What is the meaning of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal Treatment is a long-lasting type of hair removal procedure that destroys or damages the hair follicle. This procedure involves using a high beam of light to remove unwanted body hair. The pigments (melanin) present in the hair follicles absorb the laser light and inhibit the growth of unwanted hair. Laser hair removal delays hair growth for a considerable time. But it does not result in permanent removal of hair.
Multiple laser hair removal treatments are required for the initial removal of hair, and subsequent maintenance treatments may be required. Laser hair removal can be done for all skin types but is most effective in people with dark hair and light skin.
Let us tell you in detail about laser hair removal in today’s article.
- What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
- What is the preparation for Laser Hair Removal?
- What is the procedure of Laser Hair Removal?
- How to care after Laser Hair Removal?
- What are the side effects of Laser Hair Removal?
- What is the cost of Laser Hair Removal in India?
What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal treatmentsbikini line
The various advantages of laser hair removal include:
- Speed: Every pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second to treat many hairs at the same time. The laser is capable of treating an area that is the size of a quarter in one second. Smaller regions like the upper lip get treated in less than a minute, and larger areas like the legs and the back may take about an hour to treat.
- Predictability: Permanent hair removal is seen in most patients after three to seven sessions. ( Know more about- The problem of Hair fall and its Treatment)
- Precision: Lasers are capable of selectively treating coarse, dark hair without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Safe: The procedure of laser hair removal is generally considered safe. It usually does not cause any damage to the skin. Apart from this, removing unwanted hair with a razor or waxing can damage the skin. ( Know more about- What is Hair fall PRP ? )
What is the preparation for Laser Hair Removal?
A consultation sessionThe doctor
- Note down the medical history of the patient, along with the medications the patient may be taking. Any history of skin disorders and scarring are also noted. The patient is also asked about any past hair removal procedures that may have been performed.
- The doctor discusses the benefits, risks, expectations, and expected results with the patient.
- Photographs may be taken before the procedure. These photographs are used for the before and after comparisons.
- The treatment plan and cost are also discussed with the patient.
The following instructions are given to the patient before the laser hair removal procedure:
- Exposure to the sun should be avoided before and after the treatment.
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen on your skin when you have to go out.
- Avoid hair removal methods like waxing, plucking, and electrolysis at least four weeks prior to the procedure, as these methods tend to disturb the hair follicle.
- Avoid the use of any skin creams that may darken the skin.
- The doctor may prescribe a skin bleaching cream in case of a darker skin tone or a recent tan. ( Know more about- What are the causes of Skin Inflammation? )
- The doctor may advise the patient to stop taking any blood-thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin a few days before the surgery.
- The patient is advised to shave the treatment area a day before the laser hair removal procedure. This allows hair removal above the skin which may result in skin surface damage due to the burnt hairs, but it keeps the hair shaft intact below the skin surface.
What is the procedure of Laser Hair Removal?
- Laser hair removal takes about two to six sessions.
- The interval between the sessions depends on the area of treatment.
- In areas where hair growth is quick, for example, the upper lip, the treatment may need to be repeated in four to eight weeks.
- In areas of slow hair growth, for example, the back, the treatment session may be required every twelve to sixteen weeks.
- Before the procedure starts, the doctor cleans the treatment area.
- Both the patient and the physician should wear protective eyewear during the procedure to protect the eyes from the laser beam.
- The doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to the skin to reduce any discomfort during the procedure.
- Before the treatment, the hair is shortened to a few millimeters and a cooling gel is applied to the skin by a hand-held instrument. The gel helps in better absorption of the light and also protects the skin from damage.
- The doctor activates the laser and the laser beam passes through the skin to the hair follicles.
- The extreme heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles and inhibits hair growth.
- The patient may feel a cold sensation from the cooling gel and mild discomfort during the procedure.
- Treatment of a small area like the upper lip may take only a couple of minutes, whereas, treatment of a large area like the back may take more than one hour.
- Hair fall is not seen immediately, but it occurs over a period of a few days to weeks.
How to care after Laser Hair Removal?
- It is normal to have mild redness and swelling for the first few hours after the procedure.
- The patient can apply ice to the treated area to reduce discomfort.
- The doctor may apply a steroid cream to the treated area if the patient has a skin reaction immediately following a laser hair removal procedure.
- It is advisable to avoid sunlight after the procedure and between the scheduled treatment sessions.
- A tanning bed should be avoided for six weeks post the procedure, or as advised by the doctor.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen when stepping out. ( Know more about- What are the best Home remedies to remove Sunburn? )
What are the side effects of Laser Hair Removal?
The laser hair removal treatment proceduresome associated side effects
The most commonly seen side effects of laser hair removal treatment include:
- Itching if skin
- Swelling
- Skin redness
- Scars ( Know more about- Natural remedies for skin tightening )
- Burns
- Change in skin color
- Pain
- Numbness
- Acne
- Risk of infection
- Blistering of the skin
- Skin discoloration and irritation
In case a patient experiences fever, severe pain, blisters, crusting, or other signs of skin infection or damage, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.
What is the cost of Laser Hair Removal in India?
The total cost of laser hair removal treatment in India can range from around INR 2,000 to INR 50,000. However, the cost of the procedure may vary across different hospitals. There are many big hospitals and specialized doctors in India for laser hair removal treatment. The cost varies across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, in addition to the expenses of laser hair removal treatment, there will be a cost of staying in a hotel, cost of living, and cost of local travel. So, the total cost of laser hair removal in India will be around INR 2,600 to INR 65,000.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Delhi
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Mumbai
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Chennai
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Bangalore
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding Laser Hair Removal through this article.
If you need more information about Laser Hair Removal Treatment, contact a Dermatologist.
We only aim to provide you with information through the article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment to anyone. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
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