Photoepilation is the precursor to laser hair removal, though it is still available in a few places.
The original system used a fibre optic probe, which was inserted into the hair follicle. An intense, filtered light pulse, was then able to be directed straight at the hair follicle. As with other light treatments, the heat is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, and the follicle damaged as a result. The hair is then removed by the use of tweezers
The process had several problems, the first being that it was difficult to manufacture a probe which was both strong enough to withstand the process, without breaking in the follicle, and be small enough to fit. This was solved by using a larger probe, and holding it above the surface of the skin. A second problem is that the probe is none replaceable. This meant that it has to be sterilised for an hour, using both a heat, and chemical process, before it can be reused.
The process was dropped by the original developers, because it turned out that the process wasn't permanent like it was originally thought. Another company now manufactures the photoepilator system, and they continue to assert that it is a permanent hair removal system, even though they have no data to back up the claim, and they have even been warned by the FDA. It is recommended that you don't use this system as all the evidence points to the system as being only as effective as straight tweezing, but takes a lot longer to do.
