Laser Hair Removal giving women a choice
By Aubry Baily, May 2009
Staff Writer
Laser hair removal has given women the choice to rid themselves of unwanted hair, permanently.
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that safely removes unwanted hair without damaging the skin, according to Jennifer Donovan, lead esthetician and laser technician at Amomi Wellness Center and Spa in Phoenix.
At Amomi Wellness Center and Spa, a Sciton Profile laser system is used for laser hair removal.
The Sciton Profile laser system uses laser light—an intense, pulsating beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where the energy is absorbed and transformed into heat, disabling the follicle while leaving the surrounding area unaffected.
The hair being treated will begin to work its way out of the follicle and will start to fall out between 10 to 14 days after the treatment, said Donovan.
According to Amomi Wellness Center and Spa, hair revolves through three phases of growth: anagen, catagen and telogen. It is only during the anagen (growing) phase that hair reacts to intense pulse light.
 |
Photo by Aubry Baily |
Results vary with each individual and skin type, said Donovan. The duration of hair growth differs based upon the body location being treated.
A series of five treatments are usually necessary over a time span (6 to 8 week intervals) in order to remove hair from most areas, said Donovan. Final results may not be apparent for several months post treatment.
“Each treatment usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour depending on the area being treated,” said Devon Sciria, a medical esthetician at Physical Skin Solutions at Arrowhead and student at Glendale Community College.
Both Sciria and Donovan have been performing laser hair removal for four years and have personally had the procedure done.
All skin types I through VI can be treated, according to Donovan. Skin type I is very fair, always burns and never tans (usually blonde hair and blue eyes). Skin type VI never burns (dark skin, dark hair and eyes).
Laser hair removal can be performed on different areas of the body including upper lip and chin, underarms or forearms, the bikini area, lower or upper legs, back or shoulders.
According to Donovan, men sometimes
have laser hair removal performed on their feet, hands, fingers or face.
“Laser hair removal is definitely worth it,” said Sciria, “I would recommend it to anyone. The best part is the money you save on razors, the time you save in the shower and the amount of time saved not having to shave.”
People may experience a little discomfort during the treatment, according to Donovan.
There is 85 percent permanent hair reduction after the procedure is complete, said Sciria. Pregnancy or hormones may cause results to differ.
Amomi Wellness Center and Spa does not recommend having laser hair removal during pregnancy. Hormones stimulate hair growth during a pregnancy, therefore the hair is likely to grow back.
Laser hair removal does not work with red, blonde or gray hairs. The laser attracts dark colored hair. “If you have dark, coarse hair you’ll receive the best results,” said Donovan.
According to Rita DelVecchio, administrator of Amomi Wellness Center and Spa, each patient comes in for their initial visit and free consultation. Here the procedure is discussed as well as any medical conditions.
“It is extremely important to disclose all necessary medical information during the consultation as well as follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions to prevent possible side effects from the procedure,” said Donovan.
Side effects may include redness, pigmentary changes of the skin, blisters, scarring or hot spots may occur if these instructions are not followed, said Donovan.
The patient needs to avoid direct sunlight two weeks prior and throughout the whole treatment, according to Donovan. The patient also needs to make sure to apply SPF 35 or more before and after each treatment.
The patient should not wax or tweeze the area for 2-4 weeks prior to the procedure; however the patient can shave before the first treatment and throughout the entire procedure, said Donovan.
Amomi Wellness Center and Spa offers competitive pricing as well as monthly specials, said DelVecchio. Each body area has a different price and every person’s skin requires a different number of treatments for the best results.
“Laser hair removal has become extremely popular,” said Donovan. “Laser machines have become much more advanced in technology, much safer and much quicker. People are now seeing maximum results in minimal time.”
|
