Archive for September, 2005

Fitzpatrick’s skin type I through VI

Friday, September 30th, 2005

Analysis of skin type of each patient is necessary to determine the methodology that would be effective on that particular client and also would be safe on his skin. Human skin is classified into several skin types based on its reaction towards exposure to sun, susceptibility towards tanning and phenotype. Usually the skin is classified based on attributes like skin color and MED (minimal erythema dose). During laser treatment heat energy is passed towards skin surface and hence the ability of human skin to dissipate heat is very important factor influencing the effectiveness and safety for the epidermal cells. Fitzpatrick gave a popular classification of skin types based on which medical practitioners determined the laser technique that would be best for that particular patient.

Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Types
Skin Type Characteristic
I Always burns, never tans
II Always burns, sometimes tans
III Sometimes burns, always tans
IV Rarely burns, always tans
V Moderately pigmented
VI Black skin

Read More: Fitzpatrick

Studies Support Effectiveness of LightSheer Diode Laser systems

Thursday, September 29th, 2005

Intensive researches are carried out before FDA approves any new laser equipment for commercial utilization. Studies carried out at

Massachusetts

’s reveal that pulsed, high-power diode laser system is effective for long-term laser hair reduction. Equipment used for the research study was an 800nm pulsed infrared diode laser. The factors considered for study were the effect of single or multiple treatments, differences that occurred while applying single or multiple pulses of laser beam and the effect that varying fluences had on different skin types. The laser system under observation also used a cooling method for the safety of epidermal cells. Studies emphasized the influence of diverse wavelength, cooling, fluence and number of treatments at varying situations.

The final results concluded that:

“A measurable growth delay was seen in all patients (100%) at all fluence/pulse width configurations tested; this growth delay was sustained for 1-3 months. Hair regrowth stabilized at 6 months at all fluences; there was no further hair regrowth between 6, 9 and 12 months.”

Read more: Laser hair removal by Massachusetts doctors

Cooling Facility Enhances Laser Performances

Wednesday, September 28th, 2005

Some latest laser devices come with inherent cooling systems. A method of cooling simultaneously when applied with high wavelengths of laser beams ensures safety of the skin epidermis. Greater intensity of light energy is occasionally required to treat patients with special considerations and light hair color; this increases the risk of damage being caused to the skin surface. But using one of the cooling techniques for prevention of skin burn highly reduces chances for any major side effects and pain.

Cooling techniques popularly used by medical practitioners include use of a clear gel that is at chilled temperatures. Another type of contact cooling is also possible where reduction in temperature is brought through cool circulating water. Using a cryogen cooling spray just before and after inducing laser pulses facilitate skin cooling while the hair follicles are destroyed by high-density lasers. Several studies support cooling methods as a safe precautionary measure to combat damage of epidermal cells while using maximum energy densities during treatment sessions.

Fluence - Significant Contributing Factor for Laser Effectiveness

Tuesday, September 27th, 2005

Energy emitted per unit area of a laser beam refers to the Fluence of the device at that particular instance. A diligent selection of energy levels according to various skin types is required for effective reduction of unwanted hair without much pain or side effects.

Light sheer diode lasers after careful setting for exact fluence is found to be suitable on most types of skin. They also pose less risk to the epidermis and are almost safe when operated under competent supervision. Adjusting the level of energy per unit area of the body according to desired results and patients skin types is essential for obtaining utmost results.

According to one of the:

Study of Very Long-Pulsed (100 ms) High-Powered Diode Laser for Hair Reduction on All Skin Types, 2000,

“Preliminary results demonstrate that very long pulse widths do not significantly decrease the efficacy for medium to course hair reduction for any given fluence.”

Read more: LightSheer

Studies Comparing Spot Light and Wavelengths of Laser Systems

Monday, September 26th, 2005

Prior to accepting any laser methodology that would be practiced by consumers an extensive research to evaluate effects that various types of laser treatments would have is an absolute necessity. Studies supporting use of several different combinations of wavelengths, laser spotlight and whether applying local anesthesia would be more convenient for the patient or not needs to be evaluated before finalizing the procedure for laser treatment on human skin.According to a top California site a study conducted on group of 12 patients with different spot sizes helped find a better method of using laser systems on patients.
The conclusion of the extensive study was:
“Topical 5% lidocaine cream is a simple and effective method for reducing patient discomfort during laser hair removal procedures, even when a skin cooling device is being used. A larger spot size causes more pain than a smaller spot size at identical fluencies. The 800 nm diode laser causes greater discomfort than the 755 nm alexandrite laser.
Read More: Laser Hair Removal Clinics

Laser Preparation before Treatments

Sunday, September 25th, 2005

Although laser hair removal treatments basically work fine with most skin types and do not depend much on personal lifestyles of people. According to experts candidates with no smoking history and those minimum tanning by sun exposure are best suited for the treatment. A patient without a history of allergy or herpes infection is a preferred client. Before finalizing a plan for laser technique an enquiry about any specific medical complication history of the patient needs to be evaluated.

After considering the history and present state of patient’s skin and body the medical practitioner may also advice the patient to abstain from using any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or dietary supplements like niacin and vitamin E. A person with recent sunburn or tanning of skin must wait till the dark effects on the skin fades off so that there is less risk for blistering or discoloration. Any temporary hair removal methods should be avoided for some time before undergoing laser treatment.

Read more: Laser Preparation

Laser Treatment for Transsexual Patients

Saturday, September 24th, 2005

Due to certain birth disorders transexuality may be caused which might create a wrong physical appearance for the person who is a transgender patient. These people are opposite in their physical appearance and their inner brain and hence they require special cosmetic treatments. A transformation from male to female or a female to male would lead to off beam development of hair. Laser technique is very effective in even solving these typical hair problems. Once treated by expert technicians transgender patients can lead a respectful life and move around with more confidence. Rogers Medical Clinic is well known for their excellent services provided in this respect and a space in their website states that:

“Transgender patients have specific cosmetic needs. Typically, this tends to be male to female because of pre-existing male pattern hair loss as well as facial and body hair that needs removing. However, female to male transsexuals can also have cosmetic concerns that we can help with.”

Read more : Transexual

Laser Hair Removal - Advantages and Limitations

Friday, September 23rd, 2005

Permanent hair removal methods comprise a major part of the cosmetic industry in recent times. Advantages of laser process lies in the fact that it is free from any needle insertion process and also does not involve applying any harsh chemicals on skin. It’s a scientific process involving light beams that usually do not have any major side effects. As thousands of hair can be confiscated in one go the process is very feasible for larger areas of treatment.

Apart from all the positivism regarding lasers some limitations pertaining to the treatment does exist. Although lasers assure lifetime hair elimination yet in some cases there might be regrowth of fine, light colored hair after a while. Since the process is technical, requires expert professionals and expensive devices the process may seem to be very costly for some. Typically laser treatments do not involve any injury to the skin or side tissues yet in some cases there may be minor burns, scars, rashes or redness of skin.

Multiple treatments necessary for effective hair removal

Thursday, September 22nd, 2005

Human hair follows a complete cycle for hair growth. Hair growth is
basically classified into three stages of development. The stages are popularly
known as the growing, intermediate and shedding phase. Technically one may call
them as Anagen, Catagen and Telogen respectively. All the hair in our body is
at different stages of growth cycle at a particular point of time. Hair has
pigment and visible only in the Anagen phase. So Laser hair treatment is
effective only when it reaches the hair follicle that is in the Anagen stage.
Hence it makes sense to have multiple laser treatment to reach maximum hair in
the Anagen stage.

Laser treatment works on the principle that light energy is absorbed by
darker color and light color reflects most light that falls on it. So the light
colored patient’s skin is prevented from absorbing light beams and getting
burned where as melanin in the hair follicle attracts light so it gets damage.

Laser treatment-also suitable for unnatural hair growth

Wednesday, September 21st, 2005

Hair removal is necessary not only to get rid form regular unwanted growth of hair in certain body parts but sometimes also as a remedy against abnormal increase in hair growth. This irregular rise in hair may be caused either as a side effect of any hormone intake or as a reaction to certain medications that where ingested to cure some disease. Extra hair growth might even be an outcome of any illness or may be due to hereditary factors. What ever is the cause, an unprecedented increase in hair makes it even more important to avail a permanent laser hair reduction process.

Whether a male or female both would find laser solutions an easy and effective way to get rid of extra hair on the body. Laser hair solutions helps one remain steer clear of other messy hair reduction techniques. It involves accurately targeted laser lights that reach every hair follicle and destroy it.