Diode Laser Hair Removal treatment
What is Diode laser treatment?
Diode laser is a form of laser hair removal treatment that eliminates unwanted hair by emitting a beam of light, which is absorbed by the melanin pigment present in the hair. A diode laser is a low-energy laser that can be concentrated in the hair shaft to effectively destroy the hair without affecting the surrounding skin. Thus, Diode laser hair removal treatment offers a gentle touch treatment mechanism to remove hair while protecting the surrounding skin. It is an effective form of laser hair removal for all skin and hair types.
Diode Laser hair removal treatment Pre-Procedure
There are certain precautions that one may need to know before starting the laser hair removal procedure. These are needed in order for you to achieve the best results from the laser treatment hair removal sessions.
- Avoid tanning body areas 4-6 weeks before the treatment where you want to get the hair removal done as this may impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Since preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is important for the success of this process, avoid plucking, bleaching, or waxing your hair at least 3 weeks before the treatment.
- Wash the area being treated completely to remove any kind of oil present on the skin before the procedure to achieve the best results.
- Most dermatologists ensure the cleaning process thoroughly before the treatment; however, it can be easier if the patient can keep the skin oil-free before coming for the treatment session, in order to achieve the best results.
- The area, however, needs to be well-moisturized before and after the laser and the dermatologists will guide you with steps for a smooth and better response.
Diode Laser hair removal treatment Post-Procedure
Post the procedure the laser treatment may show some natural redness on the skin, which can be cooled down using cool compresses.
Skin moisturizers that are recommended by your dermatologists should be used to keep the skin well-hydrated.
Depending on your skin type the dermatologists may recommend other treatments.
A sunscreen with a high protection degree (30) or higher should be used for at least two weeks after the procedure to keep the treated skin from sun damage.
How does the Diode Laser procedure work?
Diode Lasers use laser light of lower energy to remove hair follicles by targeting the melanin present in the follicle region of hair. Melanin is used as its presence allows the laser to precisely target the follicle, heating, and damaging the hair follicle.
Individual hairs are targeted one at a time. Thus, a patient is treated throughout his/her hair growth cycle since all the hairs are actively growing at different times and stages.
Diode laser hair removal is a permanent procedure following a course of treatment customized to the patient hair type. Only under very rare circumstances such as a significant hormonal change does the diode laser procedure not permanent.
Why does one require multiple sessions?
At any given point in time, 30% to 75% of the hair is in the active stages, and therefore, only one-third or one-quarter of the hair follicles contain enough melanin dye to absorb the laser. Since the hair follicles undergo cycles of activity and inactivity, the laser beam may have damaged only the hair follicle that is in the active phase of its growth cycle. Therefore, the patient may need another session after a few months to a year to target all the hair follicles.
Usually, a gap of 4 to 6 weeks is given between each session, which may also vary with the area being treated. The number of laser hair treatments depends on the area that needs to be treated. Significant results can be seen in 3-5 treatments, while 7-10 treatments at different times may be helpful for complete and permanent removal.
Pros and cons of the Diode Laser Hair reduction Treatment
Pros of the treatment:
- The Diode laser hair reduction treatment is done with FDA-approved lasers.
- The procedure is very safe with little or no side effects
- Results are permanent
- Painless and hassle-free technique.
- In-growth hair problems seen in other hair removal procedures such as waxing can also be avoided since laser reduces hair growth by targeting the follicle.
- Skin pigmentations are also avoided in people who undergo this procedure, especially in areas like arms and legs.
After Care
A post-treatment follow-up session may be scheduled by your dermatologist to check on the procedure results and suggest any recommendations based on the patient’s personal basis for as long as 24–36 months. If nothing like that is suggested then the treatment needs no particular after-care procedure post a few months of treatment.
FAQ's
The Diode laser hair removal procedure must be avoided in the below scenarios:
- After direct exposure to the sun for long periods without the use of sunscreen creams
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual Cycle disorders where hair growth may be caused by a hormonal disorder.
- Immediately after the use of epilating hair removal methods
- Diseases of convulsions and epilepsy that are not yet controlled
- Vitiligo
- The presence of fresh wounds or skin infections
- History of keloids after wounds or surgery
- Avoid intensive exposure to the sun to acquire a tan.
- Delay laser hair removal in cases of skin irritation such as sunburn or ulcers
- Hair removal using a Razor is recommended 24 hours before the laser, but epilating methods are stopped 2 weeks before the laser session.
- Delay the laser session for a week after the use of acne ointments such as Retin A.
The laser treatment session depends on the size of the treatment area, ranging from about 2 minutes for the upper lip to an hour for the back for regular laser machines. Some Laser Diodes such as the MedioStar Pro XL or LightSheer Duet, which have larger laser spot sizes can take only about 10 minutes to perform the treatment.
In Many cases, very significant results can be seen in 3-5 treatments. It may be necessary to have 7-10 treatments at different times for complete and long-lasting removal. However, the results totally depend on the area of treatment and the patient’s hair growth cycle.
Laser hair removal is extremely safe. It is also safe for facial areas, although the laser pulse used on the face is much gentler than that used in other areas of the body where the skin is thicker.