Laser Hair Removal

If you are fed up with shaving, waxing, or tweezing, laser hair removal can be a perfect option for you. Laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. In laser hair removal, a concentrated beam of light which is known as Laser is used to remove unwanted hairs.

During the procedure, the laser emits a beam of light which is absorbed by melanin or pigment in the hair follicles. The light energy then is converted into heat energy which destroys the tube shapes sacs within hair follicles which produce hairs. Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted hairs. In minutes, it destroys hair follicles with minimal discomfort. Laser hair removal works best for the people who have a fair complexion and dark hairs however people without this combination can also get great results with the treatment. The basic principle behind hair color and skin type is that the pigment of hairs should absorb the light not the pigment of the skin. The laser should only damage hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. That is why a contrast between hair and skin color results in the best outcome. But now with the help of advanced technology laser hair removal has also become an option for people with darker skin.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

• With laser hair removal it is possible to remove unwanted hairs from any part of the body except eyelids or surrounding area.
• It targets only dark and coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
• The procedure of laser hair removal is extremely fast. In a fraction of second, a pulse of laser can treat many hairs. Small areas such as upper lip can be treated in less than a minute.
• It is painless treatment, the level of pain falls in between shaving and waxing. Before and after the laser treatment ice packs are used to numb the area.
• Laser hair removal does not remove hairs permanently but it drastically reduces the hair growth to the point that you have no need of shaving or waxing. After three to six sessions most patients have permanent hair loss.

Related: Cost of Laser Hair Removal Treatment in Delhi

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure which requires training to perform. Before finalizing the technician or doctor check the credibility of the person who is about to perform the procedure. Laser hair removal carries potential risks so discuss the risks, benefits, and expectations in detail. You can also take photos to be used in before and after assessments. Your consultant can also give some specific instruction to prepare for the treatment such as

• Avoiding sun exposure and use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily six weeks before the treatment.
• Avoid any cream which darkens the skin, your doctors can even prescribe skin lightening cream.
• Stop waxing, plucking, and electrolysis at least four weeks before the treatment as they can disturb hair follicles.
• If you are taking any medication, tell your doctor. It is recommended to avoid blood thinning and anti-inflammatory drugs before the procedure.
• Trim or shave the area a day before the laser treatment as it will remove the hairs above the skin that can cause skin damage from burnt hairs.

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal

Usually, a series of two to six treatments are required in the laser hair removal procedure. Interval between the treatments depends on the location of the site. Areas where hair growth is fast such as upper lip, the treatment can be repeated in four to eight weeks while for slow growth area treatment can be repeated in every 12 to 16 weeks.

Before the procedure, hairs are trimmed to a few millimeters. Laser equipment are adjusted according to the color, thickness, and location of the hairs and skin color. For eye protection, it is important to wear special goggles before starting the treatment. A cold gel is also applied to protect the skin from the laser light. Your doctor might also apply a topical anesthetic on the skin to reduce the discomfort during the treatment.

After the procedure, you might notice swelling and redness for the first few hours. To reduce the discomfort ice pack can be applied on the affected area. If there is a skin reaction immediately after the treatment, some topical steroid can be applied. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and after six weeks of the treatment.

Recovery and Risks

For a few days, your skin may look like sunburned, cool compresses and moisturizer can help you in such condition. If your face is treated, you should avoid makeup unless your skin is healed. Laser treated hairs do not fall immediately, it takes around a month to fall them out. To prevent temporary change in the skin color, apply sunscreen for the next month. People with dark complexion can also have blisters on the treated area. Other potential side effects of laser hair removal are skin irritation, pigment change, crusting, scarring, and change in skin texture.