Permanent Hair Removal
July 19, 2008
In recent years, laser clinics, medical spas, and plastic surgeons’ offices have been quite loose with their use of the term “permanent hair removal.” While lasers are FDA approved, the FDA does not allow for the marketing of technologies and services that state permanent hair removal. This is because technologies like laser hair removal provide a permanent reduction of hair growth up to 90%, give or take 10%.
Permanent hair removal
Permanent hair removal for both sensitive and larger areas such as legs and men’s backs can now be done in a fraction of the time.
For the purposes of hair removal, the hairfacts definition of “permanent” is being able to go a year after your final hair removal treatment without having to use another method of hair removal. Keep in mind that a year might not be long enough to determine true permanence, but most consumers would be happy to have one treatment a year.
The only method of clinically proven permanent hair removal is electrolysis. Some lasers and flash lamps have been able to achieve permanent hair reduction, as discussed below.
Using GentleLase™ and Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ technology the unwanted hair is targeted while the top layers of the skin are protected with a cooling burst of air.
Together GentleLase™ and the Dynamic Cooling Technology offer the most comfortable, effective and fastest hair removal system in Chicago.
Electrolysis has been proved to be clinically safe and effective. It is a method where a hair-like metal probe is inserted into a hair follicle (ensuring the skin does not puncture) and an electric current is delivered to it through the probe. It thus causes damage to the areas that generate hair. The only disadvantage with this method is that it can be painful. Tedious and expensive.
Laser hair removal is a method through which light is delivered at a specified wavelength from a hand piece into the skin. It targets the pigment in the hair and causes damage to the hair follicle while sparing the surrounding tissue. This method is considered safe if properly executed. The re-growth is usually lighter in color or finer in texture. However, this method too can be expensive, painful and requires eye protection.
USING CREAMS AND GADGETS
There are many creams and gadgets on the market that assist women in facial hair removal and body hair removal.
Depilatory creams use chemicals to dissolve the hairs at the skin’s surface. They are often used for facial hair removal or removal of hairs around the bikini line. Different creams can be purchased for different hair removal tasks. As these creams contain harsh chemicals, they may irritate the skin. For this reason, all creams should be tested on the skin before use.
Hair bleaches lighten the hair, so that it is becomes less visible. There are a number of hair bleaches available in the stores. Hair bleaches are popular for facial hair, where it is difficult to remove hair without waxing or undergoing permanent hair removal treatments, like laser facial hair removal.
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