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laser and ipl hair removal

Dear readers, in this week’s article, I will talk about laser hair removal applications.

Laser epilation is a scientifically effective treatment method applied to destroy the hair shaft with a medical laser device. The main results to expect from this treatment are:

The number and frequency of hairs in the application area decreases, and the hairs become thinner.

The regrowth and regrowth of the hair in the application area is delayed.

Satisfactory reduction in hair in the application area can be achieved in an average of 8 sessions, but this number varies from patient to patient and according to the area of ​​​​the applied body.

White, red, yellow or gray hairs and very fine hairs, even dark ones, do not respond as well to laser epilation as black hairs.

After laser epilation, all or almost all of the hair in the application area temporarily disappears for an average of 1-3 months. After repeated applications, a significant part (not all) of the hair in the application area is permanently removed. The success to be achieved varies depending on many factors such as skin and hair structure, heredity, aging, pregnancy, insulin resistance, hormonal disorders (goiter, etc.).

No laser technology available today can guarantee absolute success. The application site may respond poorly or, very rarely, not at all. Vellus-type fine hairs (quince hairs) may become thicker and darker in and around the application area. Although this is a very rare and mostly temporary condition, it can be seen most frequently in the face area, especially in dark-skinned patients.

Patients who have laser epilation should avoid sunbathing before, during and after the sessions, avoid exposure to solarium and similar light sources, and use sunscreen for at least three weeks, even in closed weather and indoor areas. Rarely, skin discoloration (darkening or lightening) may occur after the application. This may last for several months, but in rare cases, it may be permanent.

Laser devices that produce rays in 3 different wavelengths (Alexandrite, Diode, Nd YAG) are most often preferred for laser epilation, and IPL devices are also frequently used for this purpose. Choosing the wavelength and energy values ​​that will be suitable for the person depends on the knowledge and experience of the practitioner. As a result of misuse, these rays can cause burns on the skin, and then permanent color changes and sunken or raised scars from the skin. In that respect, the treatment plan and subsequent patient follow-up should be under the supervision of a dermatology or plastic surgeon.

Although the use of IPL for epilation may seem more economical than laser epilation at first glance, the situation is different in terms of treatment success. In general, it can be said that faster results and higher success rates are achieved with laser devices in photoepilation.

I would like to remind some of the issues that I mentioned before. Laser beams are not ionizing and do not cause cancer in any organ or adverse effects on male and female fertility (infertility).

I wish you all healthy days.