Non-invasive hair removal treatments using intense light energy have helped thousands of patients shed unwanted follicles in effective new ways. Lasers, once the stuff of Buck Rogers fantasy, have evolved dramatically over the years and are common tools used in the cosmetic arena for skin resurfacing treatments as well as for hair removal.
A relatively new technology, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), is also seeing wider application in hair removal therapies that cost less than laser light treatments over the long term. But which is right for you?
Laser Hair Removal Procedure – Let There Be Intense Light
The two technologies are similar yet as different as night and day in certain aspects. Laser Hair Removal harnesses the power of high-energy laser light to kill unwanted hair follicles for permanent hair reduction. The technology utilizes specific wavelengths of light to target only the hair color in follicles. The melanin in the hair bulb absorbs the focused light energy and heats it up. The follicle is quickly destroyed by thermal injury but without causing damage to the surrounding skin tissues.
LHR is rated 80 to 90 percent effective and the results are permanent. However, LHR does not work as well on patients who have very light-colored hair or dark complexions. The wavelength of laser light that is employed also must be very specific so as to avoid light “spillage” – and damage – to skin tissue surrounding the follicles.
IPL, a newer technology, acts very much like a powerful flash bulb or strobe light. Like LHR, the IPL procedure uses a special machine to blast follicles with intense broad spectrum light. The light energy gathers in the hair pigment region where it is converted into thermal energy that is deadly to the follicle. This unwanted hair culling process is called selective photothermolysis.
The procedure is effective because it kills the active stem cells in the bulb region of the follicle so that it can no longer produce hair. The hair growth cycle basically shuts down for good. As a light-based therapy, IPL is said to be 40 to 50 percent effective and less costly than LHR treatments. However, the patient will require more than one session to achieve lasting results.
While LHR delivers specific wavelengths of focused light to destroy follicles, IPL uses full-spectrum light energy to achieve similar outcomes. Moreover, IPL can’t produce the same peak energy as laser technologies because of the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
Shedding Light and Hair
Whether it’s LHR or IPL, both light-based systems are excellent solutions for permanent hair reduction. You can find out more by consulting with a board certified cosmetic physician or surgeon experienced in these exciting new technologies.
Dr. Andrew Campbell is a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Quintessa Aesthetic Center, with locations at 10604 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI and 2124 Kohler Memorial Drive, Sheboygan, WI. Schedule a personal consultation by calling (262) 242-QSPA for the Mequon office or (920) 458-QSPA for the Sheboygan office.
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