure, single-coloured (single wavelength) light. The skin, hair and blood beneath the skin absorb light at different degrees. The hair follicle literally evaporates when it does so but not without generating an incredible amount of heat that also, unfavourably, heats up its surrounding areas.
IPL is a spectrum of light. As such, when IPL is applied over the area of the skin with hair, other cells will also be hit by this light. Everything heats up and end up as collateral damage. Because light energy has a full complement of light waves that may also be absorbed by skin’s pigments, IPL hair removal is mainly used for the fair-skinned.
Graphics: Google
The IPL energy delivered is less than that of the laser - as such, it is a relatively comfortable treatment, especially for delicate areas such as the groin and face areas. However, this is at the expense of not removing hair down to its root because of the lower energy - thus resulting only in hair reduction.
Laser energy, being a pure, single-coloured (single wavelength) and more focused, is absorbed preferentially by the hair follicle and thus, only the hair follicle of evaporated down to its root. There is none to minimal collateral damage in its surrounding areas.
Graphics: Google
Laser hair removal is recommended for patients who are concurrently dark-skinned and possess dense, dark hair - this is to minimise complications such as burns from collateral damage of not just the hair but also their pigment cells with dense pigmentation that also absorb the light energy.
These two modalities, however, share a common requirement - the patient needs to shave the exposed hair prior to the treatment but not removing the entire hair follicle (by threading, for example). The treated areas will have remnant hair follicles that will drop out over the next few days.
Removing hair with the traditional methods, i.e. shaving, plucking, using depilatory creams and waxing, are messy, not forgetting being terribly painful. They are considered passé in modern times. Although IPL and laser hair removal treatment can cost you more up front than the aforementioned hair removal treatments, they are definitely more cost effective for you in the long run.
Graphics: Google
The machine depicted above is the Sciton Joule that has both laser and IPL (they call it BBL) - this machine is considered the Rolls Royce of lasers. It is a laser machine that I regard highly as the settings are highly customizable and the BBL can be used to treat conditions that conventional IPL devices could not.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely my own. It does not replace a consultation with your doctor.