Hello pam102-ga~
That sounds like a great gift for your daughter. I'm sure she'll be pleased :)
While there are many ways to remove unwanted hair, all laser methods
work in the same general way:
?Laser hair removal systems gently remove unwanted hair. While
dermatologic surgeons continue to research the exact science of laser
hair removal, it appears that the light energy causes thermal injury
to the hair follicle. This occurs because laser light is converted
into heat as it passes through the skin and is absorbed in the target
pigment melanin found in the hair follicle. When the temperature
reaches a high enough level in a hair follicle during its active
phase, the targeted hair structures are disabled, thus inhibiting hair
re-growth. In clinical trials to date using a number of different
lasers and intense pulsed light hair removal systems, some test sites
remained hair-free for up to 2 years.? (?Laser Hair Removal,? American
Society for Dermatologic Surgery:
http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-Fact_Sheet-laser_hair_removal.html
)
There are several types of laser devices currently in use. The most
popular ones are:
Alexandrite: A ?long-pulse? laser, which deeply penetrates the dermis
to reach hair follicles. ?The heat build-up in the hair shafts
disables those follicles in the active growth phase.?
Diode: An efficient laser that contains small diodes (semiconductors).
The device has a longer wavelength than other lasers used in hair
removal, ?which may improve treatment results on darker skin types.?
Light-Based Sources: ?Intense pulsed light devices operate on similar
principles to lasers,? but are not truly lasers. Such devices use a
broad spectrum of light to treat hair.
Q-Switched Nd:YAG: A laser device that uses two waves lengths of
light?-one invisible infrared light (for deeply rooted hairs) and one
green light (for hair follicles closer to the surface of the skin).
Ruby: ?The red-colored beam seeks out the target melanin inside the
hair shafts.? ((?Laser Hair Removal,? American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery:
http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-Fact_Sheet-laser_hair_removal.html
)
The FDA has been unable to keep up with the growing market for laser
hair removal devices. Their list of approved methods keeps growing and
changing, and no up-to-date list is readily available. However, you
can call the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health at
1-888-INFO-FDA or 301-827-3990, to find out if the method you?re
considering is FDA approved. You may also fax an inquiry to
301-443-9535, or send an e-mail to: DSMICA@cdrh.fda.gov.
Here are several articles that you will also want to read:
?Consumer Guide to Laser Hair Removal:? http://www.consumerlaserguide.com/
This includes information about who should *not* have laser hair
removal, the influence of laser hair removal on skin and hair, common
myths, and more.
?Choosing a light-based hair removal practitioner:?
http://www.hairfacts.com/tips/laserchoose.html
Practical tips for getting the most out of laser hair removal,
including questions to ask practitioners.
?Hair Removal Methods:
Laser Hair Removal Overview:?
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Hair/lasermain.html
A quick list of pros and cons, along with catch-phrases used by quacks.
?Hair Removal Methods
Laser Terminology and Concepts:?
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Hair/laserterms.html
A more technical article that will help you understand the laser process.
?Laser hair removal: Zapping unwanted hair:?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HQ00981
A good overview of the process, including risks.
I believe these articles will give you an excellent idea what to look
for in a laser hair removal process that will be safe, effective, and
economical.
Kind regards?-and Merry Christmas!
Kriswrite
RESEARCH STRATEGY:
"laser hair removal"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22laser+hair+removal%22&btnG=Search |
