If you're tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking, you might consider laser hair removal as an alternative method for removing unwanted growth. You may wonder about the procedure, whether it hurts, and how effective it is for removal. By learning about the process, you can determine whether you wish to try it. The Basics Laser hair removal involves a machine that emits a bright flash of light. When directed through the filter and lens of the machine and onto the skin, the light moves through the skin to contact follicles. The time that it takes for the movement of the light happens in a mere fraction of a second. When the energy meets tissue, friction occurs, which creates heat. The resulting heat causes permanent damage of the bulb, making it impossible for it to ever produce growth again. Growth Cycles Growth occurs in three distinct cycles - the anagen, catagen, and telogen cycle. During the main growing stage, the anagen phase, melanin is present in significant amounts, and the hair and the root are firmly connected. This stage typically lasts about two to three weeks. During the catagen phase, growth is transitioning between the active and the resting phases. This hair will not grow any longer, and soon it will disconnect from the root and fall out. This phase may last between two and seven days. After detachment and falling out, the follicle enters the final stage, the telogen phase. During this time, rest occurs. No growth is visible from the skin. Follicles in this phase may stay at this point for any length of time - between one week and a year or longer. Success of Removal The anagen phase is the stage in which laser hair removal will destroy the active bulbs. Only between 15 and 20 percent of the entire growth on the body is in the anagen stage at one time, meaning that laser hair removal can only target up to 20 percent of growth at one time. Typical Results Because treatments must occur over a period of time to target follicles in the active stage, multiple procedures are necessary. Many patients receive between six and eight procedures to provide satisfactory results. Individual results will vary depending on the color of hair, the color of skin, a patient's age, and genetic makeup of the patient. Atypical Results Because of the high temperatures of the beam of light and the process that occurs under the skin, it's possible for skin damage to occur. Blisters or burns could occur if the technician does not deliver the right amount of heat to the follicles for the correct length of time. It's also important to begin by cleaning the skin with isopropyl alcohol. The technician must test the temperature of the tool, cool the bulb periodically to maintain the correct temperature, and time each beam of light to ensure that it does not contact the skin for longer than one second. Laser hair removal performed by a trained and skilled technician should deliver the smooth results you want. When thinking of laser hair removal, Pensacola residents go to http://www.michellesmithmd.com/laserhairremoval.html.
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