These are the areas that we focus on most at Take Shape Plastic Surgery. In just a few short sessions you’ll see your unwanted hair gone for good. Using our safe and effective techniques our doctors will give you the best laser hair removal treatments available.
Laser Procedures
The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, in the area that causes hair growth, the follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, but with much more speed and intensity. This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.
Melanin
Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. It occurs naturally in the skin, and gives skin and hair their color. There are two types of melanin in hair. Eumelanin gives hair brown or black color, while pheomelanin gives hair blonde or red color. Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, being most effective and producing the best results, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair with some success in patients with dark skin.
Permanent Hair Reduction
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for “permanent hair reduction” in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under the FDA’s definition, “permanent” hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. However, it’s important to note that many patients experience complete regrowth of hair on their treated areas in the years following their last treatment. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.
Despite this, laser hair removal has become popular because of its speed and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator, and the choice and availability of different laser technologies used for the procedure.
At Take Shape Plastic Surgery, PA, we use only the highest standard laser on all of our patients, as well as a properly trained Physician Assistant. As a result, together these make for the best results any patient could hope for.
If you’re ready to get rid of your unwanted, excess hair contact our doctors today. We’ll set up your consultation and inform you of the ins and outs of laser hair removal and allow you to decide if it is something you think would work for you. Call our office today to set up an appointment and learn how you can get rid of your unwanted hair for good.
