Laser Hair Reduction
If you’re not happy with shaving or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal is an option worth considering.
Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures done. Lasers induce a long term hair reduction and not permanent hair removal.
How does Laser hair reduction work?
The laser beams highly concentrated light into the hair follicles. The pigment in the hair follicles absorbs the light. This destroys the hair follicle.
The laser works only on hair in the growing phase and hence the need of several sittings as all the hair are never in the growing phase at the same time.
What areas can be treated?
The laser can remove hair from all parts of the body – the face, legs, arms, underarms, chest, back, bikini line and other areas.
Are any investigations required?
The hair growth in females in areas of male pattern is usually due to hormonal imbalance. It is very important to rule out hormonal imbalance and correct it if present. This ensures better results with the laser.
How many sittings are required?
On an average six to eight sittings are required at interval of 4 weeks. It depends on the hair thickness and the hair growth cycle. At any given time only a certain percentage of hair are in the growing phase. The other hairs would enter the growth phase at different times.
Does the laser treatment hurt?
The laser cools and soothes as it glides along the skin. When the pulse of light is delivered, Some patients experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. No local anesthesia is usually required. However in a patient who is not comfortable, topical anesthesia may be used
What are the post procedure instructions?
There is little redness immediately after the treatment. Usually cold compresses are given to reduce the redness and swelling if any. Sunscreens and moisturisers to be used. The treated hair would fall off within 3 to 5 days .
Are than any side effects and what can be done to prevent them?
In trained hands, the chances of side effects are practically nil. A patch test can be done for sensitive skin. One should avoid tanning to cut down the risk of side effects. The instructions given post procedure should be followed properly. The documented side effects include post laser burns, scarring and pigmentation.
What results should one expect of the treatment?
There is transformation of the terminal hair (coarse thick hair) to vellus hair (soft fine hair).
The quality, density and the rate of growth of the hair would change. The hair would get finer, lighter and the density would reduce. The growth will also be very slow. The laser does not work on white hair.