Permanent Hair Reduction Using Alma Lasers
Permanent hair reduction is necessary for those who want to have hair-free skin that looks softer, clearer, and cleaner. Unwanted facial and body hair can cause discomfort and embarrassment for some individuals, which is the reason why permanent hair reduction is a goal that more and more people are seeking.
The term permanent hair reduction is a more correct one to use, rather than permanent hair removal; this is because hair cannot be 100% removed on a permanent basis from a body part, and laser treatments are effective in the removal of up to 80 to 90% of the hair follicles – meaning, the vast majority of hair can be removed, but not every single hair can be eliminated.
Permanent Hair Reduction with Alma Laser Technology
Hair removal is the most popular light-based aesthetic procedure in the world. Using a novel 650 – 950 nm AFT handpiece, HarmonyXL can deliver fast, effective results for permanent hair reduction on all skin types, including tanned skin. This SHR handpiece now has contact cooling and uses IN-Motion™ technology for virtually pain-free procedures with no downtime – Alma Lasers’ remarkable Pain-Free, Hair-Free™ procedure.
How It Works
To perform light-based hair removal, a large rectangular window emitting broad-spectrum light is applied to the surface of the skin. The energy travels harmlessly through the epidermis and dermis until it strikes the hair follicle, which contains a dense, melanin-rich hair shaft and bulb. The dark-colored melanin absorbs the light and rises quickly in temperature, destroying the hair-producing cells surrounding the follicle. Because the heat is not sustained, however, no damage occurs outside the follicle area.
Permanent hair reduction with laser treatment is done by the Woodbury Dental and Laser Clinic with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The IPL technology offers a non-invasive way to gently remove unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, bikini line, and other parts of the body where unwanted hair can be seen. The Intense Pulsed Light works by using the light to absorb haemoglobin (the red colour found in blood vessels) and melanin (the dark pigment found in hair follicles). The light is then converted to heat, which will then work to destroy the target cells and the potential for hair re-growth – without disrupting the skins surface. Each IPL pulse is proven to eliminate dozens of hairs.
What to Expect during Permanent Hair Reduction with IPL Treatment
The IPL treatment starts with the hair above the skin being trimmed off. The patient may be asked to wear dark glasses to protect his or her eyes from the bright light during the laser treatment. A cold gel similar to that used to obtain ultrasound images may be spread over the area that needs to be treated with IPL. The IPL hand piece will then applied to the skin, and the pulses of light will start to disable or destroy unwanted hair. After the pulses of light have been applied, the gel will be wiped off – with much of the hair wiped off with it.
Each pulse of light is said to feel like a slight pinch or sting – very similar to what can be felt when a rubber band is snapped against the skin. Most people tolerate the treatment discomfort without any problems; however, for those who have a low pain threshold – a topical anaesthesia may possibly be applied to ease the pain or discomfort during the IPL treatment procedure. The remaining hair in the area that has been treated is expected to fall out within the next one or two weeks following the laser treatment.
After the IPL Treatment Hair Reduction Procedure
The following can be expected after the IPL treatment for permanent hair reduction:
- The hair on the treated area will appear to grow very slowly for 2 to 4 weeks, but these hairs are expected to fall out; what seems to be new hair growth is actually the treated hair being pushed out of the follicle. Any hair that does not fall out may be too deeply rooted, too fine, or too light.
- After the hair falls out (after two to four weeks), a hair-free period that lasts for approximately three to six weeks will follow.
- New growth will start to appear following the hair-free period, though there will be a certain percentage of hairs that will not grow back. The percentage of hair that will not grow back will increase with each IPL treatment session.
- Between each IPL treatment session, hair growth can be shaved; however, waxing or tweezing the hairs is not recommended.
