Epilation with alexandrite laser. What is it, the pros and cons of the procedure, the cost

Epilation consists in removing unwanted hair by removing it together with the bulb (shugaring, wax strips) or by destroying it with a laser. The latter method is more effective, as it allows you to keep the skin smooth for up to 50 days. In beauty salons, a hair removal procedure using an alexandrite laser is in demand.

How does alexandrite laser work?

The laser acts on cells that contain a sufficient amount of melanin (dark coloring pigment on the skin, hair and hair follicles). The energy of the beam is absorbed by the hair follicle, then it is heated and destroyed. Additionally, under the influence of heat, the capillaries are sealed, providing nutrition and hair growth.

This effect prevents the appearance of vegetation for several years. Before epilation, a specialist diagnoses the skin and hair for the quantitative content of pigment in them, as well as how deeply the hair follicle is located. Based on the data obtained, the length of the beam and its intensity of impact on the treated area are selected.

With a small amount of pigment in the hair or with dark skin, the procedure is not effective.

Alexandrite, used in the laser, creates a beam with a diameter of 10-18 mm, which reduces the epilation time to 30-60 minutes (depending on the treated area and the density of vegetation). To relieve a painful symptom from the generated heat, a specialized system is built into the device for cooling the skin.

The laser beam is capable of affecting the bulbs in the active phase (approximately 1/3 of their total number), which are at rest, remain unaffected. Therefore, the procedure must be repeated 5-7 times with a break of 30-40 days to completely eliminate hair in the desired area. It is recommended to carry out epilation in the spring and winter periods, when the skin does not contain tanning.

The effectiveness of the procedure

Alexandrite laser (hair removal has a greater effect on light skin and dark hair) not only destroys the hair follicle (root), but also prevents the re-development of a new bulb in this area. When a full course of procedures is carried out at the required interval, vegetation is removed up to 92%.

Areas that can be laser treated

Epilation using alexandrite laser is the safest and most effective. Thanks to this, this procedure is allowed to be carried out on almost all areas of the skin.

Allowed laser treatment areas:

Before carrying out the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with its contraindications and disadvantages.

Pros and cons versus other techniques

Alexandrite laser (hair removal should be carried out only in proven salons) has advantages and disadvantages when compared with other methods of hair removal (shugaring, waxing procedures, using an epilator).

Even a single use of the laser allows you to achieve smoothness of the skin for 1-2 months.

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Indications for use

Hair removal using alexandrite laser is indicated in the following cases:

• increased amount of facial hair in females;
• the impossibility of depilation, the use of shugaring or the elimination of hair using a machine, due to the presence of contraindications or increased sensitivity of the skin;
• with ingrown hairs under the skin;
• the presence of light skin and dark hair. Which worsens the appearance even with a small amount of vegetation;
• increased hair growth due to hormonal disruption;

• requires the removal of not only hair on the skin, but also the elimination of pigmentation.

Additionally, this procedure is used when it is impossible to visit the salons frequently. Hair removal with the use of alexandrite laser eliminates vegetation for at least 30 days.

Contraindications

Alexandrite laser can be used after excluding contraindications for this type of hair removal.

Prohibitions on the procedure:

• herpes and other infectious diseases on the skin;
• inflammatory processes in the treated area;
• diabetes;
• the period of gestation of the child or his breastfeeding;
• colds;
• taking antibiotics;
• tumor formations of a benign or malignant nature;
• the predominance of gray hair in the treatment area;
• sunburn or dark skin;
• varicose veins, when removing vegetation on the legs;

• a large presence of pigmentation, as well as warts or moles;
• violation of the integrity of the skin (scratches, cuts);
• the presence of hormonal disruption (menopause, period after childbirth or miscarriage);
• malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• an allergic reaction to ultraviolet light or the gel used (used to cool the skin and increase its effectiveness);
• violation of blood composition and pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• adolescence (due to hormonal instability during this period);
• epilepsy and other diseases accompanied by voluntary muscle contraction.

For women, it is recommended not to epilate during menstrual flow.

How safe is alexandrite hair removal?

When the procedure is carried out by a competent specialist, using modern equipment and excluding contraindications, the likelihood of side effects is minimal.

Hair is removed from the skin by destroying the bulb.

As a result, the integrity of the epidermis is not compromised, there is no risk of infection.

Possible consequences

Alexandrite laser (hair removal may be accompanied by a negative reaction), if the rules of use are violated, can cause the development of side effects.

For instance:

• when using faulty equipment or if a specialist is inexperienced, it is possible to get burns, incomplete hair removal;

• inflammation of the hair follicle, develops if the rules of skin care are not followed during the recovery period;
• white spots in the presence of dark skin;
• an increase in the number of age spots when visiting a solarium or sunbathing during the recovery period;
• soreness of the procedure when using old equipment;
• red spots or dots due to vasodilation;
• allergic skin rashes accompanied by itching;
• violation of the quality of vision when ignoring the putting on of glasses during the procedure.

There may be a temporary burning sensation and dryness of the skin of the treated area.

If infectious diseases, tumors or pathologies of the cardiovascular system were not excluded, then the course of the disease worsens.

How does laser hair removal work?

Epilation takes place in 3 stages. The final result depends on the correct preparation for the procedure, the doctor's manipulations and skin care during the recovery period.

Training

The preparatory stage for the procedure begins with the choice of a clinic with qualified specialists and high-quality equipment.

Phased preparation:

• A visit to a therapist and dermatologist to exclude the presence of hidden contraindications.
• Passing diagnostics in the salon for the type of skin, determining the darkness of the hair and the depth of the bulb. Additionally, a specialist tests the reaction of the laser to a possible allergic reaction (use of a single radiation).
• 4 weeks before the manipulations, exclude visits to the solarium and sunbathing. They are contraindicated throughout the course. In the presence of bright sun, it is necessary to use creams with UV protection. It is recommended to start the procedure at the end of autumn, when the summer tan has disappeared. On average, the course ends by the summer season.
• For a month, manipulations to remove hair along with the bulb are excluded. Otherwise, the follicle is injured, which will affect the effectiveness of the procedure and increase the likelihood of side effects.
• Refuse aggressive cosmetics 3 weeks before epilation, especially at the treatment site.
• Depending on the area to be epilated, it may be necessary to remove hair in 7-10 days using a razor (other methods are prohibited). Their length during the procedure should be 3-5 mm. More often, hair removal is required, also using a razor, 24 hours before the procedure. This nuance is required to be discussed during the first visit to the salon.

• Avoid procedures that increase the likelihood of injury to the skin in the treatment area.
• Stop applying makeup in 3 days to keep the pores free.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 48 hours before going to the salon. If you have colds or have been taking antibiotics. Then the break from the moment of recovery to epilation should be at least 10 days.

Procedure progress

The procedure is carried out in the salon by a specialist and consists of the following stages:

1. The client sits down or lies down in a chair.
2. Specialized glasses are required on the eyes. This will protect the melanin in the iris from damage if accidentally hit by the laser beam.
3. The specialist treats the area with a disinfecting and anesthetic composition. If necessary, use an anesthetic gel.
4. According to preliminary diagnostics, the equipment is adjusted to the required parameters.
5. The site is being processed. Depending on the zone, the procedure can take from 15 to 90 minutes. The process may be accompanied by a slight burning sensation or tingling sensation.
6. Finally, a protective moisturizer is applied to the skin.
   

At the time of the manipulation, the patient is required to remain calm and not make movements. On the treated area, hairs fall out 7-10 days after the procedure. The epilation is repeated 30-40 days after the appearance of new vegetation from the awakened bulbs.

Skin care after the procedure

After the procedure, it is important to properly care for the treated area. Otherwise, the effectiveness of epilation will decrease and side effects may appear.

The duration of the recovery period is 10-14 days.

Care nuances:

• water procedures are prohibited for up to 36 hours (even rubbing);
• physical activity is limited due to the risk of increased sweating. It can irritate the follicles;
• bathing, baths and saunas are excluded for up to 14 days;
• in the presence of bright sun, use a cream that protects against UV rays;
• do not pull out the hair that is left. They will fall out on their own. Otherwise, damage to the skin is possible with subsequent tissue inflammation;
• remove new vegetation in the treated area only with a razor. Other procedures are contraindicated. Repetition of manipulations earlier than 30-40 days is prohibited;
• avoid tight clothing (except if the hair was removed on the face) as it can injure the treated area;
• in the presence of irritation on the skin, use bepanten or its analogues.

After the procedure, antibiotics and hormonal drugs should not be taken for 14 days. To moisturize the skin, use moisturizing cosmetics prescribed in the salon and consume more pure water.

How much effect is there

Alexandrite laser (hair removal allows you to get rid of vegetation for 30-50 days after the first procedure) helps to painlessly and for a long time, after completing a full course, remove excess body hair. The bulk of the vegetation is removed when the zone is treated. The rest falls out within 14 days.

New hairs appear after the “awakening” of the bulbs. This process is individual for everyone. It can take from 14 days to 2 months. To eliminate them, you need to repeat the manipulations. The course ends after the complete cessation of hair growth. On average, the frequency is 7 epilation. Further growth of vegetation is possible in 5-7 years or will not resume.

Types of lasers for hair removal - which laser is better?

It is not just alexandrite laser that can be used to eliminate unwanted vegetation. They differ in wavelength, penetration depth and beam diameter.

Types and features of lasers:

It is not recommended to choose the type of laser yourself and insist on choosing it in the salon.

The appropriate option is determined by a specialist according to the indications, and the presence of contraindications is also taken into account.

How much does hair removal cost in salons?

The price of a procedure using alexandrite laser varies from treatment area, salon level and region:

The alexandrite laser is allowed to get rid of vegetation for a long time, even after a single procedure. Before carrying out it, it is recommended to clarify the presence of contraindications not only from specialists in the salon, but also from a therapist. The procedure takes place without pain. With proper treatment of the skin, epilation has no side effects.

Author: Kotlyachkova Svetlana

Article design: Anna Vinnitskaya

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