Cosmetic Medicine by Dr Eddie Roos

COSMETIC MEDICINE
‘Laser and IPL
treatments
can eliminate
unwanted hair
from all over
the body
and face’
band being flicked against your skin and any discomfort is typically soothed by
the cooling device used simultaneously to take the heat out of the skin. Efficacy
depends on the area being treated and can be influenced by sex, age and
hormones. However, studies show an average hair loss of approximately 80
percent after six to eight treatments, conducted six to eight weeks apart.
Treatments are spaced to take into account the hair growth cycle: Anagen
(active growth phase); Catagen (transitional period); and Telogen (resting phase).
There is variation in the duration of anagen and telogen phases in different
body sites. There is also seasonal variation, which means in summer there’s a
higher rate of growth and slower growth during winter.
Different lasers The Ruby laser (694nm), Alexandrite laser (755nm), Diode
laser (810nm), Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) as well as IPL have been commonly used
for hair removal. The Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are recommended for hair
removal in patients with Fitzpatrick fairer skin types of 1 to 3.
The Diode laser can be used in the range of Fitzpatrick skin types (1 to 5) – from
fair with red hair to very dark skin. The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, functioning at
a wavelength of 1064nm, can be used on all skin types and is the safest device
for hair removal in very dark-skinned patients due to its long wavelength and the
reduced risks of hypo-pigmentation.
INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)
This non-laser technology uses light wavelengths that safely target either melanin
or haemoglobin in the skin. While it was developed for skin concerns, a side
effect of the treatment recognised and harnessed is the reduction of hair growth.
IPL sources have been used primarily for hair removal in patients with
Fitzpatrick skin type 1 to 4 and light hairs (blonde, grey and white) tend only
to be treatable if they are coarse in nature. Unlike lasers, IPL devices produce
a broad spectrum of light in a range of wavelengths. This versatility allows the
characteristics of the light energy to be adjusted according to each patient’s skin
type, specific condition and location of the condition.
During the procedure, pulses of intense light are fired at the skin through
varying filters, which isolate specific wavelengths of light. Similarly to laser, the
pigment is targeted and preferentially absorbed, heated and selectively destroyed
by certain light wavelengths without damaging surrounding tissues.
A minimum of four to six treatments are likely to be required to see results and
ongoing treatment is recommended. Darker skin colour and lighter coloured hair
will require more treatments, as there is less melanin in the hair roots and the
machine cannot be operated at full capacity.
The usual downtime with IPL modalities is minimal to none. Straight after IPL a
slight burning sensation can occur for a few hours. Temporary discolouration can
occur for around three to four days after the procedure and will flake off slowly.
Short-term side effects include reddening of the skin (erythema), temporary
bruising and oedema (swelling). Reactions such as scabbing and blistering
are possible though rare. It’s important to protect skin from UV light with daily
sunscreen application.
ELECTROLYSIS
Cosmetic Elegance Clinic also offers electrolysis treatment for blonde, white or
grey hairs. The treatment uses galvanic current and thermolysis to destroy the
hair follicle. During treatment, a probe is inserted into each individual hair follicle
to be removed.
DR EDDIE ROOS WWW.COSMETICELEGANCE.COM.AU // 31