Absorption
Absorption is the process by which tissue takes up laser emissions, thus causing a reaction within the tissue.


ANSI
ANSI is an ancronym for American National Standards Institute. It is a voluntary nationally recognized group establishing standards for use of equipment . The ANSI Z136.3 standard pertains to medical lasers (used in hair removal treatments).


Beker's nevus
Similar to, but less common than Café-au-lait macules, and typically larger (5-40cm). Course hair is present within the patch and usually located in the shoulder area.


Café-au-lait macules
Café-au-lait macules are light tan to light brown macules often visible at birth, epidermal in depth (1-20cm in diameter).


Collagen
Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein that is the chief constituent of the fibrils of connective tissue, such as in skin and tendons, and of the organic substance of bones.


Collimated
Collimated refers to the fact that laser beam waves are parallel to each other and do not converge or diverge.


Congenital nevi
Congenital nevi refer to nevi present at birth.


Cryogen
Cryogen is a substance used to induce a low temperature in an object. Dynamic Cooling Devices (DVD) use cryogen to cool the skin prior to firing the laser pulse.


Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing Syndrome is chronic excess of adrenocortical androgens or glucocorticoid hormones which causes hyperglycemia. A possible symptom may be excessive hair growth.


DCD
DCD is an ancronym for Dynamic Cooling Device. This device sprays a cryogen cooling agent on the skin prior to the firing of the laser pulse.


Dermis
The dermis is the deeper, thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves and hair.


Dipilation
Dipilation is the removal of the hair above the surface of the skin. Common forms of depilation are shaving and chemical treatments used to remove hair. This is a temporary form of hair removal.


Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost and thinnest layer of the skin.


Epilation
Epilation is the removal of the entire hair, including the part below the skin. Epilation occurs in treatments such as laser and electrolysis hair removal.


Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicules. These ingrown hairs may be caused by rubbing or chafing of clothing, or skin irritation due to shaving.


Hair Anatomy
The anatomy of hair is comprised of the follicle, bulb, vascular supply, matrix and shaft.


Hemangioma
Hemangioms are nonmalignant tumors of vascular endothelium generally apparent in infancy.


Hirsutism
Excess hair growth in women in a male pattern such as the beard, mustache, or lower abdomen, and may be due to hormonal problems, medications, tumors or heredity.


Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood.


Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is an increase in skin or tissue pigmentation.

Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, sometimes known as the werewolf syndrome, is a medical term referring to the condition of excessive body hair.

Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation is a decrease of pigmentation in the tissue or skin.


IPL
Intense Pulsed Light


Laser
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation


Melanin
Melanin is pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin, giving it color.


OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity is the increased sensitivity to light.


Pigmented Lesions
Pigmented lesions are congenital or acquired brown to black skin lesions.


Poikiloderma of Civatte
Poikiloderma of Civatte is the hyperpigmentation and telangiectasias of the sides of the neck and chest associated with chronic sun exposure.


Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
A disorder affecting women caused by androgen overproduction in the ovaries. It is also known as Stein-Levinthal Syndrome. The inward signs of this syndrome may include irregular or absent menstruation and cystic ovaries. Outward signs are small breasts, sometimes obesity, and often hirsutism of the face, neck, chest and thighs.


Pseudofolliculitus Barbae (PFB)
Pseudofolliculitus Barbae is a condition in which sharp, curly hair turns back into the skin, becoming ingrown and causing an infection. It usually develops after shaving from razor burn.