Laser hair removal is the removal of body hair by the selective heating effect of laser light or IPL. During this process the hair follicle is removed by this propagation of heat to the contours of the pigment containing hair shaft.
Aesthetic medicine specialists claim that it is most effective on hair that is in the growth phase. The light is applied to the skin through a transparent conductive gel.
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Advantages of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal has many advantages over other methods.
- Long-lasting
- Almost permanent, since with the right technology the result can be definitive in five to seven sessions (depending on the area and time).
- Painless
- Prevents and avoids folliculitis
Risks of laser hair removal
Some of the contraindications that laser hair removal may present are the following:
- It can produce burns of different degrees in tanned skin or high phototypes if it is not applied with the appropriate technology.
- It should not be applied on moles (nevus) or spots.
- Do not apply on people allergic to light.
In some specific cases it is especially advisable to undergo laser hair removal treatment (medical indications). Some of these cases are:
- Hirsutism: hair in women in unusual areas such as the face, hairline and areola, among others.
- Hypertrichosis: a lot of hair in usual areas, as in the case of men who have a beard that does not last a day.
- Folliculitis of the beard or other areas.
- People with very atopic skin who have irritation when using other more conventional hair removal methods such as shaving or waxing.