Skin Club by DermaGenesis

The Diode laser with its fixed wavelength of 800 nm is commonly used in permanent hair removal, dermal pigmentation and treatment of spider veins. This wavelength is very specific for melanin in the skin and hair follicles.
Diode treatment distributes the 800 nm laser energy beneath the skin's layers without affecting the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis). This energy selectively destroys melanin found in the hair follicles, epidermis and dermis. Pigmentary conditions such as freckles, sun damage and age spots, especially over large areas (such as the forearm, chest, back, etc) respond very well to Diode laser treatment. The Diode laser’s affinity towards follicular melanocytes (melanin found in hair follicles) makes it the gold standard in permanent hair removal. Since hair follicles form part of the pilosebaceous gland in acne formation, Diode laser also plays a major role in managing acne. Diode laser treatments are safe, almost painless and have no downtime.

The procedure

Diode is a well-tolerated and safe procedure. A layer of cold gel is applied onto the skin. This gel keeps the epidermis cool while the heat is distributed into the dermis. An anaesthetic cream can be applied to make the treatment more comfortable, especially for hair removal procedures on sensitive areas.
Immediately after the treatment the skin will appear slightly red and in rare cases, minimally swollen. There may be few microscopic dots on the treated area, which will develop into fine scabs within a day, or two. The scabs, if formed, will disappear within 3 - 4 days; after which the skin appears smoother and clearer. An individual may require 4 – 7 treatments done once in 2 - 3 weeks. The actual number of treatment would depend on the skin type and density of hair. There is no restriction of daily activities after the treatment. However, it is advisable to apply more moisturizer and sun block to soothe the skin and stay away from excessive sun exposure during the recovery period.

Diode results for permanent hair removal

The effects of Diode laser are normally noticeable after few treatments. Though the objective is to achieve 100% hair loss on treated areas, which some people do, but most often Laser hair removal provides a permanent reduction of hair growth up to 80% to 90% only. Patients should not expect to permanently remove every single hair from the targeted area; however, they can expect to remove the vast majority of it. Laser Hair Removal works best on light skin with dark coarse hair. Laser Hair Removal is not effective for lighter or white colour hair and fine hair. For the few cases where the hair does grow back, it is usually lighter and finer. Some people may experience about 10% hair re-growth after few years, for which they may need touch-up treatments. Click here for more information on permanent hair removal.

Diode laser safety, risks and side effects

The common side effects are pain, itching, redness and / or swelling for few days. In rare cases, some patients may experience scab formation, bruises, infection and temporary hypo or hyper-pigmentation.

Uses of Diode laser

Diode laser treatment when performed regularly over a prolonged period has several long-term benefits to the skin. They include:

• Permanent hair removal
• Weakens the melanocytes and reduce pigmentary conditions such as age spots, freckles, melasma, etc
• Weakens the superficial capillaries and reduces skin discoloration and spider veins

Reference:

Geronemus RG. Fractional photothermolysis: current and future applications. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38:169-76.K, Quevedo WC Jr, Fitzpatrick TB, Szabó G. Biology of melanocytes. In: Freedberg IM, Fitzpatrick TB, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in general medicine. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993:261-89. Pulsed Light for the treatment of Facial Freckles in Asian Skin; Huang Y-L.[1]; Liao Y-L.[1]; Lee S-H.[1]; Hong H-S.;Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwanclinical results of IPL photorejuvenation; James Brazil[1]; Patti Owens[1]; Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic Olympia Washington USACK, Fitzpatrick RE. The treatment of melasma with fractional photothermolysis: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31:1645-50.