Ilumiwave
* Before & After results may vary from person to person.
How does the Illumiwave laser work?
Only a few lasers have shown consistent results and have undergone the rigorous requirements of the FDA (Federal Drug Agency of USA) and Health Canada to receive approval for hair rejuvenation. The Illumiwave laser is one of them.
To understand how the laser works, it is important to understand the problem. Hair loss is common in both men and women. There are many causes of hair loss but by far the most common reason is androgenic alopecia or normal hormonal hair loss. This type of hair loss if often genetic and can begin in men as early as their 20s and affects about 50% of men before they are age 50.
Illumiwave uses low level laser therapy (LLLT), opening up the vascular network in the scalp, increasing circulation, increasing APT production and increasing cell signalling responses and enables your proteins and nutrients to be delivered up to the hair follicle site. These effects are especially striking in areas of the body where cells are under stress, which can be seen in the scalp.
Mechanisms of the Illumiwave
- Increased scalp blood flow and microcirculation by 30%
- Increases nutrient supply to enhance hair growth
- Stimulates and accelerates hair growth
- Stops the progression of hair loss
- Repairs and improves hair shaft quality
- Reduces the binding of excess levels of skin 5 alpha reductase and DHT which contribute to genetic thinning
- Relieves scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, itchy/scaling scalp (anti-inflammatory properties).
- Normalizes sebum production (also increases production in under activity and dryness and decreases production in over activity or greasiness)
- Reduces tight, tender scalp
99% of all patients will stop their progression on hair loss, meaning you are able to achieve stabilization of hair loss. All of our hair loss treatment patients will also see fuller, thicker, shinier and healthier hair. Patients will notice a 20% increase in thickness alone within the first 3-5 months of treatment. Upwards of 85%of patients will also see hair regrowth of terminal hairs.
Treatment intervals
The most common protocol is 2 treatments a week for 8 weeks, then 1 treatment a week for 16 weeks and then 2 treatments a month for 6 months. Treatment time is 20-30 minutes.
Patients must wait a minimum of 24 hours in between treatments as to not over treat, but not wait longer than 2 weeks in between treatments for the first year.
After the first year is complete, patients come in 1-2 times a month for maintenance.
Is it safe?
The Illumiwave laser stimulates cell function. The effect is not thermal as in the case of surgical lasers. These non-surgical therapeutic lasers are certified Class 3A by the FDA. The energy produced by the photons of these lasers is low and does not have a thermal component that can cause injuries to users and/or operators. This low level energy does not alter molecular structures, but STIMULATES the body’s mechanisms to REPAIR AND HEAL itself. This laser can also be used for wound healing and that is why there are no reported side affects.
Contraindications
- Women who are pregnant
- Skin infections (such as impetigo) at the site to be treated
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Active skin cancer
- Glaucoma, cataracts or retinal detachment (check with doc first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt? Most patient will feel a mild tingling sensation or a warming sensation, which goes away within 10 minutes of completing the treatment.
When do patients start to see results? Patients may see a reduction of hair loss within 3 months and hair re-growth can be seen as early as 6 months.
Can patients use anything else in combination to increase results? Yes. Patients can be on oral or topical medications, as well as using certain shampoos/conditioners meant for hair loss/thinning.
Who is a good candidate? As long as there are living follicles in the area to be treated the laser can be effective in stabilizing and rejuvenating the hair. This laser can work on males or females, and any race or skin colour. If the follicles are completely dead and the patient is completely bald then unfortunately this laser is not the right treatment for them.