Hair can be removed in various ways. Some of the methods, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, only provide temporary results. Some other methods, such as electrolysis, is painful and tedious and is associated with a risk of scarring. In recent years, laser hair removal has been found to offer the safest and most permanent effective solution for hair removal. The results depend on the type of hair present. Usually the coarser and darker the hair (for example armpits, lower legs) and fairer the skin, the better the response to laser.

In other areas where the hair is finer and lighter (for example facial hair), the response may be slower.
Laser hair removal is carried out as an outpatient procedure. After analysing your skin type and hair growth, the required laser technology is selected, the concerned area is cleansed, marked, shaved and after applying cooling gel laser flashes are given to the treatment area. A minimum of 6-8 monthly sessions are required for satisfactory hair reduction. Results may vary on individual hair growth patterns and hormonal imbalances. The regrowth is thinner, scantier and slower after each session. Below is the list of lasers commonly used for LHR:
Long pulsed diode
Long pulsed ndyag
Long pulsed alexandrite

Pre- and Post- Procedure Instructions

  • Stop bleaching / threading / waxing of hair a month before your appointment
  • After the laser treatment, avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 4 pm for at least a week
  • Use SPF 15-30 sunscreen lotion regularly
  • Do not splash warm / hot water to clean the treated area, for at least 2 days after the treatment
  • Do not scrub the treated area too hard
  • Do not swim for 2 days after the procedure
  • Do not bleach / thread / wax the treated area in between the treatment. You could, however, shave the hair 2-3 times

During treatment, hair re-growth occurs in three phases :

  • 1st-2nd week - the shedding hair will grow out and fall off, or can be shaved; but do not shave too often
  • 3rd-4th week - usually no hair growth occurs
  • 5th-6th week - the hair grows, but is thinner, softer and less dense.
  • 6th-8th week - repeat next laser session.

HOW DOES LHR WORK?

The LHR laser has a wavelength that specifically targets the pigment melanin present in the hair follicle and hair shaft. It penetrates the skin to the depth where hair bulb is present. Thus, it works on the principal of ‘selective photo thermolysis’. The laser pulses for a fraction of second, penetrates the hair bulb without destroying the surrounding skin, vaporises the pigment in the hair follicle, thereby destroying the hair follicle. The large number of hairs are targeted in single flash of light.

IS IT PAINFUL?

Patients may experience mild stinging sensation described by most as snapping of rubber band. However, most patient tolerate it well. Also, a chill tip cooling hand piece protects the surrounding skin and reduces the discomfort. A local anaesthetic cream may be applied to those who are extremely sensitive to pain.

WHAT IS THE COST INVOLVED?

The cost involved in laser hair removal is dependent on multiple factors. Please visit you dermatologist’s office for the same.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

For the majority of people the answer is YES! Laser can treat women and men of all ethnicities and skin types. Lasers are attracted to the pigment of the hair, so if you have white or light blonde hair colour, then the hair cannot be treated.

HOW LONG DOES EACH TREATMENT SESSION TAKE?

Smaller areas such as the upper lip can be treated in 3-5 minutes, and larger areas such as the back or full legs, may take up to an hour or so

ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS INVOLVED?

Temporary itching, swelling and redness for 3 days can be experienced. If proper care is not taken after the treatment then temporary pigmentation/scab may also occur. Any permanent damage to the skin through laser treatment for hair removal is quite rare. Sometimes blisters may appear, especially in case of people with dark skin. An ice pack or cooling cream or gel is usually recommended to take care of this situation.

I HAVE IN-GROWN HAIR ON MY FACE, LEGS, BIKINI AREA AND BACK. WOULD LASER HELP?

Absolutely! Even after one treatment you will notice that most of your ingrown hair will vanish.

WHICH AREAS OF BODY CAN I CHOOSE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Any area, precisely. For females – face, upper lips, chin, chest, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, legs, hands. For men - beard, back, chest, abdomen, hands or legs

ARE THE RESULTS LONG LASTING?

Yes! FDA approved laser is a long lasting solution to treat unwanted face and body hair. More the number of sessions greater is the degree of long lasting hair reduction.

WHAT IF I HAVE EXCESSIVE HAIR GROWTH?

A majority of patients have achieved outstanding results from laser hair removal treatment. But, in cases of excessive hair growth – the doctor /patient must find out if there’s any possible underlying medical condition behind it. Women sometimes are born with male-pattern facial hair or diagnosed with thyroid, hormonal imbalances etc. People with excessive hair growth must first talk it out with the doctor and understand the factors responsible for the problem before choosing laser hair removal treatment as a permanent solution.