Permanent hair removal is done by a series of laser or light-based systems and electrolysis.
Most of the clinics will offer the former services. Usually a series of 6-10 sessions are needed. The type of laser or light-based systems are important for different skin-typed patients. I like to use the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser - SCITON for the darker skin-type patients ie. Malay or Indian skin color. It has a safer light profile as the 1064nm wavelength light penetrates deeper into the middle layers of the skin and dones not heat up the superificial layers as much to cause a burn. The IPL systems are prone to causing burns, especially for darker skin-typed patients, and on the upper and lower limbs.
Delivery of the light to the hair bulbs, which are located deeper in the skin, is the fundamental concept in damaging the folliclar cells, leading to removal of the hair.
I remind all my patients that permanent hair removal is about reducing the numbers, thickness, and time for the hair to regrow. One will still have to come back for regular treatments either half yearly or yearly as the residual hair is sparse and fine.
Results are very satisfactory for most patients and it is far better than waxing or plucking every few weeks.
regards,
Dr Benjamin Yim Fu Chuen
Dr Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre
