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Electrolysis was the only form of long term or permanent hair removal available before laser and IPL devices entered the market. Electrolysis is still performed today even though it is painful to the patient and invasive to the skin, allowing for the possibility of infection. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, delivering a galvanic current to destruct the stem cells in the follicle. Unfortunately, this painstaking process is performed one hair follicle at a time. Maintenance procedures are often needed for many years after the initial treatment.

With laser and pulsed light technology, hundreds of hair follicles are treated at a time and vary upon the spot size (the size of the tip of the device delivering energy). These non-invasive hair removal procedures only take minutes to perform instead of the hours required with electrolysis.

Melanin

Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for destruction of a hair follicle) with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that produces color).The most important consideration prior to laser hair removal procedures is the patient’s hair color and skin type. The difference between the absorption of laser or light energy by melanin in the hair follicle and melanin in the epidermis determines the amount of energy that can be safely used without harming the skin.

Light-skinned patients with dark hair are proven to be the ideal patients for laser hair removal On the contrary, a patient with very dark skin and white/grey hair, would have little if any results. Since melanin in the hair shaft and follicle are the target source for laser and IPL hair removal procedures, it is important for patients during their initial consultation not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory device prior to the procedure. The patient can, however, shave the area to be treated (which preserves the chromophore in the follicle), or can use hair removal creams. Hair which is above the skin surface can burn during a laser or light treatment.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Most devices technically operate the same way when performing a laser hair removal procedure. The parameters on the equipment should be adjusted according to the history and skin analysis of the patient. The patient should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of treatment. Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. It is also important for patients to avoid dark clothing near the area to be treated as the dye in the clothing can be absorbed by the laser or light resulting in a painful burn. A patch test should be performed on the intended treatment area. Several monthly treatments are recommended for the best results and a yearly maintenance procedure is recommended.

Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of more than 2,000 Plastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Aesthetic Physician members. Medical Spa MD hosts skin clinic forums and provides information on cosmetic medical treatments.

categories: laser hair removal,hair removal,hair removal treatment,medical spa,med spa,plastic surgery,laser clinic,medical esthetician,cosmetic dermatology,dermatology,medicine,womens issues,fitness

Before laser and IPL devices entered the market, electrolysis was the only form of permanent or long-term hair removal available. Electrolysis is still performed today, but it is painful and invasive to the skin, allowing for a chance of infection. Unfortunately, this painstaking process is performed one hair follicle at a time. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, delivering a galvanic current to destruct the follicle stem cells. Regular maintenance procedures are often required for years after the initial treatment.

In contrast, with laser and pulsed light technology, hundreds of hair follicles are treated at a time and vary upon the spot size (the size of the tip of the device delivering energy). These hair removal procedures are non-invasive and take only minutes to perform instead of the many hours with electrolysis.

What is Melanin?

A patient’s skin type and hair color can be the most important consideration prior to laser hair removal treatment. Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis (using light and heat for destruction of a hair follicle) with melanin being the target chromophore (chemical grouping that produces color). The difference between the absorption of laser or light energy by melanin in the hair follicle and melanin in the epidermis determines the amount of energy that can be safely used without harming the skin.

Light skinned patients with dark hair are considered to be the ideal patients for hair removal On the other hand, a patient with very dark skin and gray or white hair, would have little if any response. Since melanin in the hair shaft and follicle are the target source for laser and IPL hair removal procedures, it is important for patients during their initial consultation not to tweeze, wax or use any depilatory device prior to hair removal. The patient can, however, shave the area to be treated (which preserves the chromophore in the follicle), or can use hair removal creams. Hair which is protruding from the skin can singe during a laser or light treatment which causes an unpleasant smell and possible flares.

Treatment Day

Most devices technically operate the same way when performing a hair removal. The parameters on the equipment should be adjusted according to the history and skin analysis of the patient. The patient should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of treatment. Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. It is also important for patients to avoid dark clothing near the area to be treated as the dye in the clothing can be absorbed by the laser or light resulting in a painful burn. A patch test should be performed on the intended treatment area. Several monthly treatments are recommended for the best results and a yearly maintenance procedure is recommended.

A new Hyaluronic Acid filler injection recently on the cosmetic medical market is marketed under the name ‘Captique’. As with other Hyaluronic acid injections Captique treats lines around the eyes, nose and lips.

Captique (like other Hyaluronic Acid filler injections) works by attracting and binding the body’s water to increase the support system just under the dermis. This stretches the skin smooth giving the skin a plump, full look.

Captique is composed of NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic acid) so it’s not necessary to perform allergy tests before treatment. Captique arrives in a gel that is injected into the dermis for the desired effect.

The injection process will be almost identical to the other Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. A thorough consultation and medical history will be taken by the medical provider and the area of injection will be determined. Patients will then be informed of any medications that could cause complications with the injection process. If there are concerns they will be advised to forgo use until procedure is completed.

On the day of the procedure the area for injection will be cleansed and all makeup will be removed. A topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment to minimize discomfort during injections. The medical provider will then inject small amounts of Captique in the areas to be filled using an ultra fine needle.

Once the injection is completed the patient will be informed of any short term adverse affects including, erythema, irritation, bumps (inflammation) at the injection site.

Results of Captique injections last anywhere from 6-12 months and depending on the area to be filled may require touch-ups to maintain best results. The following are contraindications to Captique:

Known hypersensitivity to NASHA or any of it’s ingredients Hypertrophic scarring Skin pigmentation disorders Susceptibility to keloid formations Safety has not been tested on patients under the age of 18 or in women who are pregnant or breast feeding.