There are many reasons why people choose
to remove their body hair; aesthetics, convenience, self esteem,
cultural, religious, or medical reasons. Some medical indications for
hair removal include hirsutism, hypertrichosis, ingrown hairs, and hair
growth from skin graft donor sites.
There are 3 types of hair removal methods
which can be achieved by different techniques. The three methods of hair
removal include: temporary and permanent hair removal, and temporary
hair reduction.
Temporary Hair Reduction Techniques
Laser Assisted
Lasers can be used to remove excessive and cosmetically disabling hair. Laser
treatments are most effective on dark hair. It may take 3 to 6 months before
regrowth occurs. Several treatment cycles are required and the time in between each
cycle depends on the body area being treated.
How can the laser remove the hair?
The laser emits an invisible light, which penetrates the skin without damaging
it. The pigments of the hair follicle absorb the laser light and the heat from the
laser light selectively damages the pilous follicle, and damages the hair. Not only
is the function of the follicle impaired but so is its ability to fabricate
hair. More Facts...
Is laser hair removal a permanent solution?
One generally speaks of extended periods of hair removal, with a decrease in
the amount of hair and in their diameter. Thus, after each session and according
to, the area of the body involved, one can notice increasingly long periods
in-between hair removal sessions (4-6 weeks at the beginning). More Facts...
How safe is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an effective and proven method. Laser can be used as a
medical device since it can be exactly tuned according each patient's type of
skin, guaranteeing an effective treatment. Observance of instructions and
precautions are essential for safe treatment. Thus, the use of a powerful device
adapted to each skin type allows for effective and safe treatment. Complications
are rare but superficial burns, pigmentary changes and even scarring may occur.
More Facts...
Temporary Hair Removal Techniques
Shaving
Shaving is the method used most frequently to temporarily remove unwanted hair.
Shaving is fast, easy, painless, effective, and inexpensive. Shaving is performed
with a razor on wet skin using shaving cream or other lubricants, with the razor
oriented against the direction of hair growth. Contrary to a widespread
misconception, shaving does not result in increased hair growth. The primary
disadvantages and/or adverse effects of shaving include skin irritation, cuts in
the skin, ingrown hair, and the need to shave daily. Results are temporary,
lasting 1-3 days.
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Chemical Depilation
Depilatories have been described as chemical shaving. Depilatory creams are
available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, and roll-on forms. They contain an
alkaline chemical, usually calcium thioglycolate, that dissolves the protein
structure of the hair and causes it to separate from the skin. Sometimes,
chemical depilatories don't work very well for naturally "hairy" people. Some
depilatories can increase acne and cause skin irritation or chemical burns if
the formula is too strong or the cream left on too long. Depilatories cost $5-$10.
Results last about a week.
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Epilation
Epilation is the term used to describe mechanical removal of body hair, including
the hair root, by means of mechanical device, tweezer, threading, or waxing.
Epilation is the most effective method for temporarily removing hair. Waxing is the
most effective method of epilation because it removes hair completely from the hair
shaft in large quantities.
- Mechanical machines
Mechanical epilators have a rubber roller or coiled spring that is rotated by
an electric motor. It catches the hair and pulls it out from the roots. The speed
of the rollers or the coiled spring can also be adjusted in some models. The
epilator may have the option of regulating the tweezer strength which can be
modified according to the type of hair (coarse or fine) that needs to be removed.
Hair must be about 1/4 to 1/3 inches long for the epilators to work. Epilators
should be used with caution in sensitive areas such as face, genitals, or armpits
because it can be extremely painful. Mechanical epilators cost anywhere from $50-$100
and results last about a week. Back to top
- Plucking
Plucking is performed using hand-held or electrical tweezers. Hand-held tweezers
are best used for removing the occasional coarse hair or a small group of hairs,
such as those found on the eyebrows, chin or nipples. Tweezing pulls hair out
from its root, but is a very laborious method since each hair must be removed
individually. Some pain, skin irritation, and inflammation of the hair follicle
can occur. Tweezers cost anywhere from $3-$30 and results last about 3-8 weeks. Back to top
- Threading
Threading is an ancient method of hair removal still used in many countries
in the Middle East and India. The technique involves a long loop of cotton
thread that is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin. Hair is caught
within the entwined coils and pulled from their roots as the thread rolls along.
It is used to give clean lines and is good for shaping eyebrows and removing
hair from the upper lip and other facial areas. It is considered to be less
painful than plucking, waxing and sugaring. Back to top
- Abrasives
These work by physically rubbing away hair form the skin surface. Abrasives used
include pumice stones and devices or gloves made from fine sandpaper. This method
irritates the skin and is seldom used these days. Back to top
- Sugaring
Sugaring is similar to waxing but instead of using wax a sugar mixture is used.
The sugar mixture is made up of sugar, lemon juice and water heated together to
form a paste. Like waxing, a thin layer of sugar paste is applied to the skin
and a cotton strip placed on top. The strip is then pulled back sharply against
the direction of the hair growth. Sugaring is a suitable alternative to waxing
for people sensitive to wax. Back to top
- Waxing
Waxing is an effective method of removing unwanted hair in both large and small
areas. Waxing is one method of epilation, which means that the entire hair shaft
is removed from below the skin's surface. It is one of the most effective methods
for temporary hair removal.
Waxing can be painful, particularly in sensitive areas. Pain experienced,
however, depends on the pain threshold of each individual. Waxing can cause
redness and increase skin sensitivity for a few hours. If you're using oral
retinoids (isotretinoin and acitretin), waxing should not be performed until
these medications are stopped for at least 6 months to 1 year. Taking these
medications and waxing may cause tearing of the skin and possible scarring.
Individuals using topical retinoids (e.g. Retin AŽ) should stop the medication
3-4 weeks prior to.
Waxing should not be performed on skin that is irritated, sunburned or broken. Back to top
How effective is waxing?
Waxing is one of the most effective methods of epilation because hair is removed
completely from the hair shaft in large quantities. After waxing it may take 2-3
weeks for hair to regrow. It is unknown what the long-term effects of repeated
waxing have on hair growth but the repeated damage to the hair follicles may result
in permanent reduction of unwanted hair. More Facts...
Precautions to waxing
It is very important not to have the wax too hot to avoid burning the skin. Side
effects from waxing include pain, folliculitis, scarring, hyperpigmentation,
ingrown hair. More Facts...
Permanent Hair Removal Techniques
Electrolysis
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are the only methods that may provide a
permanent result. Electrolysis involves the insertion of a small fine needle into
the hair follicle, followed by a small electrical current that damages and
eventually destroys the hair follicle. There are 3 different methods (modalities)
to achieve this:
- Galvanic electrolysis
This uses direct electric current passed down a needle into the hair follicle
where it creates a chemical reaction. This reaction converts tissue saline into
sodium hydroxide, a caustic agent that then destroys the hair bulb. Back to top
- Thermolysis
This uses a high frequency alternating current that is passed down through the
needle to the hair follicle. The high frequency causes vibration in the cells
of the hair follicle to produce enough heat to cauterize the hair bulb. Back to top
- Blend Method
This combines both the galvanic and thermolysis modalities. No clinical trials
have been carried out to compare the methods and any claims of one method being
more effective over the other is based on anecdotal evidence only. Back to top
How effective is electrolysis?
Effectiveness of electrolysis is dependent on the skill of the technician
(electrologist) performing the procedure. Proper electrolysis requires accurate
needle insertion technique and use of appropriate intensity and duration of current.
The technician, based on the patient's pain threshold, sets the intensity measured
in milliamps, Electrolysis is a very slow method of hair removal that may also be
prolonged by having to do repeat insertions into the hair follicle. The amount of
pain experienced during the procedure is dependent on the individual's pain
threshold. Topical anaesthetic creams applied one hour before the procedure may help
to reduce discomfort. However, it is desirable to maintain some sensation as the
pain is related to the amount of damage to the hair follicle. More Facts...
Complications
Some degree of redness about treated hair follicles for a few days is not
uncommon. Potential risks of electrolysis include scarring and increased or
reduced pigmentation i.e. brown or white marks. Secondary local infection with
bacteria, (impetigo), or reactivation of herpes simplex are also possible
complications. It should not be used for patients with pacemakers because it can
interrupt the electronics to cause potentially dangerous heart rhythms. More Facts...
This OnlineSurgery.com article on Burn Surgery was provided to by Dunya Atisha, M.D.
Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure.
This information should not be used to determine whether you will
have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your
elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and
procedures should be discussed with your physician.
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
