Dermatológia pre prax 1/2010

Laser hair removal

Unwanted hair is a major cosmetic problem. Many temporary hair removal or cosmetic cover-up exist, including shaving, bleaching, tweezing, wax epilation and chemical depilation. Only electrolysis by needle or tweezer has offered the potencial for permanent hair removal. But the technique is tedious and impractical for the treatment of large number of hair. Electrolysis by needle can produce the skin scars. Recently, a number of lasers and other light sources have been developed specifically to targred hair follicles (1). These devices offer the potential for rapid treatment of large areas and long-lasting hair removal with minimal risk of skin side efects. This article will discuss the scientific background of laser hair removal and describe the technique of laser removal.

Keywords: depilation, laser, hair, follicle, anagen, telogen, catagen, hypertrichosis, hirsutism, intensive pulse light, photodynamic therapy