The mechanism of action of these system is the targeting melanin in the hair shaft , follicular epithelium and hair matrix by emitting light with wavelengths ranging  from  600 to 1200nm (these are selectively absorbed by melanin).

Selective photothermolysis

Laser  for skin treatment work on the theory of ‘selective photothermolysis’. This term implies a site-specific, thermally mediated injury of microscopic tissues targets by the selective absorption of pulses of radiation by the targets and the chromophores.

The natural or artificial chromophores absorb monochromatic or broadband electro magnetic radiation of specific wavelenghts.

The chromophore employed in this treatment is melanin. Melanin absorbs light in the range of 300 to 1200nm, and lasers in this range of wavelengths can be effectively used for hair reduction .

AN EXTENDED THEORY OF SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMOLYSIS:

Its applied to laser photoablation. Melanin captures energy from the laser and distributes it to the surrounding  follicular structures. This results in the destruction of the hair matrix and hair bulge stem cells.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE RESULTS

1. Light skin (fitzpatrick type 1-4) responds well.
2. Thick, dark hair responds well.

SUPER HAIR REMOVAL

Depilation is performed through the continous movement of the hand piece over the skin surface while delivering laser pulses, which prevents energy from concentrating on a particular point.

INDICATIONS OF LASER HAIR REDUCTION

• 1. Hirsutism and hypertrichosis.
  2. Cosmetic reaons
  3. Hidradenitis suppurativa:
     Despite medical and surgical treatment, it has recurrence & exacerbations.

  LHR has  been used with promising results.

           Pseudo folliculitis barbae:
  Shaving is a predisposing factor because it results in sharp& short hair stumps which re-enters the skin/ retract into the follicular wall. This leads to ingrown hair LHR helps in reducing the severity.
  
            Trichostasis spinulosa: 

  • Multiple hairs emerging out of a hyperkeratotic follicular opening, presenting as dark spinous plugs.
  • LHR helps in reducing this as well.

    Keratosis pilaris:

  • This is a common skin disorder of follicular prominence  and erythema that affects promximal extremities.
  • This is often resistant to treatment 
  • With LHR, significant improvement in skin texture & roughness/ bumpiness is noted.

    Axillary hyperhidrosis:

           LHR helps in improving this disorder of eccrine sweat glands to a certain extent.

         Strawberry leg/ skin:

  • Hair follicles gets trapped with dead skin, oil and bacteria 
  • Reducing the strawberry skin.

    Pilonidal sinus

    Dissecting cellulitis of scalp

    Folliculitis decalvans

LASER AVAILABLE  FOR HAIR REDUCTION AT MILIR SKIN CLINIC

DIODE LASER:  ( soprano ice)

• 810 nm
• It  penetrates deeper.
• Delivers better fluence  hence better results 
• Less epidermal damage 
• It is safer in darker skin.

Procedure

• The area is cleansed to remove oil from the skin.
• Hair is shaved.
• Eye protection is used for both the operator and the patient.
• The paramaters to each patients skin & hair type are individualized
• Hand piece is placed perpendicular to the skin& laser shots are passed.
• Post procedure, perifollicular edema and erythema is expected .

POST PROCEDURE CARE

• Strict sun protection:  use of regular sunscreen is mandatory.
• Make up and active serums should be avoided for next 3 days.
• Swimming, excessive sweating should be avoided for next 3 days.

WHY LASER IS BETTER THAN WAXING / THREADING

• Selective hair damage.
• Long hair-free interval.
• No damage to skin
• Safe method.
• Cost effective

WHY NO.OF SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED?

1. The hair matrix is only sensitive to laser treatment during the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
2. Therefore multiple treatments will be necessary in order to address all hair follicles when they are most sensitive to treatment (i.e in the anagen phase).
3. In the initial phase of hair reduction treatment, 4 to 6 sessions are required.
4. 4 to 6 weeks apart the sessions are done to achieve adequate results.
5. Subsequently ,paitents may need maintanence treatments once every 6 to 12 months as small vellus hair may grow back.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Selecting the correct laser with the appropriate parameters, individualized to each patient is very important.
• Most complications are preventable when adequate precautions are taken with adjustment to the fluence, spot size, wavelength of laser and the use of appropriate cooling. 
• It is all the more important the you get the procedure under supervision of a dermatologist to have good results with no side effects.