Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Procedure and Recovery

Laser for hair reduction is a procedure that removes unwanted hair using a concentrated light beam (laser). A laser beam penetrates through the skin to reach the hair follicles. The laser’s intense heat destroys the hair follicles, causing a reduction in the number of hairs. The number of treatments determines the degree of hair reduction. This procedure can be performed on all body areas except the eye area.

1. Cost-effective procedure
2. No ingrown hair
3. Precise and takes less time
4. Less painful
5. can be used to remove from any paret of the body

1. Laser hair removal is a procedure for getting rid of unwanted hair. It is done to enhance the aesthetic appearance of an individual.
2. Hypertrichosis: This condition leads to generalised excessive hair growth in men and women.
3. Hirsutism: In hirsutism, there is uncontrolled hair growth in the androgen (male hormone) dependent areas in women. These androgen-dependent areas include the upper lip, chest, abdomen, chin, and back.

Your Doctor follows the steps mentioned below during the laser hair removal process:

1. You may receive an option of getting a topical anaesthetic (numbing gel) just before the laser process to help minimise any discomfort. If agreed upon, the anaesthetic will be applied 20-30 minutes before the procedure. This is indicated for more sensitive regions, including the bikini line and underarms.
2. You'll be given special goggles to shield your eyes from the laser beam before starting the laser hair removal process.
3. The laser settings will be modified based on the thickness, location, and colour of the skin. 
4. Finally, a cold gel or a specific cooling device will be used to protect the outside skin and reduce adverse effects.
5. The hand-held laser equipment will be pressed against your skin throughout the hair removal process.
6. The laser hair removal procedure involves passing laser beams through the target skin area. These laser beams penetrate the skin to reach the tiny follicles where hair grows. The heat damages hair follicles from the laser beam, preventing hair growth.
7. To relieve any discomfort after the surgery, you may be given moisturiser, ice packs, or anti-inflammatory cream.

What to Ask and Tell Your Doctor?

Before you undergo laser hair removal, ask your doctor the following questions:

1. How many sessions will I require?
2. What kind of outcomes can I anticipate?
3. Do I need any kind of special preparation before my laser sessions?
4. Will laser hair removal permanently stop hair growth?
5. Are there any side effects?
6. Is it possible for me to see before-and-after images or chat with patients who have had laser hair removal?

Before your laser sessions, make sure you tell your doctor about the following:

1. Your medications (current and old)
2. Your scarring tendency
3. Any recent tan that you have had
4. Any history of keloid (a raised scar)
5. Any predisposition for cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks.

What to Expect Before Surgery?

Preparation for your laser hair removal procedure involves the following points:

1. To begin, find a specialist who is board certified in a field such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and who has experience in this domain.
2. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or cosmetic surgeon to see if laser hair removal is a viable treatment choice for you. During the appointment, your medical history will be reviewed by the doctor. They will also discuss the risks and benefits and your expectations from laser hair reduction.
3. Before treatment, the waxing or plucking of hair should be avoided for four to six weeks. These processes lead to the temporary elimination of the hair follicles, which are the laser's primary target.
4. Refrain from using deodorants, perfumes or any irritant on the targeted skin area before and after the laser procedure. 
5. Take pictures of your treated skin area before and after the laser procedure to see how things have changed.
6. Shaving is allowed since it removes the hairs while leaving the hair follicles unharmed. Shaving is recommended within 24 hours before treatment so that the laser may detect hair follicles more readily.

What to Expect During Surgery?

You can expect the following:

1. You will experience a cold sensation on your skin from the gel or cooling device. 
2. As the laser beam penetrates your skin during the procedure, you may feel some discomfort. It will feel like a warm pinprick sensation or light rubber bands snapping against the skin.
3. A small skin portion, such as the upper lip, may only take a few minutes to treat. However, treating larger areas, such as the back, may take more than a few hours.

Hair removal:

1. Although laser hair removal can effectively postpone hair growth for months to years, it seldom results in permanent hair eradication.
2. To achieve the optimum outcomes, most people will need up to eight follow-up treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. In addition, a person may require a once- or twice-yearly maintenance treatment once hair growth has been suitably suppressed.

Precautions:

1. All patients must protect their skin from the sun to avoid potential adverse effects. Every day, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
2. Use of tanning beds or any other indoor tanning device is prohibited. 

First Follow-up Appointment

Multiple (approximately four to 10) follow-up sessions are required to target hair growth at its various cycles.

 

1. After laser hair removal, you may experience swelling and redness for the first few days. Apply ice to the treated area to relieve any discomfort.
2. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is also possible, but it usually resolves quickly.
3. In rare cases, you may get burns or blisters. 
4. Development of infection
5. Scarring of the skin
6. Skin discolouration (lightening or darkening)
7. Outbreaks of herpes simplex virus infection.

The majority of the side effects are minimal and only last one to three days.