What is diode laser hair removal?
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What is diode laser hair removal and how does it work?
Looking for a permanent hair removal product? Diode laser hair removal might be the right choice for you. This procedure has been growing in popularity in recent years and for good reason — it is highly effective and most importantly, it’s a good decision for both men and women.
It is a cosmetic medical procedure. It uses a pulsating beam of light emitted by a laser machine. In fact, this beam of light energy helps to remove and get rid of unwanted hair. Diode laser projects light within the visible to the infrared range (~810 nm) in order to target specific pigment cells. It works on both light and dark skin. However, it is more effective for darker, terminal hair than lighter, finer hair. Compared to other lasers, its wavelength offers the deepest penetration and superior melanin absorption.
The light beam of a diode laser penetrates under the skin to a depth of 1-4 mm, acting exclusively on the hair pigment, without affecting the skin, organs, circulatory or lymphatic system. This form of laser hair removal is an effective treatment of all skin and hair types in all seasons.
Diode laser hair removal is a laser treatment that gently removes hair while protecting the skin. The treatment is suitable for all skin types. It is an effective treatment. In many patients, it removes hair in the long term. The treatment can be performed with minimal discomfort to the patient.
How does the Procedure work?
Laser hair removal works on the principle called ‘selective photothermolysis’.
Melanin is the colour pigment present in skin and hair that absorbs this radiation, acting as the target matter.
The melanin in the hair follicles absorbs the intense heat of the laser.
This damages the hair follicle, hence inhibiting future hair growth.
That is why the treatment works best on those with light skin (low melanin) and dark hair (higher melanin) as the melanin in the hair draws the radiation away from the skin.
Speed and Efficacy
Diode laser hair removal is so popular because of its speed and efficacy.
A single session rarely takes as long as an hour anymore. In fact, it is an office-hour procedure, which means that is quick & ensures a speedy recovery.
This procedure has been proven to achieve ‘permanent hair reduction in 90% of the cases.
It ensures a stable reduction, in hair regrowth after a treatment regime.
Pre-Procedure
Don’t use wax or use other hair removal methods like plucking or electrolysis anytime before a laser hair removal treatment session.
Stay away from the sun, tanning beds, spray tans, tanning lotion, and chlorine water for at least a month before the treatment.
You can’t receive the treatment if you are facing a sunburn or even a sun tan, in order to avoid side effects like hyperpigmentation.
Don’t use scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams for 2 days before treatment, and chemical peels since 2 weeks prior.
Start using face mists and additional moisturizers if you find your skin getting more dry.
Post-Procedure:
Some swelling or blistering is common. Therefore, you can use an ice pack to help relieve it. It usually subsides within 2-3 days.
Use sunscreen (SPF 30) religiously post-treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Do not wax or pluck your hair even after the treatment, because pulling out hair follicles after laser hair removal hinders the process.
Avoid perfumes and deodorants for 24-48 hours after treatment.
The heat from the laser stays in your skin for a day, so don’t go to the gym or saunas in order to avoid creating a warm environment for the bacteria to breed in and give you spots.
Opt for lukewarm showers instead of hot showers in the first week after treatment.
Don’t use scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams even after treatment for 2 days, and chemical peels for 2 weeks.
Lastly, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling.
Benefits of Diode Laser Hair Removal
Diode laser for hair removal offers some unique benefits that include the following.
Safer and deeper penetration into the layer of the skin.
It removes some of the hair permanently.
Hair regrowth is finer and lighter.
The diode laser has a longer wavelength. Hence, the results are even better for dark-skinned people.
