Physical Treatment of Hirsutism

Physical treatments offer some advantages. They can be expensive. They vary according to the expertise of the operator. With the popularity of laser hair removal many spas and estheticians offer this treatment. The level of expertise and competence is not always ideal. Lasers should be used where there is always a doctor on site to supervise therapy so that the appropriate laser is used at the best power setting and that any adverse side effects are properly dealt with.

Electrolysis

This is a method when a very fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle and a pulse of electric current is passed through the hair in order to destroy the root.
This is a very technique sensitive treatment. The results and safety will depend much on the operator. One hair is treated at a time. Some hairs will be permanently destroyed or reduced. It is a slow painful procedure that requires many repeat treatments.
There is a risk of scarring and sometimes infection. It is best used for small areas.

Laser - high intensity high energy single wave length of light

The advent of laser hair removal has given individuals a significantly new option - laser hair removal uses a red light which is absorbed by black or brown pigments. Lasers such as the long pulse Alexandrite laser (GentleLASE) or the long pulse YAG laser (LYRA) target the pigment in the base of the hair follicle. The absorption of the laser energy is confined to the pigment, self damaging the hair root but not the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photo-thermolysis. The laser energy passes through the entire skin. In order to protect the very surface of the skin epidermis, cooling devices and cooling sprays are used. This protects particularly against pigmentary changes following the laser treatment.

Intense pulsed light therapy can also be used. Instead of a single wavelength of light a non coherent band of light at high power is used.

Usually many treatments are recquired. The hair is trimmed or shaved. It will not be plucked or waxed as the melanin target which is the hair root has to be present or the laser light to be absorbed. A treatment for the upper lip will take about a minute whereas a leg may take 20 mins.

Lasers work best for those with fair skin and dark hair. There is permanent hair reduction and in some cases permanent removal. Hair on the upper lip and particularly on the chin need many treatments as they are in very hormone sensitive parts of the skin. In some chin hair cannot be fully treated. The fine vellus type hair which can be extensive on the cheeks of menopausal and older women does not respond well to laser.

Much larger areas of skin can be treated compared with electrolysis. Treatments are painful but local anesthetic creams can be very helpful. Be suspicious of centers that promise a guarantee of permanent removal as it is not always possible.

There is a risk of scarring and blisters can occur however pigmentation changes after treatment is much more common than scarring. This can be reduced by not treating if the skin is tanned.

Whilst the cost of laser treatment can be high it may in many instances be cost effective. The most important factor is that the correct laser is used in the right situation and that they are used at the appropriate power setting.

NOT ALL LASER TREATMENTS NEED TO BE PERFORMED BY A DOCTOR BUT IT IS ADVISABLE THAT THE TREATMENT BE ADMINISTERED IN A FACILITY WHEN THERE IN A DOCTOR ACTUALLY PRESENT AT THE CLINIC