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Compare the reason why the effect of medical laser hair removal lasts longer than photo-epilation...
記事監修
Chiharu dermatology clinic
medical doctor Dermatologist certified by the Japanese Dermatological Association AMI Japan Senior Trainer Specialist / Councilor, Japan Laser Medicine Association Member of Japanese Society of Allergology Member of Japanese Society of Clinical Dermatology Surgery Member of Japan Anti-Aging Medicine Association Dr. OBAGI certified physician Member of Japan Cosmetic Dermatological Association Director, Japanese Society of Placental Clinical Medicine Member of Japanese Society for Medical Hair Removal
Medical institution with Dr. Chiharu Watanabe
Chiharu Dermatology Clinic (Urawa)
Inquiries (Urawa): 048-813-1188
Chiharu Skin Clinic Hiroo-in
Inquiries (Hiroo-in): 03-3447-1177
In addition to medical laser hair removal, hair removal treatments using machines performed at esthetic salons and medical institutions include photoepilation (flash hair removal / IPL hair removal) and needle hair removal (insulated needle electrolysis).
Appropriate treatment with a thorough understanding of why medical laser hair removal is effective for a long period of time compared to photoepilation, what needle hair removal can do but not medical laser hair removal, and the fees and pains that differ depending on the hair removal method. It is important to receive.
Table of contents
The effect of medical laser hair removal that removes hair without damaging the skin
Medical Laser Hair Removal Mechanism
Medical laser hair removal involves irradiating a laser, which is a type of electromagnetic wave, to remove hair.
Whereas light consists of multiple wavelengths, lasers are artificial rays of one wavelength that travel sharper and in a straight line than light, producing strong thermal energy.
Important laser parameters for medical laser hair removal
The following three parameters of laser are important for effective hair removal with medical laser hair removal.
- wavelength
- Oscillation time (pulse width)
- Irradiation energy
A hair removal machine that has an appropriate wavelength for medical laser hair removal, can set an effective pulse width and irradiation energy, and is equipped with a powerful cooling device is desirable.
Laser wavelength
Lasers have the property of being easily absorbed only by certain substances and colors. For example, if you use a laser with a high absorption rate for black pigment such as melanin, you can treat hair loss and stains, and if you use a laser with high absorption rate for red pigment of hemoglobin, you can treat red face and capillary dilation. I can. Laser hair removal uses melanin contained in the hair and hair bulb to remove hair.
Laser oscillation time (pulse width)
The oscillation time of the laser is called the pulse width. If the pulse width is short, the target substance can be selectively damaged, and if the pulse width is long, the target substance is not destroyed and is dissipated to the surrounding tissue. I will.
In other words, in laser hair removal, it is necessary to irradiate with a pulse width that does not damage the surface of the skin and only damages the hair follicles.
Laser irradiation energy
The laser irradiation energy must be strong enough to destroy the target substance, but if it is too strong , it may cause burns. Therefore, a machine that can set an appropriate output and is equipped with a more powerful cooling device is required.
Medical laser hair removal destroys the dermal papilla and bulge area
The laser is tuned to act only on the target substance, so there is no significant damage to tissues other than the target.
In medical laser hair removal, three tissues involved in hair growth are targeted for destruction.
- Hair bulb
- Sebaceous gland opening
- Hair follicle stem cells in the bulge area
It is said that hair can be removed by damaging the hair bulb, sebaceous gland opening, and hair follicle stem cells by using the heat energy that is absorbed by the melanin contained in the hair and hair bulb. In the past, it was only necessary to destroy the dermal papilla in the hair bulb, but in recent years it has become clear that the destruction of the bulge area is also important.
■ Hair shaft and root
The hair shaft is the hair exposed from the skin, and the hair root is the part wrapped in the hair follicle under the skin.
■ Hair follicles
Hair-producing skin appendages
■ Hair bulb
The site where there are spherically swollen hair matrix cells under the hair root
■ Hair nipples
Tissue that sends nutrients taken from capillaries to hair matrix cells
■ Hair matrix cells
Cells that receive nutrients from the dermal papilla beneath the hair matrix cells, divide and grow as hair
■ Arrector pili
A type of smooth muscle attached to hair follicles diagonally in the dermis
■ Barge area
Located above the hair matrix cells and dermal papilla, it creates a hair growth factor and promotes hair growth to the hair matrix cells.
■ Sebaceous gland opening
Sites that secrete sebum
Why the effects of medical laser hair removal are long-term
The long-term depilatory effect of medical laser hair removal is because it impedes hair growth by damaging and destroying the hair matrix cells and bulge areas involved in hair growth .
Medical laser hair removal is effective for growing hair
Medical laser hair removal must prevent hair growth by affecting the hair matrix cells.
Hair has a growth cycle called the hair cycle, which repeats the initial growth period, growth period, regression period, and telogen period. It is said that the growth phase is the most damaging to the hair matrix cells in this cycle.
- Early growth: The time when hair matrix cells divide and hair is born.
- Growth period: The time when hair grows. A state in which hair matrix cells are repeatedly dividing.
- Regression period: Growth slows down, cell division slows down, and it becomes thinner. The time when hair matrix cells and hair are easily separated and hair is easily removed.
- Rest period: A period when growth stops and exits. It is the hair in the telogen period that comes off with shampoo.
The hair cycle varies from part to part, and the growth period for the sides, arms and legs is 3 to 5 months, and for VIO it is 2 to 3 months.
In addition, the ratio of hair in the growing period is about 90% for hair, but it is only 20% to 30% for armpits, arms, VIO / legs, and other hair is in the state of catagen or telogen.
Two irradiation methods and laser types for medical laser hair removal
What is the shot type and heat storage type by medical laser hair removal?
There are two methods of hair removal for medical laser hair removal. The shot type (heat destruction type / HR) destroys hair follicle stem cells by giving heat damage to the source of hair growth, and damages the cells that store heat and the function that directs hair growth to remove hair. The method to do this is heat storage type hair removal (SHR) .
Thermal storage type hair removal is a newer hair removal method than shot type and is said to cause less pain during irradiation, but it is said that the final hair removal effect is not much different from shot type.
The irradiation method of most medical laser hair removal machines is "shot type"
Shot-type (heat-destroying) hair removal is the most common irradiation method.
Since it irradiates a laser with strong energy, it has a stimulus that is lightly repelled by a rubber band, but it is a widely used irradiation method. In the shot method, hair is removed by acting on the black pigment of melanin. Therefore, sunburned skin that contains a lot of melanin, moles, blemishes, pigmentation, and areas with tattoos cannot be treated because the laser is absorbed by the pigment and heat is generated, which increases the risk of burns. ..
It may also be less effective for gray hair and thin melanin hair. When removing hair without black pigment, it is said that needle hair removal (insulated needle electrolysis) is suitable.
Main shot-type medical hair removal machines: Light Share Duet, Gentle Raise Pro, etc.
"Heat storage type hair removal" with less pain
Thermal storage hair removal is a relatively new method of hair removal that uses a motion technique in which the laser-irradiated surface is brought into contact with the skin and slid. Since it is repeatedly irradiated and heated with low output energy, the burden on the skin is minimized .
It acts on hair follicles and melanin, but gradually stores heat around the hair follicles to denature the hair follicles, hair follicle stem cells in the bulge region, and substances that transmit information between cells related to hair, resulting in hair loss. Therefore, it is possible to remove hair with dark pigments such as sunburn and hair growth that is not effective with the shot method.
Main heat storage type medical hair removal machines: Soprano Ice Platinum, Mediostar NeXT PRO, etc.
Summary of comparison between shot type and heat storage type
| Shot type | Heat storage type | |
|---|---|---|
| Pigmented skin and areas of dark pigmentation | Cannot be dealt with as the risk of burns increases | Hair can be removed if the skin color is Japanese |
| Gray hair and blonde | I can not cope | Can handle |
| pain | Pain like a rubber band | Less pain than shot type |
4 types of lasers used in medical laser hair removal
The type of laser changes depending on the wavelength. The wavelength that is well absorbed by the black pigment of melanin is said to be 600 nm to 1200 nm, and it is said that the shorter the wavelength in this wavelength band, the better the absorption. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the skin, and the less painful, but the milder the effect .
| Laser type (wavelength) | Irradiation method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite laser (755nm) | Shot type / heat storage type hair removal | Do not irradiate dark-pigmented skin such as sunburn as it may cause burns. Widely used for hair removal |
| Diode laser (800nm-810nm) | Shot type / heat storage type hair removal | Irradiation is possible even on dark-pigmented skin such as sunburn Widely used for hair removal |
| YAG laser (1064nm) | Shot type | Irradiation is possible even on dark-pigmented skin such as sunburn Expected to be effective for hair with deep hair roots and hair that cannot be removed by other lasers |
| Ruby laser (694nm) | Shot type | Effective for hair removal on white skin Mainly used for the treatment of age spots, freckles and bruises in Japan |
Heat storage type hair removal at Chiharu Dermatology Clinic
At the Chiharu Dermatology Clinic, the director of General Director Watanabe, who supervised the article, heat storage type hair removal is performed using machines called soprano ice and soprano titanium. The feature of soprano titanium, which is the latest model of soprano, is that it can output three wavelengths of YAG laser, alexandrite laser, and diode laser at the same time.
Therefore, it can efficiently remove hair by reacting to thick hair and hair with different depths of hair follicles. In addition, since the laser irradiation surface is large, the treatment time can be shortened. For example, in the case of the back, soprano titanium can be treated in about 5 to 10 minutes by using a part called Quattro handpiece.
Why medical laser hair removal doesn't end in one go
Medical laser hair removal does not end with one treatment, but multiple treatments are required because one irradiation is effective only for hair in the growing period, which is about 20% of the total .
The shot type is repeated once every 2 to 3 months for a total of 5 to 10 times.
Medical laser hair removal requires irradiation at a suitable time for hair removal, but it is not possible to visually check the hair cycle. Therefore, the frequency is about once every two to three months from the average rest period of each part . Repeating for a shorter period of time does not have any effect except during the growing season, so hair loss does not end early.
Assuming that the ratio of hair during the growth period is 20% of the total, it will be 100% if you receive medical laser hair removal 5 times, so it is calculated that the total hair removal will be completed in about 5 times and the period is about 1 year. Become. There are individual differences, but it is said that you can feel the hair removal effect by repeating it about 5 times.
The heat storage type is repeated once every 1 to 2 months for a total of 5 to 10 times.
Similar to shot hair removal, heat storage type hair removal also needs to be irradiated at treatment intervals that match the cycle of the hair cycle. It is said that you can get a real feeling of hair removal effect by irradiating 5 to 10 times every 1 to 2 months .
The heat stored by the heat storage type irradiation damages the cells where the hair grows and the tissues that direct the growth, so the hair begins to thin and fall out about 2 to 3 weeks after the laser irradiation. ..
The reason why it looks like "it grows even though I have lost my hair"
Hair may appear to grow despite medical laser hair removal. This may be due to insufficient damage to hair matrix cells and other parts, in addition to the growth of telogen hair.
In order to obtain a sufficient hair removal effect, it is necessary to consider the hair thickness and hair growth site according to the hair cycle, set the laser energy amount and pulse width appropriately, and irradiate repeatedly.
Compare medical laser hair removal with photoepilation and needle hair removal
Medical laser hair removal is by irradiating a laser, and needle hair removal is by passing electricity from a needle stuck in a pore to stop cell division of hair matrix cells. Therefore, it is said that the hair removal effect lasts for a long time.
On the other hand, photo-epilation performed at an esthetic salon (hereinafter referred to as esthetic salon) is performed by the medicinal method with a lower output than a medical laser, so it is a hair reduction treatment that weakens the function without destroying the hair matrix cells.
There are products that use lasers and light in household epilators, but the energy output is designed to be lower than that of medical lasers and beauty treatment salons due to the medicinal method.
Medical laser hair removal requires a doctor's license
It should be noted here that medical laser hair removal and needle hair removal (insulated needle electrolysis), which reacts with melanin pigment and gives heat to the deep part of the skin to destroy hair roots, sebaceous gland openings, and hair papillae, are "hair papillae / sebaceous gland openings." The method of hair removal that destroys such things is a medical practice, "says Article 17 of the Medical Doctors Law, which is also notified by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
It can be said that it is possible only for a doctor who specializes in skin to take appropriate measures when a burn occurs and to determine the irradiation energy so as not to cause trouble.
Check before medical laser hair removal and aftercare
Areas where medical laser hair removal is possible
Medical laser hair removal is possible on the sides, above the elbows, below the elbows, on the back of the fingers, chest, around the nipple, around the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, around the thighs, the entire V, I line, O line, nape, upper back, Lower back, hips, front of thighs, back of thighs, knees, below knees, toes, forehead, cheeks, below nose, chin, below chin, nose hair, ear hair, etc.
Depending on the policy of the medical institution, it may not be supported, so please check with the medical institution that will receive the treatment in advance regarding the corresponding part and the target person.
Risk of medical laser hair removal
There is a risk of developing burns, redness, tingling, swelling, folliculitis, hair thickening, coarse hair, swelling, and temporary hyperhidrosis.
In the unlikely event that medical laser hair removal causes trouble or complications, please contact the medical institution where the treatment was performed and receive appropriate treatment.
Preparation before medical laser hair removal
Simple preparation is required before undergoing medical laser hair removal. You need to be aware of the following so that you do not feel pain or lose effectiveness. Also, if you have skin problems on the hair loss site, please consult us in advance.
- Take measures against ultraviolet rays
- Remove unwanted hair by shaving
- Tweezers are strictly prohibited
- Refrain from drinking and moisturize
- Get a good night's sleep
- Pay attention to the action of the drug
- Do not use antiperspirants
If you are concerned about pain, some medical institutions can use an anesthetic cream to remove hair if you notify us in advance, so please consult with us during counseling or medical examination.
Medical laser hair removal is possible even in the following cases, but please check with your doctor at the time of diagnosis without making a self-judgment.
| Acne | Medical laser hair removal is possible if partial acne or inflammation is not strong |
|---|---|
| Keratosis pilaris (Already a shark skin) | Keratosis pilaris is a rough skin type such as the upper arm, shoulders, back, hips, and thighs, and it is difficult to self-treat with a razor because the surface of the skin is uneven. Irradiable |
| Ingrown hair | Medical laser hair removal is possible if the black color is visible even for ingrown hair that is not on the surface of the skin. Even with medical laser hair removal, the ingrown hair is buried under the skin until it comes out of the skin by turnover. To keep it moisturized, encourage it to go out early and consult a doctor if it does not improve for a long time. |
| During menstruation | Medical laser hair removal is possible except for VIO |
The nice effect of medical laser hair removal
The roughness of the skin disappears and the pores become less noticeable
Ingrown hair is likely to be buried by self-treatment, and damaged pores are often inflamed by treatment with tweezers. Medical laser hair removal does not hurt the skin by self-treatment, so pores are less noticeable.
Since the growth of germs is suppressed, the symptoms of armpits subside.
Wakiga is a state in which sweat and bacteria on the skin are mixed to generate a unique odor. If you forcibly pull out the hair by self-treatment with tweezers, the pores will become inflamed. It can also produce odor-causing substances on its own, such as being stimulated by inflammation and increasing the amount of sweating.
However, by eliminating the burden on the skin due to self-treatment, sweating due to the stimulation of inflammation is suppressed, and it can be expected that bacterial growth will decrease. In addition, hair removal eliminates the place (hair) where bacteria adhere, so the growth of bacteria is suppressed.
Aftercare after medical laser hair removal
Immediately after medical laser hair removal, the skin becomes sensitive and requires aftercare. Please also note the following under the instructions of the doctor.
- Shower only, refrain from drinking alcohol on the day
- Take proper measures against UV rays and moisturize
- If you feel hot after hair removal, cool it
- Apply an external medicine prescribed according to the skin condition after irradiation
- Tweezers are strictly prohibited not only before hair removal but also during the hair removal period
Chiharu Dermatology Clinic Medical Laser Hair Removal
I was taught by Dr. Watanabe, who supervised the article.
- How long does it take to combine the medical examination (counseling) and the treatment?
-
- Depending on the hair loss site, the procedure takes about 30 minutes, and it takes about 1 hour from the examination to the return.
- At Chiharu Dermatology Clinic, there are shot type and heat storage type hair removal. What is the difference between shot type and heat storage type hair removal?
-
- With the shot type, the sudden temperature rise causes a pop-up phenomenon in which the hair comes off from the root, so you can immediately feel the effect. In addition to hair removal, you can expect the effect of reducing skin problems such as age spots and freckles.
- How much is the pain of regenerative hair removal?
-
- Thermal storage hair removal is less painful than shot hair removal. In addition, since the shot type is effective for dark-pigmented skin and hair growth, it is possible to remove hair with less pain even for thin hair such as men's beards and hair growth of small, middle and high school children.
- Can my child be treated?
-
- In the case of hair removal for children, parents are required to be present. In rare cases, parents may come to have their hair removed, so be sure to check the child's intentions and explain in detail so that both parents and children do not have anxiety. Hair removal for children is basically accepted from elementary school students who can confirm their intentions.
- How often do you recommend the treatment?
-
- For aside hair removal, you can feel the hair reduction effect by repeating it 3 to 5 times once every one and a half to two months, although there are individual differences.
- Please give a message to those who are considering medical laser hair removal.
-
- In the past, most people wanted to remove hair from areas that they thought were unnecessary, especially armpit hair, but now more and more people want laser hair removal for other reasons.
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- For example, for women, there is an increasing need for "design hair removal" such as eels, sideburns, eyebrows, and V-lines, and for men, there is an increasing need for "beard hair removal" because they want to eliminate the hassle of shaving every morning and are concerned about their appearance. However, in the future, there is an increasing need for "children's hair removal" because of the consideration given to those who care for them, "care hair removal", and because they are worried about their appearance or may be the target of bullying.
-
- When considering hair loss, I think that many people are worried about hair loss at beauty treatment salons and hair loss at medical institutions, but in the case of beauty treatment salon hair removal, clinical results have shown that 90% or more of the hair grows again after treatment. , Assuming temporary hair loss.
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- On the other hand, laser hair removal performed at medical institutions is premised on long-term hair loss. In the first place, destroying the stem cells of hair follicles is hair removal, and laser hair removal is a medical practice. Therefore, I would like you to give first priority to safety and effectiveness, and to accept it after convincing yourself.
- Thank you, Dr. Watanabe!
Chiharu Dermatology Clinic Medical Laser Hair Removal Fee
| Fee (5 times / tax included) | Thermal storage type hair removal (Soprano ice cream) | Shot hair removal (elite) |
|---|---|---|
| Both sides | 39,600 yen | 24,750 yen |
| Under the elbow | 138,600 yen | 123,750 yen |
| Below the knee | 188,100 yen | 172,700 yen |
| V line (women only) | 89,100 yen | 74,250 yen |
| Whole back | 287,100 yen | 272,250 yen |
| abdomen | 188,100 yen | 173,250 yen |
* Initial consultation fee 3,000 yen Re-examination fee 1,000 yen
Medical laser hair removal is a free medical treatment, so the price setting differs depending on each medical institution. Hair loss treatment may be eligible for medical expense deduction for hirsutism (Ambras syndrome), which causes abnormally high hair growth, but it is basically not covered by insurance.
Flow from arrival at the clinic to medical laser hair removal
(1) Fill out the questionnaire
Enter what you would like to discuss, the part you are interested in, and the symptoms.
(2) Medical examination and counseling
We will explain about medical laser hair removal, examine the skin, check what kind of effect it has, and discuss what you are interested in.
(3) Change of clothes
If necessary, change into the gown prepared at the clinic.
(4) Treatment
In the case of heat storage type hair removal: Gel is applied to the hair loss area to protect the skin and improve slipperiness, and laser irradiation is performed. When the irradiation is finished, wipe off the gel and finish. If there is redness, cool it.
In the case of shot type: To make it less painful, irradiate the laser while cooling with a cooling device. When the irradiation is finished, cool it and finish.
Hair loss is not just for young women. An increasing number of men in their 40s and older who wish to have their hair removed in the delicate zone, assuming that they will receive long-term care, and men who wish to have their beard and chest hair removed.
Even if you are hesitant to use medical laser hair removal because you are vulnerable to pain, heat storage type hair removal will reduce the pain. In addition, it can be said that it is safe to have a clinic such as Chiharu Dermatology Clinic, which checks the pain for each irradiation and adjusts the energy output while performing careful irradiation.
Introduction of supervising doctor
Dr. Chiharu Watanabe, the director and general director of the Chiharu Dermatology Clinic. He belongs to the Japanese Society of Medical Hair Loss and serves as a specialist and councilor of the Japanese Society of Laser Medicine. He has a deep knowledge of medical hair removal using lasers, and is committed to researching issues of diversifying hair removal needs, such as lectures at the general meeting and academic conference of the Japan Society of Cosmetology and Dermatology, and dialogues in beauty medical magazines. Based on his childhood experience of atopic dermatitis, he provides detailed advice that sympathizes with his worries and a treatment policy for a "skin-friendly clinic."
Medical institution with Dr. Chiharu Watanabe
Chiharu Dermatology Clinic (Urawa)
Inquiries (Urawa): 048-813-1188
Chiharu Skin Clinic Hiroo-in
Inquiries (Hiroo-in): 03-3447-1177
