Hair growth can occur in various places on the body, including those areas where it is unwanted. Excessive hair growth for both men and women can be clinically treated by a dermatologist. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are several methods of removing hair, but laser hair removal is the only permanent system. Laser hair removal methods are used by various facilities that all can provide positive results of reduced hair growth in specific areas.
YAG
A type of laser called the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser uses light to infiltrate the skin and reach the hair follicle. This type of laser is more frequently used on patients that have darker colors of hair, such as brown or black. The hair absorbs the light, which converts it into heat energy that damages the follicle. Eventually, the hair will fall out within two weeks, but more than one session may be required. Hair growth may recur after several months, but the hair is typically fine, thinner, and lighter in color than that which was removed.
Diode
The diode laser hair removal system works in a similar fashion as the YAG method. A difference in this method is that the diode has a shorter wavelength of light than the YAG, so the potential for changes in nearby skin or damage to the epidermis is greater. The diode works for fair skinned patients and may be operated on those with darker skin tones.
IPL
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another method of laser hair removal that uses laser light to focus on removing unwanted hair. IPL targets hair follicles at a very high speed, which is controlled by the operator of the machine. The high speed of IPL allows for removal of large sections of unwanted hair in a much shorter period of time. This minimizes pain involved and produces faster results. IPL may cause a change in the color of the skin surrounding the hair follicle, which is temporary, but this side effect is considered rare.
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