Introduction
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a beam of light to heat and destroy hair follicles. This prevents the hair from growing back. Laser hair removal is a popular option for people who want to get rid of unwanted hair, such as on the face, legs, arms, underarms and pubic area.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. When the laser beam hits the melanin, it heats up and destroys the hair follicle. The follicle is then unable to produce new hair.
Sessions
The number of laser hair removal treatments needed depends on the area of the body being treated and the person's individual hair growth. 4-8 sessions are recommended with the gap of 3-4 weeks. Maintenance sessions can be taken 3 monthly extending to 6 monthly and then yearly. It is to be noted that results can greatly vary in persons with hormonal imbalance and conditions like PCOS, Thyroid imbalance etc.
Downtime & potential side effects
- Redness
- Irritation
- Cool compress, gentle moisturizer, hydrating gel can be applied to soothe the skin. Daily activities can be immediately resumed.
- Burn: RARELY can occur in overly sensitive skins and skin recovers within 2 weeks.
- Paradoxical hypertrichosis: VERY RARELY can occur in which there’s increase in hair density, color, coarseness, or a combination of these at treated sites.
Pain level
The laser causes tingling/pinning type of discomfort (not pain). Hairy areas may be relatively more uncomfortable than the less hairy areas. The first 2 sessions can be relatively more uncomfortable but as the sessions proceed and the hair reduces, discomfort level also lowers.
Laser technologies available:
- Diode Laser
- Soprano Laser
- IPL (not a laser but an intense pulsed light treatment)
