How does elos permanent hair reduction work?
Hair grows in 3 cycles: Active, dormant and shedding/falling out stage. Laser hair reduction is effective during the active or anagen stage, which is why multiple treatments are necessary to achieve desired results. The hair follicle absorbs the laser light and then converts to heat. The heat damages the follicle and destroys its ability to re-grow. Significantly less hair grows back with each treatment… ultimately resulting in your goal of permanent hair reduction. This treatment may not be performed during pregnancy
Are the results permanent?
Beware of the term "permanent" when shopping for laser hair removal. There are no lasers or IPL systems for permanent hair removal. All TGA approved IPL or laser hair removal systems are approved for permanent hair reduction. The term "permanent hair reduction", implies that patients will achieve long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing in the treated areas. The amount of permanent reduction increases with the number of treatments. For practical purposes, most candidates will experience a 90%, long-term reduction in the amount of hair growth in any treated areas. Normally, any future hair growth is very minor and can be easily maintained with an annual touch up treatment.
How does elos permanent Hair Reduction work?
The elos combination of optical light and radiofrequency leads to greater results without the side effects commonly seen in light only based technology. Bipolar radiofrequency follows the principles of electric current, it follows the path of least resistance. The melanin pigment, or target, in the hair shaft absorbs the light and heat from the intense pulsed light, the radiofrequency current is like a ‘heat seeking’ missile that is attracted to the pre heated (from the laser light) target. The temperature of the hair follicle is raised to the point where it becomes disabled resulting in the prevention of further hair growth.
This combination of technology results in unparalleled safety and efficacy in hair removal. RF has no relationship with melanin in the skin, which is why it can be applied to all skin types safely.
Is there any pain associated?
There is a minor amount of discomfort experienced by some people but much less than with waxing or electrolysis. Any discomfort also depends on the specific body area being treated as some areas are more sensitive than others
Does it work for everyone?
Unfortunately, no. The best candidates have light skin and dark hair since the dark hairs absorb heat more readily than the light skin and, therefore, the hair follicle is more easily targeted and destroyed. Dark skin absorbs too much heat whereby the hair follicle does not absorb enough and is not destroyed as easily.
How many treatments are required?
Elos permanent Hair Reduction is only effective on hair follicles that are in the active growth phase and at any single time, only about 25% of hair follicles in a given area are in this active growth phase. This means that each treatment destroys a maximum of 25% of remaining follicles that are still able to grow hair. You should notice less new hair growth after successive each treatment.
Normally, 2 weeks to 3 months are required between treatments depending on the body area being treated. This time is necessary to allow enough hair follicles that were dormant during the last treatment to reach the active growth phase. When enough remaining hair follicles have reached the active growth phase, the next treatment can be performed. Gradually, after enough treatments, there will be virtually no hair follicles left in the treated area that are able to grow hair. Usually, a minimum of 4 treatments over the course of 6 - 15 months are needed for satisfactory, long-term results.
How should I prepare for treatment?
Do not shave, wax or use depilatory creams on the area to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment and, don’t wax or tweeze between treatments.