Laser Hair Removal in New Jersey-How Does it Work?

Laser hair removal works on the principles of selective photothermolysis.  Imagine wearing a dark t-shirt on a hot summer day compared to wearing a white colored t-shirt.  You will feel hotter because the darker color t-shirt absorbs more of the sun's light and converts it to heat.  Laser hair removal works in a similar fashion.  The pigment in the hair follicles results from melanin, the same pigment which gives skin its color.  Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes (cells which make melanin), however those with fairer skin produce less of it.  It is this melanin that absorbs the laser's energy, converting it to heat and resulting in the destruction of the hair and its root.  Those with very fine light colored hair or white hair will either not see a reduction or will see a minimum reduction because of the lack of pigment and therefore less absorption of the laser enegy. The greater the difference between the skin color and hair color, the less likely that damage to the skin will be done.  This damage can included pigment changes and rarely  burns and permanent scarring.  Therefore it is very important to choose the right laser or light based device.  Selection depends not only on hair type and color but also skin type. 

Different lasers produce different wavelengths of light and therefore selection of the proper wavelength is paramount especially in darker skin types to limit damage to the surrounding skin. There are different types of lasers for hair removal such as the alexandrite, diode, YAG, as well as IPL or intense pulsed light which is a combination of different wavelengths of light.  The lower the wavelength, the less the laser is able to penetrate but the higher the absorption by the pigment melanin. Therefore in a darker skin type, there is an increased likelihood that the surrounding skin may also absorb the laser energy potentially resulting in pigment changes and burns.

The diode laser is a slightly longer wavelength of light at 810 nm.  This higher wavelength penetrates deeper, but has slightly less absorption by melanin.  This laser can be used more safely than the alexandrite laser in the darker skin types and its effectiveness is similar to the alexandrite laser in terms of permanent hair reduction.  However, one still has to employ proper settings for safe and effective laser hair removal.

The YAG laser is the safest of the three lasers and can be utilized on any skin types with proper utilization of settings.  It is important to remember that any laser can potentially result in untoward effects but the risk with the YAG laser is the least.  The Nd:YAG laser operates in the 1064 nm wavelength.  This longer wavelength implies that it has the greatest penetration but the least amount of absorption by the pigment melanin.  Studies have show that this is the least effective in terms of laser hair removal of the three lasers but it is the safest.  Newer generation YAG lasers will continue to demonstrate increased efficacy for permanent reduction of hair.  The YAG laser is especially limited for removal of light colored and fine hair.

The above absorption spectrum demonstrates absorption by melanin and hemoglobin by different wavelengths of light.  

People often wonder why multiple treatments are required for significant hair reduction.  Hair grows in different stages which include anagen, catagen, and telogen.  It is during the growth phase, or anagen, that destruction of the hair follicle by the laser results in permanent arrest of the growth of that hair.  Destruction of the hair follicle while in catagen or telogen is unlikely to lead to its destruction.  At any given time, only a portion of the hair is in the anagen phase and therefore multiple treatments are required for the cumulative reduction in permanent hair growth.  This translates into 4 to 6 treatments spaced anywhere from 1 to 2 months apart for a 70 to 90% reduction in hair growth. Some people may require more treatments to achieve a significant result while others may see it in fewer treatments.

Different areas of the body have different growth cycles with the fastest hair growth occurring on the face.  Treatments can be performed every three to four weeks.  Growth cycles are slower on areas such as the legs and back where treatments may be performed every 6 to 8 weeks.  

It is very important to realize that while you are getting your laser hair removal treatments that you do no wax, pluck, or thread hair from the area to be treated.  Presence of the hair is required for laser hair removal to be effective.  It is permissible to shave, bleach, or use depilatory products while you are getting the treatments.  In addition, limit sun exposure prior to and after your laser hair removal.  While the YAG laser can be utilized safely on all skin types including tanned skin, the lighter the skin, the less the risk of pigment changes or burns.  Also the laser hair removal provider may be able to utilize more effective lasers the lighter in color your skin is.

You may also want to shave the night prior to the treatments to minimize any irritation that may ensue. Be sure to utilize plenty of sunscreen especially if you are spending any significant time in sun to risk any pigment changes.

During the procedure, the area will be cleansed.  At Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center, we apply a topical anesthetic to mitigate any discomfort the treatments may cause.  Depending on the laser, a gel may be applied to the skin to facilitate the laser hair removal treatments.  Not all lasers require a gel to be placed during the treatments.  In addition, some of our lasers have a chilled metallic plate which keeps the surround skin cooled during the laser hair removal.  This prevents thermal injury to the surrounding skin and limits the destruction to the hair follicle.  We also have a Synercool machine at Ethos Spa, that blows super cold area across the area to be treated to provide additional comfort and decrease thermal injury to the surrounding skin.    Laser hair removal is well tolerated by almost everyone.  Sensation is akin to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. At Ethos Spa, we make every effort to make the treatments as comfortable as possible by using different measures to lessen any discomfort you may experience.

Following the procedure, you may experience redness and swelling at the treatment site.  This can persist for several hours to several days.  

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It may feel like a mild sunburn.  You should not experience any significant pain, discoloration, or blister formation.  Often times, the irritation will resolve within a day.  You can utilize hydrocortisone over-the-counter cream or aloe vera gel in the event of itching or significant irritation.  Notify your provider in the event of excessive pain, pigment changes, or blister formation.

At Ethos Spa, our goal is to educate our clients about the entire process and make them as comfortable as possible in our upscale spa.  Only a board certified physician will perform the laser hair removal procedure.  We will provide you after care instructions and be there for you at any time.  Unlike, traditional medical practices our goal is to be available at all times and our clients can stop in anytime.  Come experience the Ethos difference. All of our clients receive a complimentary consultation with one of our board certified physicians.  Call 908-273-5400 to schedule your consultation or you can visit the Ethos Spa website for more information on all of our services.  You can also visit Laser Hair NJ for more information on the laser hair removal process.

Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center, is located in northern NJ but we service the tri-state area including New York, Pennsylvania, as well as Summit, Chatham, Morristown, Livingston, Millburn, Westfield, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Basking Ridge, Bridgewater, Union County, Morris County, Essex County, and Bergen County.