Contact Dr. Arun K. Prasad
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arun K. Prasad, Dermatologist, Nova Laser Clinic, Calcutta, call 91 33 2476 5600 or
91 33 2454 3259.
You can also e-mail arunkprasad@novalaser.org
Our goal is to make you look good and feel great with perfect skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intense Pulsed Light, Hair Removal and Photorejuvenation
What are the commonly used methods of hair removal today?
Hair removal methods can be classified as:-
Temporary methods of hair removal include:-
- Shaving – Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not make the hair coarser or grow
faster. However most ladies with hair growth shun it as a masculine act, although shaving is quick and cheap.
- Plucking / Tweezing / Threading / Waxing – These methods are also quick and cheap but
sometimes lead to the development of black marks, boils or allergic rashes. Additionally, the hair has to be grown to a
certain length before the procedure can be performed.
- Chemical depilatories – These are also simple to use but may produce a primary irritant
or allergic dermatitis. Chemical depilatories are salts of thioglycolic acid, which were patented in the 1930s for
dehairing cattle hide.
- Vaniqa cream – This is available in the US only on prescription and contains Eflornithine
HCl 13.9%. It does not remove hair but slows down its rate of growth when used in combination with other hair removal
methods.
Long-term methods of hair removal include:-
- Electrolysis – This may be performed using a DC current (galvanic electrolysis), an AC
current (thermolysis) or a mixture of AC and DC current (blend). Electrolysis is an effective method of long-term hair
removal. However, it is painful and time-consuming and may lead to light or dark coloured scars.
- Lasers – Laser machines emit light of a fixed wavelength. Melanin, the pigment present in
dark hair, possesses the property to absorb light energy within a certain wavelength range. The hair then conducts this
energy into the depth of the follicle. The cells in the follicle responsible for hair growth get heated up and eventually
destroyed. The skin is not damaged. This is called selective photothermolysis.
- Intense pulsed light – Unlike lasers, this system emits a broad light pulse spectrum
(570 – 1200 nm). The wavelength is adjusted using cut-off filters. Shorter wavelengths are selected for light hair, light
skin and superficial follicles. Longer wavelengths are selected for dark hair, dark skin and deep follicles. The treatment
can thus be better customized than lasers to the patient’s skin and hair type.
Which is the system used for hair removal at Nova Laser Clinic, Kolkata?
Dr. Prasad uses an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device from world leaders ESC Sharplan for permanent hair removal.
What else can Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treat?
IPL technology improves the appearance of photoaged skin, removes age spots (sun-induced freckles), most benign brown
pigments, and redness caused by broken capillaries through a process called photorejuvenation for face and body. IPL skin
treatments using photorejuvenation help restore a more youthful appearance without any downtime. Intense Pulsed Light
treatment also works on all grades of
acne, by destroying the bacteria P. acnes.
Can pigmented hairy lesions be treated with IPL?
Yes, it is possible to treat this type of lesion with IPL, due to the versatility of filters. IPL with longer filters can
penetrate deeper than IPL with short filters. Thus, a shorter filter may be used to treat the superficial (epidermal)
pigmented lesion and take care of the excessive pigment, whereas a longer filter may be applied for the hair removal.
At Nova Laser Clinic, Kolkata, we have an Intense Pulsed Light device from world leaders ESC Sharplan. Our dermatologist,
Dr. Arun K. Prasad, will evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan specific for your kind of unwanted hair growth.
Links For More Information On Unwanted Hair Removal
www.mdlaserderm.com
www.laserhairremovalreview.com
www.intensepulsedlightreview.com
www.epilight.net
www.hairfacts.com
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