Laser hair reduction is the permanent reduction/removal of unwanted hair from any part of the skin using laser lights.
Laser beams target the melanin site at the root of the hair. and destroys it permanently. Since this melanocyte (hair follicle) is active only in the active growth phase of the hair (anagen), only the hair in the anagen phase can be destroyed and the hair in the catagen and telogen phase cannot be destroyed. Due to which, the hair in the catagen, telogen phase again needs laser exposure when it enters the anagen. For which more seating is required. Due to the absorption of laser energy in the pigment cells , there is a sensation of stinging.
Threading or waxing should be avoided 2-3 weeks before the laser treatment so that the hair growth phase does not change and the results can be maximized.
Different types of laser hair reduction technologies are available for laser hair reduction: Diode laser, Long Pulse Nd-yag laser, alexandrite, intense pulse light and nowadays newer therapy is triple wavelength LHR. All are commonly used in Indian skin. Of which the diode laser is the worldwide gold standard laser.
Usually 6 to 10 sittings are required in laser hair reduction. Those with endocrine irregularities may need more laser seating.
In laser hair reduction, with high quality technology and proper parameters, the growth is reduced by 80% - 95% and the remaining hair becomes fur-like which looks minimal.
Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions.
If you are planning to undergo laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for 6 weeks before treatment. That's because the laser targets the hairs' roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.
You should also avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks before and after treatment.
Avoid taking any blood-thinning medications before the procedure.
You should shave or trim the day before your procedure.
During the procedure, the pigment in your hair will absorb a light beam from a laser. The light will be converted to heat and damage that hair follicle . Because of that damage, the hair will stop growing. This is done over two to six sessions.
Temporary discomfort is possible, with some redness and swelling after the procedure. People compare laser hair removal to a warm pinprick and say it's less painful than other hair removal methods like waxing or threading.
The laser technician gives ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water to ease any discomfort. You'll need to wait 4-6 weeks for the next appointment. You'll get treatments until your hair stops growing.
The treated area will look and feel sunburned for 1-2 days. Cool compresses and moisturizers may help. If your face was treated, you can wear makeup the next day unless your skin is blistered. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, sun lamps, or any kind of indoor tanning equipment.
Over the next month, the treated hair will fall out. Wear sunscreen for the following month to help prevent temporary changes in the color of the treated skin.
Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair using heat to damage the hair follicle. It's a relatively fast process. When done by a skilled person, it can guarantee long-term results with minimum side effects. It works best on those with contrasting skin and hair colors, for example, light skin and dark hair. It's important to keep treated areas out of the sun and away from indoor tanning equipment.
