laser hair removal is a treatment that uses a special laser to destroy the cells that make up hair. It has a high hair removal effect and requires no maintenance semi-permanently. In this article:laser hair removalI will explain in detail what kind of treatment it is.
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What is laser hair removal?
This is a method that uses a special laser to react with the black pigment melanin contained in hair, and uses heat energy to destroy the hair roots, which contain the cells that grow hair. Laser irradiation is performed multiple times to target the exact cause of hair growth and prevent it from growing.
laser hair removal is a medical procedure and is performed by a doctor or nurse. At our hospital laser hair removal is characterized by detailed treatments such as a doctor checking the condition of the hair and skin and setting the machine.
Characteristics of laser hair removal
laser hair removal is highly effective in hair removal, and with a total of 5 to 6 treatments, approximately once every two months, hair removal can be achieved to the point where self-treatment is almost not necessary.
However, for areas with large amounts of hair, firm hair quality, and strong hair roots, such as men’s beards, treatment is performed approximately once a month, and the number of treatments is more frequent than for other areas. It will be.
The time required for one treatment depends on the area to be removed, but for armpits it takes about 5 minutes per side.
After the treatment, you may experience redness, swelling around the pores, or a tingling sensation. However, in most cases, it subsides within a few days with cooling and application of medicine after treatment.
How laser hair removal works
The treatment is performed using a system that takes into consideration the “hair cycle”, which is the growth cycle of hair. Each hair has a different hair cycle, repeating three periods: “growth phase”, “catagen phase”, and “telogen phase”.
Growth period
This is the period when the hair-forming cells and hair come into close contact, repeat cell division, and grow hair.
Regression period
This is the time when the hair root becomes keratinized, the cells that make hair separate from the hair, and growth stops. After this, the hair falls out during the resting phase.
Telogen
Hair growth has stopped and the hair-forming cells have separated from the hair.
The effect on hair can be especially expected for hair in the growth stage. This is because the cells that make hair are in close contact with the hair, and the heat from the laser that reacts with the melanin pigment in the hair can easily destroy the cells that make hair.
For hair in the catagen or resting phase, it is difficult to destroy the cells that make up the hair, so it is difficult to see any hair removal effects.
Since each hair cycle is different, we irradiate the laser repeatedly every two months to remove hair evenly.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and aesthetic hair removal?
Aesthetic hair removal is called “photohair removal”. Similarly, it uses the power of light to remove hair. However, the machines used in beauty salons are unapproved machines with less power than medical hair removal devices. Therefore, there are disadvantages such as not feeling the effect even if you use it for a long time, and the effect is only temporary.
また、レーザー脱毛の場合、医師や看護師といった医療従事者が施術するため、万が一のトラブルにもスムーズに対応できます。
laser hair removalAlthough it is more expensive than esthetic hair removal, it can be said to be highly cost-effective as it can safely achieve semi-permanent hair removal even when hair growth does not occur in a small number of sessions and in a short period of time, and a doctor can respond immediately in the event of an emergency. Probably.
Also, when you hear that lasers are painful and powerful, some people may think, “Maybe I should go to a beauty salon because it’s scary?” However, recent laser hair removal machines have evolved significantly and are better than their predecessors. It has become a popular treatment with much less pain and a faster treatment time.
Hiro Clinic Cosmetic Dermatology/Cosmetic SurgeryWe recommend that those who are hesitating should muster up the courage to consult with us, as we will be able to discuss your skin condition and any concerns you may have before proceeding with the treatment.
What is nursing hair removal?
In recent years, an increasing number of middle-aged and senior citizens are receiving VIO hair removal as a form of “nursing care hair removal.” Nursing care hair removal is the process of removing VIO hair in advance in order to reduce the burden on the caregiver and maintain personal hygiene when receiving care in the future. It has also received attention in the media, including being featured on NHK Morning Ichi.
Hiro Clinic Cosmetic Dermatology/Cosmetic Surgeryoflaser hair removalWe can respond according to your wishes, such as completely eliminating V-line hair or leaving a certain amount of hair.
Lasers are not very effective on gray hair, which does not contain melanin pigment. Hair removal will be smoother if you undergo the treatment before your hair turns gray.
Is nursing care hair removal necessary?
Nursing care hair removal is not something you must receive. However, it can reduce the burden when nursing care is needed in the future.
We will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of nursing care hair removal below, so please refer to it.
Advantages and disadvantages of nursing hair removal
The main benefits of nursing hair removal are as follows.
Smooth excretion assistance
If you remove hair from your pubic hair, such as the I-line or O-line, you can simply wipe it off after defecating, making excretion assistance smoother.
Does not cause rough skin
When using diapers, excrement may dry on the pubic hair and be difficult to remove even when wiped. When you use nursing care hair removal, the dirt will come off immediately and damage to your skin will be suppressed. This will help prevent skin problems such as itching and keep you comfortable.
Easy to keep clean
When you’re wearing a diaper, your pubic hair gets stuffy, creating an environment where bacteria can easily grow. The proliferation of bacteria not only causes skin irritation and odor, but also increases the risk of urinary tract infections such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. Nursing care hair removal reduces stuffiness and odor, making it less stressful for both the caregiver and the person, and helps prevent illness.
The main disadvantages of nursing hair removal are as follows.
Once you lose your hair, you can’t get it back.
Medical hair removal uses heat energy to destroy the hair roots, so the hair does not return to its original state even after some time. Choose your pubic hair design carefully to avoid regrets.
Feeling resistant to hair removal
Some people may be reluctant to have their delicate areas seen by the practitioner during nursing care hair removal. It’s true that it’s a part of the body that is usually not shown to others, so it can be embarrassing, but in many cases people will try to cover it up with a towel if possible.
It costs money
Nursing care hair removal is not covered by insurance, so the entire treatment cost must be paid by the patient and can cost tens of thousands of yen to complete. However, it is well worth undergoing treatment as it has a significant effect on reducing the burden of nursing care.
Hiro Clinic Cosmetic Dermatology/Cosmetic Surgery Laser Hair Removal
use machine
Our hospitallaser hair removalWe are using a new machine called “Ishtar Trinity™”. This is a highly reliable hair removal device that has been certified by the FDA, which is the equivalent of the US Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
The features of Ishtar Trinity™ are as follows.
Suitable for a wide range of hair loss conditions
Ishtar Trinity™ is a machine with a combination hair removal function. Unlike traditional machines, it can irradiate lasers with three different wavelengths at once, so one machine can treat a wide range of skin tones, hair depths, and hair colors.
Even soft hair that is difficult to remove and thin hair such as facial hair can be removed smoothly. Furthermore, it is possible to remove hair from sunburned skin, which was previously difficult.
less pain
The output method of Ishtar Trinity™ can be adjusted according to the condition of the skin, and the irradiation method can be selected from shots, vacuum suction irradiation, and heat storage type depending on the person and area. In particular, with vacuum suction irradiation, there is no need to apply a cold gel, and the stimulation only produces a gentle sensation of warmth, with minimal redness or stinging after the treatment, making it safe for people with sensitive skin or those who don’t like pain.
Treatment time is short
The spot is large and the vacuum suction system reduces leakage, allowing for speedy treatment.
Flow of treatment
The flow of the operation is as follows.
(1) Counseling/examination by a doctor
After carefully listening to the patient’s concerns and wishes, a doctor familiar with medical hair removal examines the skin condition, color, hair quality, etc. We will propose a hair removal plan tailored to each individual. We will also give you an estimate of the number of treatments and cost.
(2) Pretreatment
If there is any hair left in the treatment area, remove it with a shaver before laser irradiation.
(3) Laser irradiation
Under the supervision of a doctor, a test irradiation is performed while checking the skin condition, hair quality, and reaction to the laser, the machine settings are determined, and the entire treatment area is irradiated.
Since the shot is applied in a less painful way to only hit hard-to-hit areas, the irritation in those areas is similar to being hit with a rubber band, but it is not unbearable.
(4) Aftercare
To reduce skin irritation, apply cooling and topical anti-inflammatory medications. Slight redness may remain for a few days after the treatment.
Apply the prescribed medicine while the redness remains. Also, since the skin is very delicate after the treatment, please avoid doing anything that puts stress on the irradiated area, such as shaving with a razor, for a few days.
Also, please take sun protection by wearing sunscreen during the treatment period.
Features/Points
The machine we use at our clinic has the same level of effectiveness as conventional hair removal devices, but it removes hair quickly and with less pain, and hair removal is completed in about 5 to 6 times.
Not only the first time, but every time, a doctor with extensive experience in medical hair removal looks at the condition of the skin, the thickness of the hair, and the degree of hair loss, and sets the laser to the appropriate strength. Thorough treatment and aftercare to suppress skin inflammation will prevent skin problems.
Hiro Clinic Cosmetic Dermatology/Cosmetic Surgery of laser hair removal: The unique feature of this is that it is a custom-made treatment tailored to each patient. By providing detailed treatment by our doctors each time, we aim to prevent the hair from becoming hard due to laser irradiation with medium strength, and to complete hair removal within the targeted number of sessions.
Summary
This treatment uses heat energy to destroy the cells that make hair, so it is highly effective in hair removal, and there is little chance of hair growing back over time.
Our hospital uses the highly functional Ishtar Trinity™. Doctors assess the condition of your skin and hair and make detailed settings to achieve highly effective hair removal, reduced pain, and shortened treatment time.
Main side effects and risks of laser hair removal
- No hair removal effect on gray hair
- When your skin gets sunburned, the laser reacts with the melanin in your skin, increasing the risk of burns and reducing the effectiveness of hair removal.
- There may be some redness or tingling in the treated area, so you will need to use ointment until it subsides.
【Reference】
- Saison’s big research on daily life – What is nursing hair removal (VIO hair removal for nursing welfare purposes)? Introducing the benefits and precautions