The Science of Laser Hair Removal

Posted Tuesday, August 23, 2011 to PROCEDURES > Skin

Posted by Paul Getz, M.D.; Board-Certified Dermatologist

By: Paul Getz, M.D.

Plucking, tweezing and waxing are not typically included in anyone's list of favorite activities. To avoid that time-consuming routine, my patients often ask me about laser hair removal at my Chicago area dermatology practice. Although many women and men with varying skin types have found it to be effective, few people understand the science behind laser hair removal.

On a basic level, laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles using a beam of light. The brown pigment, known as melanin, absorbs the light energy creating heat inside the cells which create the hair follicle. The hair follicle is destroyed from the inside out and as a result, the excess hair in the targeted regions is removed. This reduces or eliminates the need for traditional hair removal methods. Because the laser energy only targets the hair follicle without harming the surrounding skin, you don't need to worry about downtime for recovery.

Advances in laser technology have made it possible to treat all skin types, including the very darkest skin, with laser hair removal. For very dark pigment specialized lasers are required. The easiest way to determine if this procedure is right for your cosmetic needs is to meet with an experienced dermatologist.

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