Los-Angeles-laser-hair-removal-1

Los Angeles laser hair removal for the face and body

Laser hair removal was studied and researched for 20 years before it became commercially available to the public in the 1990s. Research has shown that it is a safe, quick and effective way to remove unwanted hair.

Laser Hair Removal in Los Angeles

The basis of laser hair removal treatments is a principle called selective photothermolysis (SPTL).  A specific wavelength is determined to achieve a particular result on a focused area of tissue, while leaving the surrounding areas undisturbed.

Since light is absorbed by dark colors, the hair removal process requires a dark target called a chromophore. In instances where there is no naturally occurring chromophore, artificial light absorbing targets can be introduced.

In laser hair removal procedures, melanin functions as the chromophore. Melanin is a pigment that is responsible for skin and hair color. There are basically two types of melanin:

  1. Eumelanin, which makes hair brown or black
  2. Pheomelanin, which makes hair blond or red

Because laser light is selectively absorbed by dark colors, it is only possible for black or brown hairs to be removed. In other words, only eumelanin is targeted in laser hair removal.

When eumelanin absorbs the laser photon, this process instigates an inflammatory reaction that damages the hair follicle, causing it to enter a resting telogen phase. As a result, this inhibits the growth of new hair shafts.

FDA Definition of Laser Hair Removal

In describing laser hair removal, the FDA specifies that it is the number of hairs that are permanently reduced, as opposed to all the hairs being completely removed. This is because lasers can only affect existing hair instead of preventing new ones from growing.

After the treatment, hair will grow back in the affected areas. However, they will be fewer in number.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment With The Gentle YAG Laser

The Gentle YAG Laser uses the 1064nm wavelength to remove thick and thin hair on various areas of the body:

  • Legs
  • Arms
  • Underarms
  • Bikini area
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Back

Because the Gentle YAG can safely and quickly remove hair from large areas, it offers a more efficient alternative to electrolysis, which can be tedious, time consuming and expensive for many individuals.  Also it is adaptable to dark and light skin tones.

Los Angeles dermatologist, Dr. Umar offers the Gentle YAG for laser hair removal.

Laser Versus Electrolysis

The other option to laser is electrolysis. Electrolysis permanently removes al l hair that is treated. However, it works on hair follicles one at a time and patients often rate it as being more painful than laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Treatments in Los Angeles

If you are in the Los Angeles area and are interested in laser hair removal, seek the help of a board certified dermatologist.

Read about what else cosmetic lasers can do.