Epilation by laser was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1970s. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators, though technically not a laser, use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light. Laser and light-based methods, sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, are now most commonly referred to collectively as “laser hair removal”. one of the first published articles describing laser hair removal was authored by the group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998.
The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature
Laser hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally done monthly or every other month. The average number of sessions to achieve over 80 percent permanent hair reduction in 80-90 percent of good candidates is approximately 4 to 7 sessions.
In between these monthly sessions some of the hair will regrow as hairs cycle. Hairs that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be in the growth phase. this is where the need for multiple treatment sessions arises. Multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to the treatment. these hairs may be shaved by the patient between sessions if desired.some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments, including itching, redness and swelling around the treatment area. these side effects should not last more than three days. some level of pain should also be expected during treatments. Numbing creams are available at most clinics, usually for an additional cost. Icing the area after the treatment helps relieve the side effects faster.
Unwanted side effects such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation or, in extreme cases, burning of the skin call for an adjustment in laser settings. Risks include the chance of burning the skin or discoloration of the skin, hypopigmentation (white spots), flare of acne, swelling around the follicle, scab forming, purpura, and infection. these risks can be avoided when being treated at with an appropriate laser type and at appropriate settings for the individual’s skin type.
Some patients may show side effects from an allergy to either the hair removal gel used with certain laser types or to a numbing cream. a physician should be consulted if an allergic reaction presents itself after the treatment.
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