Hair. We spend plenty of time caring for it, styling it and making sure it is just the right color. When it starts to thin, we look for ways to restore it. However, when hair appears on other areas than the head, it becomes an unwanted feature we simply want to get rid of. That is where laser hair removal at Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics come into play.
Best Candidates
Laser hair removal works equally well on men and women. While women usually seek the process for the legs, underarms, face and bikini line,men are often looking to remove hair from the back and chest. Laser hair removal can work on just about any area where you have unwanted hair, from small areas like the upper lip to large areas like the back.
While some laser hair removal systems are limited in the skin colors they can treat, the Cutera laser used at Dermacare can effectively treat all skin tones. This device is even able to safely remove hair from suntanned skin. Because the device focuses on the melanin in the hair shaft, it typically works better for hair colors that contrast with the skin tone and may not be as effective in removing white, red, or blonde hair.
The Anatomy of Hair
Hair grows in cycles and not every hair follicle is in the same cycle at the same time. There are three basic cycles in hair growth:
Anagen Phase– Also known as the growth phase, this is the time that the hair actually grows.It is the longest phase of the growth cycle, lasting 3-5 years. It is also the phase in which laser hair removal can work effectively.
Catagen Phase –This short transitional phase occurs immediately following the anagen phase and only lasts about 10 days.
Telogen Phase– This resting phase comes at the end of the catagen phase and can last up to three months. During this time, the hair currently in the follicle falls out and the follicle remains inactive during the rest of the phase until beginning the growth process all over again.
Procedure Details
Laser hair removal delivers laser energy directly into the hair follicle without penetrating the skin. The laser heats the follicle, damaging it so hair in the follicle falls out. The damage also makes it difficult for future hair to grow in its place. This is why laser hair removal is known as a permanent means of hair reduction.
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that most patients find relatively comfortable. Those who are concerned with discomfort during the procedure can opt for a topical numbing cream prior to treatment. Time for the procedure varies considerably, based on the size of the treatment area.
Getting Results
Because laser hair removal only targets hair during the growth or anagen phase, multiple treatment sessions are generally required to address every follicle in the treatment areas. We usually recommend 5-7 treatments,spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to achieve the best possible results. Because the hair reduction is permanent, you will likely need only the occasional touch-up treatment once your full results have been obtained.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted hair from nearly any area of the face or body. To learn more about this procedure, contact Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics at 760-472-5088 or 858-943-2443.