Page 45 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
There is no known reason why hair removal using light should not be completely successful in the management of either hirsutism or hypertrichosis. Experience in Norway and Sweden has shown that hirsute clients do respond well to treatment although they generally require more repeat sessions than normal. This is also true for patients with PCOS.
We suggest you counsel any such clients appropriately. Ensure they understand that their situation is not the norm in terms of hair growth and, as such, the results of this treatment are not fully known. It is strongly suggested that a number of test patches be carried according to the usual protocol. If initial results do not appear to be successful, try more test patches at higher fluence and/or longer pulse durations.
Melanin Absorption, Skin Colour and Pain
Visible light is absorbed by melanin in the basal layer, particularly towards the blue end of the spectrum. This generates a temperature build-up in that layer, which then conducts heat energy in the epidermis above and the dermis below. Many nerve endings are near the epidermal/dermal junction and so are stimulated by this heat energy. This is the cause of much of the pain felt during photothermal treatments.
________________________________________________________________________ 45 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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