get rid of unwanted body hair from various body parts
Laser hair reduction is used to reduce unwanted hair from any part of the body. It is the most common cosmetic procedure performed. Lasers use beams of highly concentrated light, which is absorbed by the hair roots and destroys them. The various types of lasers available include Nd YAG, IPL, Alexandrite and Diode.
Lasers are effective on any part of the body where smoother, younger, hair-free skin is desired. The hair should be darker than the surrounding skin. It doesn’t work for brown/blonde/bleached/white hair.
The number of treatments depends on the area, hair density and the hair’s growth cycle. On an average around 6-8 sessions done 4-6 weeks apart are required. Laser retards the growth of active hair follicles which are around 30% at any given time. Since some of the hair follicles enter the growth cycle after treatment, multiple sessions are required. Age, weight, ethnicity, hormones, diet, and metabolism affect the hair response to the laser. Individuals with hormonal imbalance may require more sessions.
Laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. In a fraction of a second, all of the treated hair follicles are disabled/destroyed.
Lasers cause a "permanent reduction" of hair, to the extent of 80-85%. Some people may need maintenance treatments over time to maintain their degree of hair loss.
The hair is trimmed/shaven. The patient and operator wear protective eyewear. The area is then treated with successive pulses of laser. The area may have some redness and prominence of hair follicles, which disappears in 12-24 hours. Cold packs, Ice, soothing lotions are then applied to relieve discomfort.
It is not more painful than waxing. It feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with every pulse. An anesthetic cream may be used for sensitive patients and sensitive areas.
Redness and swelling are normal and subside in some time. Rarely the area may blister and cause pigmentation/scarring.
Waxing, threading, using depilatory creams, bleaching is not advisable during treatment. Avoid excessive sun exposure and use a sunscreen. Don’t tan before/after a procedure. Do inform the Doctor if you have some disorders/or are on medicines. Avoid swimming post treatment for a few days or as advised.