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Laser Hair Removal

The technology solution for unwanted hair

Imagine having smooth, hair-free skin without shaving, waxing, plucking, or bleaching unwanted hair. Now laser hair removal provides a safe, fast, and effective way to removing unwanted facial and body hair for both men and women. The laser emits a powerful beam of invisible light which passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the hair follicle. By selectively absorbing the laser energy, the hair follicles are heated, impairing their ability to grow hair.

"The laser hair removal system has been designed to selectively target melanin, the pigment which makes us appear tanned and gives color to our hair," says Liz Fossum, R. N. and Director of Nursing at The Plastic Surgery Technology Center. "Melanin is highly concentrated within the hair follicle. Even in persons with light hair color, significant amounts of melanin exist. Because melanin is the target pigment, persons are highly encouraged not to tan prior to laser hair removal sessions to increase the selectivity of the laser effect on the hair follicles rather than pigment producing cells." The laser light is scattered in a specific fashion so that it is concentrated in the deeper layer of skin where the hair follicle melanin far outnumbers the amount of melanin in the deep dermis. According to Fossum, "Surface melanin doesn't get affected. The individual with dark hair and a light complexion will have the greatest advantage in hair removal."

"At the Plastic Surgery Technology Center, we employ the EpiTouch Alexandrite Laser," says Fossum. "Typical requests for laser hair removal are women's facial hair such as the upper lip and the sideburn region. Many women are electing to have their underarms and bikini lines treated. These procedures take just minutes to complete with minimal, if any, discomfort." "We are receiving more and more requests from men for laser hair removal on their backs," Fossum comments. "On average, three treatments will be necessary to achieve maximal hair reduction because of hair's known pattern of 'rest and activity' cycles."