Laser Hair Removal

LIGHT SHEER TECHNOLOGY

Backed by long-term clinical data, the LightSheer system has the ability to permanently reduce hair growth and treat the entire range of skin colors and hair types, satisfying hundreds of Dr. Van Wyck’s patients. The ChillTip handpiece provides the ultimate in epidermal contact cooling and compression, increasing penetration of laser energy to the base of the follicle.

To appreciate how laser hair removal works, it is necessary to understand how hair grows and how lasers function. The hair shaft forms from a pouch-like structure located below the skin surface which is called a hair follicle. What we see as hair is actually the hair shaft, which is the hardened tissue that grows from within this follicle. It is this thicker, pigmented, visible hair that is targeted by the laser.

This type of hair pattern is in contrast to the fine pale hair (called vellus hair), which may be very abundant in humans and non responsive to laser treatment.

Everyone’s hair grows differently, depending on their age, weight, metabolism, hormonal interactions, genetics, medications and environmental influences. However, regardless of how these factors affect individual hair growth, hair itself evolves or grows through three distinct phases as outlined below:

1. The ACTIVE or ANAGEN growth phase, comprises approximately 85 % of our body hair at any given moment in time and can last up to several years. During this anagen phase, the hair shaft and follicle has an abundance of melanin or pigment and as such, is most sensitive to the laser light.
2. The REGRESSIVE or CATAGEN phase is the period during which the hair stops actively growing but is not shed. This phase often lasts several weeks comprising about 3 to 4% of our total body hair at any given time.
3. The RESTING or TELOGEN phase lasts 5 to 6 weeks, at the end of which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to form. Approximately 10 to 13% of our body hair is in this phase at any one time.

All Lasers emit a specific wavelength of energy or light (both visible and invisible) which in turn is directed towards a so called chromophobe or target cell. In the case of hair removal technology, these lasers produce a wavelength of 750 to 800 nm which is absorbed by the pigment or melanin of the hair shaft and follicle. The absorption of this energy effectively destroys the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Since all hair lasers are absorbed by dark pigment, they remain relatively ineffective in removing light colored hair. That is the reason why Dr. Van Wyck’s clinic offers electrolysis as an alternative in treatment options.

Not only does the density and thickness of the hair affect the results of effective laser hair removal, but the darkness of hair pigment and skin type or skin color (pigment) are also critical factors in treatment planning. Since laser hair energy is absorbed by anything dark in color, whether it be hair or skin, the laser parameters will need to be set differently for individual patients.

SKIN TYPE VARIATION Skin types range from type I to VI based upon the so called Fitzpatrick scale:
I: White: Always burns, never tans
II: White: Usually burns, difficult to tan
III: White: Sometimes burns, average tan
IV: Moderate brown: Rarely burns, tans easy
V: Dark brown; Rarely burns, tans easy
VI: Black; never burns, tans easily

In general, in order for the skin not to be adversely affected by laser treatment, it is recommended that self tanning be avoided both prior to and immediately following laser hair sessions. Fortunately, the laser in Dr. Van Wyck’s clinic utilizes the LIGHT SHEER TECHNOLOGY which can treat most every skin types effectively and thus is different from the majority of other laser machines available on the market.

What does the treatment involve?

The patient will be asked to wear eye protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles while the area to be treated will be shaved prior to treatment. Shaving at home before coming to the clinic can be very helpful, particularly for the men with extensive hair growth on the back or chest region. A small handpiece, or “wand” is placed against the skin and a burst of laser energy is applied as the laser is activated. In some cases, pre-treatment with a special cream to anesthetize the skin thus decreasing any discomfort during the procedure, may be warranted. The duration of each treatment as well as the total number of treatments required vary between individuals based upon hair density, hair thickness, hormonal influences and hair location on the body.

Because hair cycles through “growth” and “dormant” phases, as mentioned above, and because during the “dormant” phase the follicle has no pigment, 4 to 5 sessions may be necessary for permanent hair reduction.

What are the advantages over other forms of treatment?

Traditional hair removal techniques such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth. All of these methods commonly result in scarring, allergic reactions, and ingrown hairs. With electrolysis, the operator inserts a needle into the hair shaft with the intention of reaching the follicle, then sends a small electrical charge designed to disable the follicle. The operator then removes that particular hair with a tweezer. Hair removal is obviously much faster with a laser as the laser is pulsed about once per second across the surface of the skin. Each “pulse” of laser light disables a large number of hair follicles at the same time. Electrolysis operators can only treat those hairs that they can see, but as mentioned earlier, this may be the only other permanent option if the patients present with light colored hair which remain ineffective against the laser.

Are there any side effects?

Immediately after the treatment the skin will look pink and slightly swollen, similar to a sunburn. This will subside within an hour or two and the skin will return to normal. Occasionally, a patient will have temporary pigment changes, blistering, or scabbing. As with electrolysis, cases of scarring have been reported with laser hair removal, but these are extremely rare. A test spot is often utilized to assess and determine how each individual’s skin will react.

Once again, tanning is contraindicated before and between treatment intervals in order to decrease the incidence of skin reactions and pigmentary changes. Any history of excessive hair growth (hirsutism), hormonal fluctuations, localized skin infections or lesions, previous scarring of the skin, specific skin allergies or photosensitizing medications (Accutane and Retin A), immunological problems, previous radiation and diabetes can all affect the eventual outcome or your results.

Booking an appointment: If you would like to learn more about THE LIGHT SHEER hair removal system or related procedures, please call Dr. Van Wyck’s office to book a free consultation with one of our advanced skin care specialists.