DIODE LASER AFFECTS ONLY THE HAIR FOLLICLE
Diode laser uses a light source with specific wavelengths, which enable the hair follicle to be reached and targeted, causing it to die off and the hair to fall out. It is based on the principle of thermokinetic selectivity, which enables the laser to target just the hair and not the skin and surrounding tissues.
EPIL8 DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
Laser Epil8 Trilogy offers a quick hair-removal solution that enables you to dispose of your razor, tweezers and epilator forever.
As a result of current technologies, laser therapy is the safest and most effective semi- or permanent hair removal technique. Excess hair can be removed in just a few sessions. The laser is based on the principle of thermokinetic selectivity. During the procedure, the melanin-rich follicle attracts the laser beam, which reaches the follicle, fragmenting and progressively weakening it. Between sessions, the hair will appear weaker and thinner. The skin will become smooth and epilated with none of the unsightly effects of shaving, ingrown hairs or folliculitis.
DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL EFFECTIVENESS
The effectiveness of this hair removal system is based on a number of factors. It generally takes 4-12 sessions to achieve the desired outcome. In addition, 1-2 maintenance sessions are required each year: these are usually done in the springtime. For the best results, no more than 8 weeks should elapse between treatments. There are some cases in which diode laser hair removal is ineffective, such as on white, blonde and red hair. Results may also vary depending on the client’s phototype (lighter skin “responds better” than darker skin), age, gender and the anatomical site of treatment. Lastly, there are some factors that may influence treatment such as endocrine dysfunction (which causes hypertrichosis and hirsutism) and the use of certain medication.
DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL: CONTRAINDICATIONS
Diode laser treatment cannot be performed in certain situations, e.g., during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as on clients with epilepsy. Other contraindications are pacemaker-wearers; clients with metal, auditory and electrical prostheses; damaged skin, inflammatory dermatological diseases, skin infections or recurrent herpes simplex virus in the area to be treated; thrombophlebitis or large varices; neoplasia.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR DIODE LASER TREATMENT AND WHAT IT INVOLVES
It is the operator’s responsibility to explain how to prepare for the treatment, however it is generally recommended that the area is shaved prior to treatment. For successful hair removal, there must be an initial meeting between the operator and the client in order to determine any physical characteristics that may influence the treatment. The size and structure of the hair, the client’s age and sex, the client’s overall state of health, the hair and skin’s history and the client’s phototype are subsequently examined. An analysis of these factors will be decisive in establishing the treatment plan. Protective goggles must be worn during the laser session and a hydrating water-based gel is applied to the skin beforehand. It takes around 10-20 minutes to treat each area. The diode laser is painless, however you may experience slight tingling. If you make the operator aware of this, the laser’s power can be adjusted accordingly.
DOS AND DON’TS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT
In addition to shaving the area to be treated, certain rules must be adhered to, in order to ensure that the treatment is effective and safe.
Any photosensitizing drugs should be stopped before treatment as they may cause unpleasant skin reactions. If the drug cannot be suspended, diode laser hair removal is contraindicated. Do not bleach the hair or use tweezers, waxes and depilatory creams in the 5-6 weeks prior to treatment.
Self-tanners should be stopped at least a week before treatment. Sun exposure and tanning beds should be avoided in the 4 days before and after laser treatment, as should exposure to heat sources (such as saunas and steam rooms). Peels and exfoliants should not be used in the 2 days prior to treatment.
Do not use perfumes or alcohol-based products on the area to be treated. If there are any moles, tattoos or scars in the area to be treated, they will be covered with white pencil or a piece of paper by the operator.
IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY UNDESIRED OUTCOMES, THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE OPERATOR MUST BE FOLLOWED
After the treatment, the use of waxes and depilatory creams should be avoided in order not to irritate the skin. Shaving should also be reduced.
HOW MUCH DOES DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL COST? PRICES VARY DEPENDING ON THE SESSIONS
The cost of diode laser hair removal is extremely variable and depends on the size of the area to be treated: e.g., the underarms compared to an entire leg. Prices range from €20-140. Contact a qualified centre with top-of-the-range technology.