Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost

Also known as ‘laser hair reduction, Laser Hair Removal/ Reduction, is a safe and effective way to get rid of most of the undesirable hair on the body and face, without cosmetic surgery. Even after not using any light-based devices, this procedure leaves the skin looking smoother and silkier than waxing, electrolysis, or razors. Moreover, this is a gentle technique that can treat larger areas effectively with minimal discomfort and with no downtime.

How does laser hair removal work?

During laser hair removal treatment, a laser is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles which are located just below the skin) that produce hairs. If the follicles are destroyed, then hair production is temporarily disabled. The pulsed light in laser hair removal feels like a rubber band snapping against your skin, although some machines perform differently. Not every zap will hurt and some areas, like the lower legs, hurt a little more than others, like your thighs.

Areas of the body that may be treated with laser hair removal include the following:

• Back
• Chest
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Bikini area
• Face (e.g. upper lip and chin)

Procedure

The doctor asks to shave the areas to be treated one day prior to the actual treatment. Also, you should avoid Waxing or applying hair removal lotions during this pre-treatment phase or in-between two treatment sessions.

How many laser sessions will I need?

You can expect to see a delay in hair regrowth in the treated area after the 1st session of the procedure. In two to eight weeks, you may begin to notice an increase in hair growth in the treated area. The hair growth, in this case, is, in fact, lifeless and simply being cast out by your body. These hairs in different areas will grow at different rates, and some hairs might be in a resting cycle while others might be in their growth phase.

It typically takes between three and eight sessions for permanent hair loss in many body parts. The evaluation with your specialist before the procedure will give you a better idea of how many treatment sessions you may need. If you want the best results, you need to get maintenance treatments done once a year for at least a couple of years.

Hair colour and skin type are parameters that influence the success of laser hair removal/reduction to some extent. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should only damage the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin — usually results in good outcomes. Sadly, if you have grey, red, blond, and white hair, laser hair removal/reduction is less effective because those hairs don’t absorb light well.

Aftercare

You can use ice packs, cold water, or anti-inflammatory creams or lotions to soothe the treated areas and diminish any discomfort. Moreover, you can apply sunscreen after laser hair removal on the face treatment or any treated areas which are exposed.

Before the procedure, you will receive detailed written instructions about your post-laser hair removal treatment care, including information about:

• Skincare
• Normal symptoms you will experience
• Potential signs of complication

Following these instructions will improve the effectiveness of the procedure and reduce the risk of side effects. For any doubts, you can enquire with the doctor after the procedures.

Laser hair removal side effects

How painful is laser hair removal is a question often asked about patients before undertaking the procedure. Serious complications related to laser hair removal are rare. You can have the most common side effects like:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Discomfort and skin irritation

Laser hair removal Cost

Costs are related to the area of the body being treated, whether a small area on the face compared to the legs or back. Visit Dr Pawan Singh at Regency Multi Super Speciality Hospital to get a better idea of the cost for your particular case and to know the attractive offers offered at Regency Healthcare.