Smooth Solutions

Removal of extra hair is carried out through many methods ranging from the abrasive methods, to the invasive methods to non-invasive methods. Laser removal techniques are minimally invasive and provide a lasting effect. There are many types of laser hair removal techniques, each of which have their pros and cons. Selective photothermolysis is the basic principle on which laser removal works. The key to the techniques is the wavelength of the laser used. The earliest laser removal system called SoftLight combined laser with a ‘contaminant’. This contaminant was a lotion containing carbon particles, which was vigorously rubbed into the skin so as to reach the roots of the hair. A laser of very short pulse duration was then shone which caused the carbon particles to shatter producing a shock wave that would injure the root of the hair follicle, thus the process was more of a photomechanical process.

The modern versions of laser hair removal look at using the longer wavelength of lights working on photo thermal process. These devices using wavelength closer to infrared range to thermally ‘burn’ the roots. Since a very short burst of high-energy laser is being shot at the hair follicles, it is important not to cause damage to the surrounding areas. To cool the skin therefore, laser removal systems make use of application of water-based gels that acts as a heat sink. Others use chilled probes that chill the area for very brief moments when the laser is active to prevent the heat damage. Long pulsed laser come based on different mediums such as long pulsed alexandrite, long pulse diode laser and ruby lasers. Clinical studies have shown that amongst the long pulsed laser removal techniques, alexandrite based systems showed greater efficacy however side effects were very much similar in all types of long pulsed lasers. The short-pulsed lasers on the other hand burnt only superficial hair, but produced lesser side effects.