from the Summer 1999 issue
Imagine not having to shave, tweeze, wax or endure the tedious process of electrolysis again. Using an innovative technological breakthrough - the EpiLight Hair Removal System, we can now gently remove unwanted hair with a flash of light. Whether on your face, back, legs, bikini line or just about anywhere, we can safely and effectively eliminate stubborn and annoying hairs with EpiLight.
EpiLight uses pulsed light to remove hair and impair hair regrowth. Here's how it works. First, a cool gel and a hand-held treatment unit are gently applied to the skin. Then, in a flash, pulses of light safely penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which raises the temperature of the hair follicle high enough to kill or damage the cells in the follicle which produce the hair shaft. When EpiLight's pulse of light is delivered to the hair, a mild sting or pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band is felt. Most people tolerate it without the need for any anesthesia, but if you desire, a topical anesthetic cream can be used. The process is most effective on hairs that are in the active growth phase of the hair cycle. However, at any given time only a certain percentage of hairs are in the growth phase. As a result, multiple treatments (generally a minimum of three to five) are required to eradicate the majority of hairs.
Because the light energy is absorbed by melanin, which is present in the skin as well as in hair, it is important to avoid tanning prior to the procedure. When darker-skinned patients are treated, a test spot is performed to be sure optimum treatment settings are selected.
Short-term side effects which may be seen after treatment include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which goes away within a few days. In rare instances, there may be some blistering and temporary darkening or lightening of skin color.
EpiLight has many advantages over electrolysis. Electrolysis involves treating one hair follicle at a time and consequently is tedious and time-consuming. It also is painful and has a risk of scarring the skin. EpiLight uses a 10 mm x 45 mm rectangular light crystal to deliver the light energy, and all of the follicles within that rectangle are treated in one flash of light. You save time and experience less discomfort.
Lasers are another option for hair removal. The most commonly used lasers are the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. They have the same risks as the EpiLight, such as reddening, blistering and pigmentation changes in the skin. EpiLight has the advantage of flexibility, with customized treatment parameters specifically for the color, texture and location of the hair being treated.
For more information, see:
Remove Unwanted Facial Hair: New Treatments
Winter 2001
The Vantage Advantage
Fall 2005
Permanent Hair Reduction
Winter 2006
To get rid of unwanted hair, call us at 713.850.0240 to arrange a consultation or schedule your first treatment with Maria Antesoda, RN.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |