Mechanism of action

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, in the area that causes hair growth, the follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, but with much more speed and intensity. This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.

Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin, and gives skin and hair their color. There are two types of melanin in hair. Eumelanin gives hair brown or black color, while pheomelanin gives hair blonde or red color. Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, being most effective and producing the best results, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair with some success in patients with dark skin.[4]

Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for "permanent hair reduction" in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[5] Under the FDA's definition, "permanent" hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. Indeed, many patients experience complete regrowth of hair on their treated areas in the years following their last treatment. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. [6]

Laser hair removal has become popular because of its speed and efficiency, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator,[citation needed] and the choice and availability of different laser technologies used for the procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments. It has also been noted that some people are "non-responders" – this occurs when incorrect device is being used, the device parameters are too low or the patient is simply not a good candidate for treatment.

The Science of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal or "photoepilation" is a proven form of hair removal based on many years of clinical experience, research into properties of laser light, follicle growth and phases, and millions of procedures in medical clinics, spas & office locations around the world.
The science of the procedure is based on proven facts surrounding the "theory of selective photothermolysis", which states that a laser beam applied to living tissue will have different effects on tissue components (in this case hair) depending on the absorption spectra. What this means in the case of laser hair removal is that hair (with its melanin pigment) can be successfully targeted with the proper wavelength of light energy. Over a decade of experience has shown laser hair removal is the proven solution for long-term, or in many cases, permanent hair reduction. Contact a specialist today for a consultation to learn more.

Laser Hair Removal

The Hair Removal Journal is brought to you by the Patient's Guide, in conjunction with our Advisory Board, and our medical affiliates. With new technologies rapidly emerging, tedious or painful epilation methods, such as waxing or electrolysis can now be left behind for a better solution. The purpose of the Hair Removal Journal is to provide men and women interested in an alternative to shaving, specifically with laser hair removal, a credible resource to research getting rid of unwanted hair, including costs associated with the procedure, the number of treatments that will be needed, and any risks or side-effects. 

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s.[citation needed] One of the first published articles describing laser hair removal was authored by the group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998.[1][2] The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community,[citation needed] and laser hair removal is widely practiced in clinics, and even in homes using devices designed and priced for consumer self-treatment. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.[3]

Laser Hair Removal Washington DC

Laser hair removal in Washington DC is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women. If you are sick and tired of shaving, waxing, or tweezing unwanted hair on a daily or weekly basis, and are looking for a more permanent solution, we have exactly what you need. Many men and women are turning to the latest trend in hair removal - the laser.  For those interested in our revolutionary non-invasive procedure, here are all the facts that you need to know before you go under the light. This procedure has been hyped around the globe as the permanent solution to unwanted hair removal and has shown great promise in delivering on that claim. However, before investing your valuable time and hard earned money into Laser Hair Removal treatments, we suggest you do a little research.

The effect of removing unwanted hair by laser was first discovered by dermatologists in the late 1960s.  Dermatologists discovered that during treatment for skin conditions with lasers, the removal of hair in the treatment area happened to be a side effect and because of this, lasers have been studied extensively for years for their hair removal effectiveness.  Many different types of lasers have since been approved by the FDA and now professional treatments for Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC are available to all interested residents.

Today, Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC is one of the fastest growing non-invasive cosmetic procedures on the market.  Last year alone, over one million individuals underwent laser treatments around the globe.  At our Washington DC clinic, all of the technicians are trained and certified on the latest laser hair removal equipment; this guarantees professional Laser Hair Removal treatments each and every time you visit.  To learn more about our approach to this extraordinary treatment, come in for a free and confidential consultation.  We’ll give you all the information you need and get you set up for a series of Laser Hair Removal treatments at our Washington DC clinic that will leave you with nothing but hair free skin!