Permanent Hair Removal
This information is of a general nature only and is for public information and education. Your individual problem needs to be assessed by your family doctor who will advise you on appropriate further steps.
The removal of unwanted hair is a regular activity in the lives of a lot of men and women. The daily shaving of the face by men and the regular shaving of axillae (arm pits) and legs by women are two of the common types of hair removal. The plucking of annoying, unwanted hair on the chin in women or shaving or electrolysis in the bikini area to suit swimwear or undergarments are further examples of hair removal. Unfortunately, all the available methods of hair removal, including shaving, waxing, chemical hair removers and electrolysis do not give permanent or long term results.
Laser hair removal has been a topic of much interest for some time and there are now systems available which appear to be capable of long term hair removal.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal is now a well established method with good results sustained over a few years. This is a broad spectrum pulsed light source which, like lasers, works by Photothermolysis, the conversion of light into heat and energy to destroy hair follicles. The presence of melanin ( pigment ) in hair to act as a convenient Chromophore (light absorbing substance) helps in the process. IPL has a system of filters which permits the use of appropriate wave lengths for different skin types and hair follicle depth.
The Procedure
The area to be treated is covered in a cold jel and a quartz piece 35mm by 8mm is used to transmit the light from the Photoderm. Each pulse is felt as a rubber band sting and a sensation of warmth and there is some redness in the treated area for two or three days. The procedure is repeated at 4 weekly intervals as hair exists in different stages of its life cycle even in the same area and 3 to 4 treatments is usually needed. The system works best for dark or black coarse hair.
Possible complications
A superficial burn due to sensitivity of skin to the power used is possible. This is avoided by careful titration of the power used, but even if it does occur, it clears up in a few days without any residual scarring. Occasionally, there is a "foot print" of the quartz piece used; this is a rectangular outline in brown which clears after about a week.
