Diode laser hair removal. Apparatus for the procedure, preparation, how the laser works. Reviews, before and after photos

Diode laser hair removal is considered one of the most effective and long-term effective methods of getting rid of unwanted body hair. Classic hair removal by shaving has a very short-term effect and is considered a quick, temporary procedure, because it removes only the upper part of the hair without affecting the bulb.

Diode laser hair removal: the essence of the method

Diode laser hair removal is considered the most painless and safest of similar procedures. The laser beam acts on the melanin contained in the hair shaft and hair follicle. Cells containing melanin are first heated by rays and then destroyed. The procedure must be repeated, because the first session is not able to completely destroy inactive bulbs.

After 3-4 weeks, the follicles remaining in the epidermis pass into the active phase, and laser hair removal not only removes active hair follicles, but also destructively affects the nascent, which are in an inactive state. After several sessions, a weakening of hair growth is noticeable, a change in their structure (they become thinner) and growth rate.

Coarse hair becomes more invisible and soft, while soft hair disappears altogether.

By acting directly on the hair follicles, the use of a diode laser guarantees that they will not be restored in the future. Any skin type on which the diode laser is applied does not feel painful.

The diode laser has a considerable amount of optical fibers at the tip of the machine, which contributes to the even distribution of laser beams over the desired area of ​​the skin.

How does a diode laser affect hair

The laser beam hits the skin area, and the melanin pigment absorbs the beam that is contained in the hair. As a result, first that part of the hair that protrudes above the skin area is burned, and then, after a certain time, the rest of it falls out, which remains inside.

Several sessions contribute to the complete death of the follicle. Over time, the hair becomes thinner, grows less often, and eventually ceases to appear at all in the treated areas. Discomfort drowns out the cooling built into the handpiece and the gel that is applied to the area before the procedure.

The diode laser can have 2 light beam lengths, which is good for different skin types. During a flash of light, the laser destroys the pigment (melanin) through a thermal effect. It only takes a split second for the beam to reach the hair follicle. The follicle dies when the cell heats up to 80˚С.The whole process first slows down and then stops hair growth over time.

The diode laser has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. The remaining hair in the skin will not fall out immediately, but after a certain period of time, mostly after 2 weeks from the start of the procedure. The "clean" area will be clearly visible and smooth, hairless skin will form at the site of hair growth.

The difference between diode hair removal and alexandrite laser hair removal

In diode laser hair removal, the laser wavelength is 810nm, while alexandrite laser hair removal is only 755nm. Diode hair removal is used on different skin types and is capable of removing coarse hair. The alexandrite laser is able to remove only light and red hair, and it also removes tattoos.

The alexandrite laser is more effective on light areas of the skin, with a slight tan, and incorrectly aligned parameters can even lead to a burn. The diode laser can be used to perform the procedure on highly tanned skin areas.

The alexandrite laser copes better with light hair, because the diode laser only affects dark pigment, which is not in red and gray hair. The cooling system is considered better for the alexandrite laser, because only the nozzle cools in the diode laser, but this also contributes to a painless procedure in sensitive areas.

Pros and cons of the procedure

Diode laser hair removal has negative sides in the procedure:

• redness may occur on the skin area, which disappear over time;
• with a low pain threshold, painful sensations are possible during the procedure, and this also applies to owners of hard black hair. But this problem is solved by treating the skin with an anesthetic;
• not a small list of contraindications for groups of persons who are prohibited from this procedure: allergies, injuries, pregnancy, the presence of many birthmarks, various diseases, etc .;
• the cost of the procedure may not be small, because more than one session will be required to completely get rid of hair;
• does not immediately remove inactive follicles, which will eventually enter the active phase.

The positive aspects of the procedure include:

• the removal procedure is not long in time, because the diode laser captures a large area, and is also capable of working even while driving;
• the laser copes with both dark and light hairs (gray and red hairs are not included here), even a very rigid structure. The device is capable of working on tanned skin;
• no scar formation and ingrown hairs;
• the laser beam does not affect the internal organs, it is completely safe;
• painless procedure using a gel for a little anesthesia. Also, during epilation, the device slightly cools skin areas;
• copes well with sensitive areas (bikini area, face, crotch area);
• the power of the device is selected for the type of skin;
• excludes thermal skin burns;
• safety, which means that no areas of the skin are damaged, which reduces the risk of infection;
• since the diode laser does not touch the skin, it remains smooth and silky, without visible scars and burns.

Which areas can be treated with diode laser hair removal

Be sure to take into account all the features of the skin, the structure and length of the hair, the color of the skin, the presence of diseases and taking medications before the procedure.

Diode laser hair removal is performed on the following areas:

• on the face: cheeks, upper lip, eyebrows, nape;
• upper body: axillary zones, décolleté, chest and back;
• bikini and buttocks area;
• leg area: thighs, shins, the entire leg area, fingers;
• arm area: upper and lower elbows, hands, fingers.

Preparation for laser hair removal with diode laser

Epilation on the basis of a diode laser copes even with tanned skin areas, but best of all before the procedure:

• avoid "sunbathing" for 2 weeks. If it is not possible to avoid the sun, then it is advisable to treat the skin areas that will be epilated with a sunscreen that has high UV protection criteria;
• exclude visits to the solarium and other methods of applying artificial tanning;
• do not remove hair with tweezers, wax and shugaring before the procedure. Do not use a cream to slow down hair growth for a month or a month and a half before the procedure;
• shave off the hair on the eve of epilation so that at the time of the procedure, the height of the hair is about 1 mm. If the hair is more than 1mm, then the laser action will last longer, because how much energy is spent on destroying the hair itself, and not the bulb;
• under no circumstances apply any cosmetics or ointments before laser removal;
• do not lighten hair in the area that will be subject to diode laser hair removal.

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How painful is diode hair removal?

The hair follicle heats up during the procedure, in some areas there is a slight soreness, but it is not so great in comparison with conventional laser hair removal, it is easily tolerated by many patients.

When using a diode laser, the skin does not get very hot, the temperature is mainly focused on the hair follicles, so there is no irritating effect on the skin. Even if the treated area has high pain sensations (for example, the bikini area), then there is a way out in the absence of pain testing.

After the epilation is completed, a soothing cream or spray is applied to the skin, and a cooling gel is used throughout the procedure. Some brands of diode devices have properties that reduce painful sensations during epilation.

Can pain relief be done?

To eliminate discomfort during the procedure, they resort to the use of anesthetic drugs. The drugs that are used during pain relief are completely safe and do not include a course of pills or drugs. Painkillers for diode hair removal are most often ointments and sprays, which are anesthesia, if desired, you can even apply an injection.

How is diode laser hair removal performed?

Depending on the area to be treated and hair structure, the procedure can take 15 minutes or several hours. The most labor-intensive and time-consuming processes are the areas of the legs and arms, because these are the areas with the greatest hairline and the hair on them can be coarse.

The procedure for epilation with a diode laser is very simple and includes the following steps:

• the specialist, before starting work, selects the most suitable variant of the processing method;
• if necessary, before starting the procedure, the place is treated with an antiseptic (for example, a medical gel that is used for ultrasound, ointments, sprays);
• location in a convenient area for the procedure on a couch or armchair, because some procedures can take more than one hour;
• the use of eye protection for both the person performing the procedure and the patient;
• surface treatment of the problem area. Sometimes during processing, an unpleasant odor can be felt;
• After all hair removal procedures, a skin regeneration cream is applied to soothe the skin.

The average number of sessions that are carried out during epilation with a diode laser is 3-7 times. During this time, it is possible to completely get rid of unwanted hair, which will not bother for a very long time, or even always.

In order to prevent the formation of new hair growth, it is necessary to follow a course that supports the destruction of the bulbs and do the procedure at least 1 time a year.

Duration of the procedure

The duration of the procedure depends on the zone and structure of the hair, but the average duration is:

How long to wait for the result?

Diode laser hair removal will not fully show the entire result after the first session, because the first time laser treatment will only be able to remove active bulbs, and there are about 30% of those available.

Several sessions are capable of destroying follicles that were previously in a dormant phase. It will take an average of 4 to 6-7 sessions of diode laser treatment. The result will depend on several factors, which are based on the structure of the hair, the quality of the work and the apparatus itself.

For everyone, there is an individual course of therapy that can only be selected by a specialist, based on the analysis and effect of previous procedures.

Required number of procedures

The interval of sessions can be 3-6 weeks, then it will increase for each session by an average of two weeks. Supportive procedures are also recommended 1-2 times a year.

It cannot be assumed how much the number of procedures may be needed, because each organism is individual, and in many ways the number may depend on:

• hormonal status of the body;
• concomitant diseases (if any);
• taking medications.

If you do not do maintenance procedures, then within 6-8 years the hairline can be completely restored and the complex of all procedures will have to be started anew, so it is best to stick to maintenance epilation once or twice a year. In this case, if you do not adhere to supporting courses, then completely restored hair will not be so coarse and dark.

Skin care after laser hair removal

To consolidate the effect and calm the skin after diode laser hair removal, you should follow some rules:

• apply a soothing cream containing panthenol to the areas that have undergone epilation, apply it for 3-5 days;
• if the skin is very dry after the procedure, then apply a moisturizer;
• to reduce water procedures to a minimum, some experts recommend not to wet the treated area for up to 2 days, but it is best to abandon the bath, bath and pools within 3 days;
• do not use too oily and heavy cream, which clogs the pores and prevents the skin from breathing, this may cause acne;
• do not use creams containing retinol and glycolic acid, they are contraindicated after laser hair removal;
• do not sunbathe for 2-3 days, and if exposure to sunlight is inevitable, then use a sunscreen of 35 SPF, as well as containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide;
• do not massage the area and area where hair removal was carried out;
• do not apply alcohol-containing substances to the areas, do not use scrubs;
• do not pull out or touch the hair after the procedure and during the entire course of the passage;
• do not perform physical activity for a week so that the work of the sweat glands is not intense;
• the resulting redness after epilation will go away by itself, in no case should you cool them down and not overheat, otherwise the redness will only worsen and resume.

Rehabilitation period

Redness on the treated skin area after the procedure is considered normal. If there is a burning sensation, itching, then it is better to immediately consult a doctor. Redness of the skin disappears during the day, if you do not take into account possible allergic reactions.

With the correct implementation of the recommendations of the cosmetologist after the procedure, no complications arise, a special recovery period is not required.

The cost of diode laser hair removal (average prices in Moscow)

Diode laser hair removal is not considered a very cheap pleasure, the average cost of the procedure is:

Contraindications

Diode hair removal has a number of contraindications for such categories of persons. The procedure is contraindicated:

• people with skin diseases, inflammation;
• patients with tuberculosis;
• there are a huge number of birthmarks on the treated area;
• if the hair removal is carried out in the area of ​​the legs, then there should be no diseases in this area such as varicose veins;
• suffering from diabetes mellitus;
• if there are diseases of the cardiovascular system or other internal organs;
• there are viral skin diseases such as fungus or herpes;
• sick with colds;
• if there is an open wound on the treated area, then the procedure is not allowed in this area;
• lactation period or bearing a child at any time;
• diode epilation in the chest area is not allowed in the presence of breast diseases, the same applies to the bikini area if there are diseases of the small pelvis;
• various oncological diseases;
• the use of laser hair removal is not recommended for those suffering from convulsive syndrome (epilepsy).

Side effects

Side effects can be judged after 2-3 hours of the procedure. This method of hair removal does not have a huge list of side effects, because the diode laser is safer than others.

From its use, scars, burns do not remain, the only thing that can cause discomfort after using a diode laser:

• increased sensitivity in treated areas;
• the appearance of a rash;
• discoloration of the skin;
• irritation.

Epilation with a diode laser is considered an effective and simple procedure that does not cause pain and ensures that unwanted hair gets rid of for years.

Article design: Olga Pankevich

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