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Laser Hair Removal - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

Last Updated: Jan 04, 2022

What is the treatment?

Removing hair regularly by waxing or using a razor can be a hassle and might even cause bumps or rashes to develop. The laser hair removal technique is efficient, safe and its effect lasts permanently or at least for an extended period of time. Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure that destroys the hair follicles from the area you require.

This procedure can remove the hair from your legs, hands, back, face, bikini line or any other part according to your needs. Though the hair removal lasts for an extensive period, permanent hair removal is not always guaranteed.

The procedure involves an intense laser beam destroying and removing the unwanted hair from your body. During the procedure, a high-intensity laser beam passes through the body and damages individual hair follicles. This ensures that future hair growth is inhibited and that the effects are permanent.

With the advancements of technology, the laser technique can target individual hair and remove them according to your specifications. It can also leave the other areas with lighter or thin hair unaffected. The process may involve a few sessions of hair removal in order to ensure that the effects are permanent.

How is the treatment done?

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that can involve certain health risks. Therefore, before the treatment is important to avoid waxing or shaving hair since this might affect the process of hair removal and also avoid excessive exposure to the sun.

At the start of the procedure, your hair will be trimmed up to a few millimeters. Then the laser device is adjusted according to your skin color and thickness of the hair that will be removed. In order to protect your skin during the process, the doctor will then apply a cooling gel on the skin.

The procedure begins with the doctor activating the laser equipment and then monitoring the patient throughout the process. If any inappropriate reactions occur, the doctor will discontinue the procedure.

During the procedure, a laser beam passes through the outer layer of skin to the follicles, which is the root of the hair. The intensity of the light and heat of the laser targets these hair follicles and destroys them. Laser technology is quick and efficient; it takes approximately a minute to remove the hair from the upper lip. However, areas where hair growth is dense and thick might take a few hours to complete.

The procedure is not painful, though you may experience certain tingling or slight stinging sensations during the hair removal process. After the procedure is complete, ointments, lotions or ice-packs are applied. This is to ensure that there is no inflammatory reaction and to relieve any discomfort.

Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)

Laser hair removal is a common medical procedure that almost anyone can avail. Those who are eligible for this hair removal procedure are as follows:

  • People who are light skinned with hair growth that is dark and thick. Hair removal works most effectively with these people since the laser equipment targets the melanin present in the hair.
  • For both men and women who want to remove the hair from their hands, legs, underarms, upper lip and back.

Who is not eligible for the treatment?

In certain cases, laser hair removal might not be recommended. Here are the reasons why:

  • It is not possible to perform hair removal of eyelashes since the area surrounding the eyes are sensitive.
  • Some laser equipment only works successfully on people of certain complexions. But laser hair removal might not be as effective for people with blonde, red or white hair and for people with a darker complexion.
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Is it worth getting Laser Hair Removal?

Removing body hair is no longer a painful method now! There are several options to choose from. The easy way is swiftly shaving them off all at one go! But the hair will come back in a few days. Hair removal creams have the potency to destroy hair in minutes; however, they have an extremely strong odor. Waxing on the other hand pulls out hair from the root and is a good option if you are looking for a more comprehensive hair removal method. Although hair does not regrow for weeks, waxing is a painful procedure that causes itching when the hair grows back. Electrolysis, for example, is quite a long-term solution to adopt.

In this procedure, a super-fine needle is placed into hair follicles to seize them. We know it sounds irksome! A single session can take a hell lot of your time. In this case, the Laser Hair Removal technique is the best to adopt as it is a renowned semi-permanent hair removal procedure that destroys the hair follicle by lowering down further hair growth.

Summary: Laser Hair Removal technology is one of the most painless ways to get your body hair removed easily and quickly. It is a renowned method that neither irritates you nor consumes much time. The technology works effectively by destroying hair follicles by further lowering down hair growth.

Is Laser Hair Removal bad for you?

Laser Hair Removal is usually a secure way for most people. There are no long-term ill effects associated with this cosmetic procedure. In fact, there are numerous differences of opinion about the ill effects of Laser Hair Removal therapy Although transitory and modest side effects are possible following the operation, further complications are uncommon.

Summary: For most people, Laser Hair Removal is a secure way of getting rid of unwanted hair. There are no long-term ill effects linked with this cosmetic procedure.

How painful is Laser Hair Removal?

Often, Laser Hair Removal causes no pain, more specifically when compared with other hair removal techniques like waxing. Numerous people who have undergone this therapy describe the feeling as if they were being tightly snapped by a rubber band. The pain degree connected with Laser Hair Removal is, of course, determined by the area being treated and your personal pain tolerance.

Summary: Laser Hair Removal generally doesn't cause pain. In fact, it is the most painless way of removing body hair. The pain is determined by your personal pain tolerance.

Does Laser Hair Removal ruin your skin?

Laser Hair Removal is absolutely safe and does harm your skin if done by a competent and experienced practitioner. It can, however, put you in grave trouble if treated wrongly. Laser Hair Removal comes under the category of cosmetic procedure. It beautifies your skin by making it flawlessly smooth. Laser therapy, while non-invasive method and completely safe, can damage your skin permanently if done incorrectly.

Are there any side effects?

Though laser hair removal is a relatively safe procedure, a few side effects may occur. The side effects after the procedure include:

  • The affected skin may form blisters that burn and hurt.
  • The most common side effect is skin irritation.
  • Certain changes in color and texture of the skin have been observed in some cases.
  • Changes in hair color and growth are also possible. In a few cases, the hair color changed to gray, while with others the hair growth became denser.

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

There are certain guidelines that you should follow after the treatment. The medical practitioner might recommend the following guidelines post-treatment:

  • After laser hair removal, your skin might swell and become red. The doctor will suggest a cream, anti-inflammatory lotion or even a steroid ointment to soothe the burning sensation and the swellings.
  • Applying an ice pack to the affected areas will reduce the swelling.
  • It is advisable to avoid direct and excess sun exposure in the recovery period. Since exposure to the sun can aggravate the inflammation and sensitive skin.
  • The hair that has been treated might continue to fall off over a period of one to three weeks after the procedure.

How long does it take to recover?

The laser hair removal treatment has few side effects and hence the recovery process is quick. Some patients may recover within a day or two, while others might require two to three weeks for recovery.

What is the price of the treatment in India?

The price for laser hair removal varies according to the clinic and the city. The price in India for laser hair removal would be approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

The results of laser hair removal treatment vary from person to person. Its efficacy depends on the clinic you go to as well as skills of the dermatologist. Some studies show that 90% of the people who undergo this procedure achieve permanent hair removal after a series of sessions. But in a number of cases, the results were ineffective.

What are the alternatives to the treatment?

Some alternatives to laser hair removal are:

  • Sugar waxing: This procedure can be used instead of waxing with honey or hard wax. It boasts of little to no side effects.
  • Electrolysis: This process removes hair with an electric gadget. Hair removal can last for extensive periods of time. But this process is time-consuming.
Summary: Has shaving or waxing left you stressed? If yes, then nothing is better than Laser Hair Removal therapy. Laser therapy is the most convenient and relieving way to free yourself from unwanted hair. Nowadays, it is becoming popular among men and women. It is a common cosmetic operation that passes a laser light into the hair follicles. It damages the hair follicles and further prevents the development of hair for a longer period of time.

References

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Written ByDr. Deepa Kadam MD - AyurvedaDermatology
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