Epilation performed by laser was performed experimentally for about
20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Intense
Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators, though technically not a laser, use xenon
flash lamps that emit full spectrum light. Hair color and skin type
are the key factors that influence the success of laser hair removal.
It's most successful on people with dark hair (brown or black) and light
skin. Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the Food and
Drug Administration approved it for “permanent hair reduction.”
Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed
and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill
and experience of the laser operator, and the choice and availability
of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the
procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas,
after the initial set of 3-8 treatments Laser Hair removal can be performed
on any area of the face or body and is faster and easier than other
methods of hair removal.
Laser hair removal is effective only on short, apparentable hair. Two
to three days before the procedure, you shave the area to be treated,
and allow it to grow to a stubble. Avoid waxing or plucking the hair
and electrolysis three weeks before treatment. Laser hair removal is
not for everyone.
The absolute requirement is that one's hair must be darker than the
surrounding skin. Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used
for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation. Hair
removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Treatment cost varies with the size of the area treated.
Britons are spending more than ever on being nipped, tucked and pumped
with Botox, according to a report. The booming cosmetic surgery market
is set to break the £1 billion mark next year, market analysts Mintel
predict. Botox, collagen wrinkle fillers and other non-invasive treatments
have seen the biggest popularity increase.
Laser hair removal, chemical peels and teeth whitening are also part
of the non-surgical treatments category. A total of 577,000 cosmetic
operations and treatments were carried out in Britain this year, of
which 472,000 were non-surgical. This compares with just 300,000 in
2005 of which 230,000 were non-surgical, Mintel's Cosmetic Surgery report
says.
The total cosmetic surgery market is now worth just over £900 million
- more than double the £430 million spent in 2005. Non-invasive treatments
such as Botox and collagen fillers have become much more popular because
they are seen as less risky and require repeat top-ups, the report adds.
Epilation performed by laser was performed experimentally for about
20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. 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.
Hair removal lasers selectively target Melanin: * Melanin is considered
the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the
market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair
its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which
gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde
or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser
light, only black or brown hair can be removed. Both men and women seek
laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed.
Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back,
underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face,
neck, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes. Laser is attracted to dark
pigment and therefore works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and
dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target
dark black hair even in patients with dark skin. Hair removal lasers
have been in use since 1997 and the Food and Drug Administration approved
it for “permanent hair reduction.”
Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed
and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill
and experience of the laser operator, and the choice and availability
of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the
procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas,
after the initial set of 3-8 treatments. It has also been observed that
some people seem to be non-responders – this is not confirmed and reasons
are not known, and may in fact be due to lack of skill on the part of
many laser operators and/or the type of machine and settings they are
using. Keep in mind that it's hard to judge whether someone’s lack of
results is due to a potential underlying medical condition that causes
continuous growth and makes it seem like laser isn’t working, if the
treatment wasn't performed properly, or whether for some people it just
doesn't work for currently unknown reasons. In essence, you can’t determine
what your personal results would be like unless you try it. Results
depend on many variables involved, including the tech's experience,
type of laser used, how settings are set, etc. It is recommended to
start with one area and see how your hair reacts before committing to
a set of treatments on many areas at once.
WHAT IS A LASER? Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission
of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light
that travels in one direction. The laser beam can cut, seal or vaporize
skin tissue and blood vessels. The laser has the unique ability to produce
one specific color (wavelength) of light that can be varied in its intensity
and pulse duration. Ordinary light from non-laser sources is composed
of many different colors and appears white. This broad spectrum of light
can also be pulsed to a specific duration and varied in intensity as
well as the exact range of wavelengths. This allows broad spectrum Intense
Pulsed Light (IPL) the ability to specifically treat blood vessels and
pigmentation. The wavelength and power output of a particular laser
or IPL typically determines its medical application. When the laser
or IPL light is directed at skin tissue, its light energy is absorbed
by water or pigments found in the skin. Water is found in large amounts
in all living cells. Pigments of the skin include hemoglobin, a protein
that makes blood red, and melanin, the tan or brown-colored pigment.
All three targets absorb laser light of different colors.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER AND/OR IPL SURGERY? Lasers may offer you and your dermasurgeon the following general
benefits:
Improved therapeutic results
Reduced risk of infection
"Bloodless" surgery with most lasers
An alternative to traditional scalpel surgery, in some cases
Less scarring, in most cases
Precisely controlled surgery, which limits injury to normal skin
Safe and effective outpatient, same-day surgery for many skin conditions
WHAT TYPE OF LASER OR IPL SHOULD BE USED? Different types of lasers and IPL are used to treat a variety
of skin conditions, birthmarks and growths and cosmetic complaints.
Presently, no single laser or IPL is capable of treating all skin conditions,
but certain lasers can be tuned to a variety of colors of light or coupled
to a robotized scanning device to expand their clinical effectiveness.
Your dermasurgeon will carefully evaluate your individual condition
and suggest the appropriate type of laser and/or IPL system to achieve
the best results.
WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM LASER AND/OR IPL
SURGERY? Experts in skin care, dermasurgeons have extensive training and
experience with laser and IPL surgery. In fact, most of the latest advances
in laser and IPL technology and its applications were pioneered and
refined by dermasurgeons.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON LASERS AND IPL
USED IN DERMASURGERY?
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) LASER The CO2 laser system can be used in several ways: "focused"
for cutting skin without bleeding; "defocused" for superficially
vaporizing skin; and "ultra pulsed" for facial resurfacing.
By delivering very powerful, rapid pulsing or scanning of the latest
generation of CO2 lasers, dermasurgeons are able to resurface the
skin for cosmetic improvement. This technique removes fine lines and
wrinkles of the face, smoothes acne scars, and rejuvenates aging and
sun-damaged skin as it contours the skin surface.
When the CO2 laser's energy is defocused and not continuous (pulsed),
the dermasurgeon can treat warts, shallow tumors and certain precancerous
conditions.
When the CO2 laser energy is continuous and focused into a small
spot of light, the beam is able to cut the skin. It is used in this
way to remove skin cancers, to treat a variety of nonvascular and
pigmented lesions and for eyelid operations. This technique is also
used to remove warts and for some surgical incisions.
ERBIUM (ER):YAG LASERCARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) LASER The high-powered erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser produces energy
in a wavelength that gently penetrates the skin, is readily absorbed
by water and scatters the heat effects of the laser light. These properties
enable dermasurgeons to remove thin layers of aged and sun-damaged
skin tissue with exquisite precision while protecting healthy surrounding
tissue. The Er:YAG laser is commonly used for skin resurfacing to
improve moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars or splotchy skin
discolorations. Newer Er:YAG lasers have an extended pulse duration
that allows them to act in a similar manner to the CO2 laser. Your
dermasurgeon is best able to determine which of these lasers, alone
or in combination, are best suited to correct your specific concern.
YELLOW LIGHT LASERS Through the use of an organic dye, short pulses of yellow-colored
light are produced. A popular yellow light laser is the pulsed dye
laser. Because yellow light is more precisely absorbed by the hemoglobin
than other colors, these lasers are effective in the treatment of
blood vessel disorders, such as port wine stains, red birthmarks,
enlarged blood vessels, rosacea, hemangiomas and red-nose syndrome.
Certain yellow light lasers may also be used to treat stretch marks
and are safe and effective for infants and children. The krypton and
Nd:YAG lasers are dual light systems. The uses of the yellow light
are similar to those already described.
The green light, in contrast, is used for the treatment of benign
brown pigmented lesions, such as café-au-lait spots, the "old
age" spots commonly found on the backs of the hands and lentigines
or freckles. Green light lasers are also used for the treatment of
small blood vessels on the face and legs.
RED LIGHT LASERS The red light spectrum produced by the ruby or alexandrite
light laser is emitted in extremely short, high-energy pulses due
to a technique known as Q-switching. The Q-switched ruby or alexandrite
laser systems were initially used to remove tattoos, but are now commonly
used to treat many brown pigmented lesions, such as freckles or café-au-lait
spots.
When the pulse duration of the ruby or alexandrite lasers is lengthened,
it is effective in removing unwanted hair for long periods of time,
sometimes even permanently.
OTHER LASERS
THE Q-SWITCHED NEODYMIUM YAG (ND: YAG) Delivering infrared light, it is used to remove tattoos and
deep dermal pigmented lesions, such as nevus of Ota. This laser can
also be tuned to produce a green light for the treatment of superficial
pigmented lesions like brown spots, as well as orange-red tattoos.
KTP The KTP emits a green light and is capable of treating certain
red and brown pigmented lesions. When the pulse duration is lengthened,
the Nd:YAG laser is also effective in removing hair and an inflammatory
condition termed pseudofolliculitis barbae for months and sometimes
permanently. This is particularly useful in the treatment of dark-skinned
patients.
NEW
TECHNOLOGIES: NON-ABLATIVE LASERS AND LIGHT SOURCES Instead of heating and removing the top skin tissue, non-ablative
(non-wounding) lasers work beneath the surface skin layer to improve
skin tone and texture and minimize fine lines with few side effects
and a speedy recovery. Light-based devices that produce a broad spectrum
of light (wavelengths) with computer-controlled parameters of energy
delivery (Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL) can be adjusted according to
a patient's skin type and condition. This technology is primarily used
for the treatment of benign red and brown lesions, hair removal and
facial skin rejuvenation.
OTHER APPLICATIONS: HAIR REMOVAL AND LEG VEINS Laser technology is presently being utilized for efficient and
long-lasting body hair removal. The laser energy causes thermal injury
to the hair follicle, stunting hair growth. Several laser hair-removal
systems, including the diode laser, the long-pulsed alexandrite and
Nd:YAG lasers and the IPL, are being used successfully with long-lasting
results.
Until recently, lasers were used primarily for superficial facial veins.
Thanks to the newest technologies, leg veins may be effectively treated
with a variety of lasers and intense pulsed light systems.
Laser hair removal has become one of the most common cosmetic procedures
performed in the United States, ranked second among cosmetic procedures
behind Botox injections in frequency of procedures performed. Laser
hair removal utilizes beams of highly concentrated light designed to
selectively penetrate into the hair follicles, to be absorbed by the
pigment in the hair follicles and to destroy the hair within that hair
follicle. A variety of lasers and light sources have been developed
that may be employed in laser hair removal. The procedure was originally
described to be performed on dark hairs on light skin; newer technologies
have made the procedure safer for patients with darker skin and those
of color. Various types of lasers are utilized with laser hair removal
– the most common of which are alexandrite, diode, Neodymium YAG
and intense pulsed light sources.
WHAT IT CAN HELP/CURE Laser hair removal can remove unwanted hair in those individuals
who have disease states in which unwanted hair growth can occur, or
it can be performed on those individuals who have no active disease
states and just want removal of unwanted hair. Most individuals will
require a series of treatments over time which will result in the removal
of the unwanted hair. Most of the lasers and light sources are FDA cleared
for permanent hair reduction, which means reduction over time. Some
individuals will see very long term hair removal which may last for
many years. Others may require maintenance treatments over time to maintain
their degree of hair loss. It is truly impossible to determine in advance
who will require how many treatments and how long the hair will remain
gone. As stated above, laser hair removal works best in those with dark
hairs on lighter skin, however newer technologies and newer lasers and
light sources have made the procedure safe and effective in those with
darker skin and those individuals of color.
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE
PROCEDURE Prior to having laser hair removal, thoroughly check the credentials
of the physician or technician performing the procedure. Although laser
hair removal is the second most common cosmetic procedure, many clinics
promise results that are just not realistic. Once you have the proper
comfort level with the clinic where you are going to have the procedure
performed, you will schedule an appointment.
Most patients will have the hair trimmed with a scissor to just a few
millimeters above the skin surface. The laser and light source will
be set with parameters which take into consideration your skin color,
the hair color, the thickness of the hair, the location of the hair
and the amount of energy needed for the treatment to be performed. Depending
on the laser or light source used, both the patient and the technician
will wear appropriate eye protection, to prevent the laser light from
penetrating into the eyes, which in itself can be a significant danger.
The area to be treated should be clean and dry. Again, depending on
the laser or light source, either a cold gel or a special cooling device
will be used to protect the outer layers of the skin. This also helps
the laser light penetrate further into the skin. Many of these cooling
devices are now part of the laser itself, and you will feel the cold
when the laser is applied to the skin. The operator will then give a
pulse of light to the treatment area and should then observe the area
for several minutes to determine if the optimal parameters were used.
They will also look to see that there are no adverse effects prior to
continuing the procedure. When the procedure is finished, it is common
for the area treated to have some redness and some accentuation of the
hair follicles themselves. This is "normal," and should
disappear over the next 12-24 hours, in most cases. At the conclusion
of the procedure, most will have ice applied to the area treated, and
some may use some special aloe gels or anti-inflammatory creams, lotions,
or water to relieve any discomfort to the area.
Most individuals will be scheduled for another treatment 4-6 weeks
later and the procedure will be repeated until hair growth has been
eliminated. At each successive laser hair removal procedure, less hair
should be found in the treatment area. Treatments will be resumed at
a point in the future when, and if, hair growth occurs again necessitating
further therapy.
COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN OCCUR As with any laser treatment, complications can occur with laser
hair removal. Both the physician and the patient must be aware that
they may occur and be able to identify them and treat them appropriately.
With laser hair removal, redness and swelling of the hair follicle,
known medically as erythema and perifollicular edema, are "normal"
events seen with most laser hair removal procedures. On occasion, pain
and discomfort will occur with laser hair removal – most of this
can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain medicines. Excessive
pain during the procedure, especially during successive laser hair removal
procedures, should be brought to the laser technician's attention
immediately, so laser settings may be adjusted. Other adverse events,
although rare, are seen and should be reported immediately to the physician
in charge. These include blisters and burns, which can occur with every
one of the devices on the market, and especially if there is a recent
history of sun exposure or if one goes into the sun immediately after
the procedure. Patients should be advised to avoid direct sun exposure
for at least one week following all laser hair removal procedures. Blisters
and burns, although rare, do occur, and on occasion, will lead to either
too much or too little pigment remaining in the skin, conditions known
as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. And even rarer, true scarring
results, with raised red scars known as hypertrophic scars and keloids.
All patients should be warned of these risks prior to laser hair removal
procedures and all facilities should be well versed in how to handle
these complications. Dermasurgeons are well versed in handling any of
these complications, making these highly trained physicians and their
facilities ideal locations for laser hair removal procedures.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DERMASURGEON As with any cosmetic procedure, ask your dermasurgeon questions
regarding their experience and training, including the training of any
of the technicians who may perform the procedure. You should be able
to get some degree of expectations from your dermasurgeon, as to how
many treatments he or she may think you may require and learn about
the follow-up and how you go about speaking with the physician's
office if you have any questions. Dermasurgeons are skilled in this
and many cosmetic laser treatments.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REFERRALS For more information on skin conditions and treatments, along
with a list of ASDS members in your state, please visit the Find
a Dermasurgeon section of our Web site.
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. -- As laser skin surgery becomes
increasingly popular for treating acne scarring and reversing damage
from sun exposure, a new study reported in Dermatologic Surgery,
the peer-review journal of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
(ASDS), shows that six in ten patients undergoing minimally invasive
or non-ablative laser procedures said they are satisfied with overall
improvements from the treatment.
According to lead author and a Fellow of the ASDS, Ashish C. Bhatia,
MD, non-ablative rejuvenation systems treat acne scars and sun damaged
or photoaged skin by stimulating collagen production. As the laser penetrates
the skin, it also emits a cooling spray which prevents damage to the
skin.
"Non-ablative laser treatments are becoming increasingly popular
with patients compared with invasive lasers because they significantly
decrease risks for adverse events and downtime, produce gradual improvement
instead of sudden effects, and have a lower incidence of scarring and
pigmentary changes," said Dr. Bhatia. By comparison, ablative
procedures treat acne scars by removing the outer layers of skin to
promote growth of new, smoother and more uniform layers. Possible adverse
events include infection, bleeding, pigmentary changes and permanent
scarring.
Dr. Bhatia noted that the acne scarring subjects reported higher satisfaction
levels with the treatments than the photoaging subjects. This could
be attributed to higher expectations of photoaging patients. "The
results from this study show that patients first reported seeing changes
in their skin between the third and fourth treatment," he said.
"This helps us set up realistic expectations as to when they will
see results. With therapies that do not produce immediate and striking
results, it is helpful to provide guidance to the patients as to when
changes should be seen.
This patient satisfaction study follows research published in Dermatologic
Surgery in August 2005 that showed patients treated with less invasive
or non-ablative lasers had significant improvement of mild to severe
acne scars with fewer side effects common with ablative procedures.
"Research conducted by dermasurgeons is validating the safety
and efficacy of non-ablative laser systems for treating acne scars and
photoaging," said Gary D. Monheit, MD, president of the ASDS.
"Although these procedures are becoming very popular with patients,
expectations for their outcomes must be realistic."
Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the
largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing
dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained
to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue
with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures. For more information
on medical or cosmetic skin procedures visit asds.net.
WHAT IS A LASER? Laser stands
for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers
work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one
direction. The laser beam can gently vaporize and/or ablate skin tissue
to improve wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin
tissue.
The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength)
of light, which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. The
newest laser systems have become remarkably precise and selective, allowing
treatment results and safety levels not previously available.
WHAT IS SKIN RESURFACING? Laser resurfacing to improve cosmetic flaws, such as wrinkles, acne
scars, and aging
and sun-damaged skin, is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin
rejuvenation.
Using a wand-like laser handpiece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles
literally disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin
cells. One of the laser's most significant advantages over traditional
techniques for skin resurfacing is that treatment is relatively bloodless.
The procedure also offers more control in the depth of penetration of
the skin's surface, allowing an increased degree of precision and safety
in treating delicate areas.
WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM LASER SURGERY? Dermasurgeons
have extensive experience with laser surgery and were among the first
specialists to use lasers for skin renewal and treating a variety of
skin disorders. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an
artistic component, it's important to select a dermasurgeon with demonstrated
laser expertise
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN LASER RESURFACING TREAT? Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermasurgeon's office to
help:
Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
Improve crow's feet around the eyes
Soften pucker marks and frown lines
Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
Improve and flatten scars
Repair smoker's lines
Improve skin tone and texture
HOW DOES THE CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
LASER WORK? The newest generation of the CO2 laser delivers short
bursts of extremely high-energy laser light. This revolutionary technology
actually vaporizes the undesired skin tissue, one layer at a time, revealing
fresh skin underneath. The laser's highly-focused aim enables the dermasurgeon
to gently remove the skin's surface with a low risk of scarring and
complications in properly selected patients.
HOW DOES THE ERBIUM (Er) LASER WORK? The high-powered erbium:YAG laser produces energy in a wavelength
that gently penetrates the skin, is readily absorbed by water (a major
component of tissue cells), and scatters the heat effects of the laser
light. These unique properties allow dermasurgeons to remove thin layers
of skin tissue with exquisite precision while minimizing damage to surrounding
skin.
The Er:YAG laser is commonly used for skin resurfacing in patients
who have superficial to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars
or splotchy skin discolorations. Skin rejuvenation with the Er:YAG laser
offers the advantages of reduced redness, decreased side effects and
rapid healing compared to some other laser systems.
HOW DO NON-ABLATIVE LASERS WORK? Unlike laser resurfacing technologies that heat and remove the
top skin tissue, non-ablative or non-wounding lasers actually work beneath
the surface skin layer. This novel approach appears to stimulate collagen
growth and tighten underlying skin to improve skin tone and remove fine
lines and mild to moderate skin damage. It offers the patient the benefits
of few side effects and rapid healing with virtually no "downtime."
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT? Discomfort is usually minor during the procedure, and your dermasurgeon
can discuss the administration of any pain medication prior to treatment.
Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist
with ointment or surgical bandages for the first few days. The skin
is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated
sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing
is completed, sunblock lotion should be applied. In some cases, a pink
surface color may remain for several days to several months. Make-up
can be worn after about 7-14 days.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS? Each year thousands of laser resurfacing procedures are performed
successfully. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring
is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigmentation
loss, particularly with the CO2 laser. Common minor side effects may
include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown discoloration at the
treatment sites. These are usually minimized by surgical techniques
and pre- and post-operative regimens.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF LASER RESURFACING? Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can
the procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, by tightening
loose skin, laser resurfacing can improve certain folds and creases.
Laser resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional resurfacing methods
like dermabrasion,
and can also work well in conjunction with or as an additional treatment
to other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical
peels, blepharoplasty (eyelid
surgery) and liposuction of
the face and neck.