Laser hair removal is a long-lasting process of hair removal that destroys or damages the hair follicle. This process involves using a high beam of light to remove unwanted body hair. The pigment (melanin) present in the hair follicles absorbs the laser light and inhibits the growth of unwanted hair. Laser hair removal takes a long time for hair growth. But this does not remove the hair permanently. Several laser hair removal treatments are needed for the initial removal of the hair, and maintenance treatments may be needed later. Laser hair removal can be done for all skin types but is most effective in people with dark hair and fair skin. Laser hair removal in dehradun let us tell you in detail about laser hair removal in today’s article.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatments help in removing unwanted hair from the legs, underarms, face, chin, arms, bikini line, and other areas.

The various benefits of laser hair removal include.

Speed – Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second to treat multiple hairs at the same time. The laser is capable of treating an area the size of a quarter in one second. Smaller areas such as the upper lip are treated in less than a minute, and larger areas such as the legs and back may take about an hour to be treated.

Predictability – Permanent hair removal is seen in most patients after three to seven sessions. (Read more – Hair loss problem and its treatment)

Precision – lasers are able to selectively treat coarse, dark hairs without damaging the surrounding skin.

Safe – Laser hair removal procedures are generally considered safe. It usually does not cause any harm to the skin. Apart from this, removing unwanted hair with a razor or waxing can damage the skin.

What is the preparation for laser hair removal?

A consultation session with your doctor is a must before the procedure. Doctors do the following.

• Note down the patient’s medical history along with the medications being taken by the patient. Any history of skin disorders and scars is also noted. The patient is also asked about any previous hair removal procedures that may have been performed.
• The doctor discusses the benefits, risks, expectations, and expected outcomes with the patient.
• Photos may be taken before the procedure. These photos are used for before and after comparisons.
• The treatment plan and cost are also discussed with the patient.

The following instructions are given to the patient before the laser hair removal procedure:

• Sun exposure should be avoided before and after treatment.
• When you have to go outside, apply broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen to your skin.
• Avoid hair removal methods such as waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for at least four weeks before the procedure, as these methods irritate the hair follicles.
• Avoid using any skin cream that darkens the skin.
• In case of darker skin or a recent tan, the doctor may prescribe a skin-bleaching cream.
• The doctor may advise the patient to stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin a few days before the surgery. (Read more – What are the causes of skin inflammation?)
• The patient is advised to shave the treatment area a day prior to the laser hair removal procedure. This allows for the removal of hair above the skin which can result in damage to the skin surface due to burnt hair, but it leaves the hair shaft below the surface of the skin intact.

What is the process of laser hair removal?

• Laser hair removal takes about two to six sessions.
• The interval between sessions depends on the area being treated.
• In areas where hair grows rapidly, for example, the upper lip, the treatment may need to be repeated in four to eight weeks.
• In areas of slow hair growth, for example, the back, treatment sessions may be needed as often as every twelve to sixteen weeks.
• Before the procedure begins, the doctor cleans the treatment area.
• Both the patient and the practitioner must wear protective eyewear during the procedure to protect the eyes from the laser beam.
• The doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to the skin to reduce any discomfort during the procedure.
• Before the treatment, the hair is clipped short to a few millimeters and a cooling gel is applied to the skin by a hand-held device. The gel helps in better absorption of light and also protects the skin from damage.
• The doctor activates the laser and the laser beam travels through the skin to the hair follicle.
• The excessive heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles and stops hair growth.
• The patient may feel cold from the cooling gel and mild discomfort during the procedure.
• Treatment of a small area such as the upper lip may take only a few minutes, while treatment of a large area such as the back may take more than an hour.
• Hair loss is not noticed immediately, but it occurs over a period of days to weeks.

How to care after laser hair removal?

• It is normal to have slight redness and swelling in the first few hours after the procedure.
• The patient may apply ice to the treated area to reduce discomfort.
• If a patient has a skin reaction shortly after the laser hair removal procedure, the doctor may apply a steroid cream to the treated area.
• Avoidance of sunlight is advised after the procedure and in between the scheduled treatment sessions.
• Tanning beds should be avoided for six weeks after the procedure or as advised by the doctor.

What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

The process of laser hair removal treatment is considered quite safe, but there may be some side effects and risks associated with it.

The most commonly seen side effects of laser hair removal treatments include:

• When there is itching in the skin.
• Swelling.
• Redness of the skin.
• Mark.
• Burns.
• Change in skin color.
• Pain. (Learn more – Natural remedies for skin tightening)
• Numbness.
• Pimple.
• risk of infection.
• Skin rash
• Skin discoloration and irritation.

If the patient notices fever, severe pain, blisters, crusting, or other signs of infection or damage to the skin, the patient should contact a doctor immediately.

What is the cost of laser hair removal in India?

The total cost of laser hair removal treatment in India can range from around INR 2,000 to INR 50,000. However, the cost of the procedure may differ in different hospitals. There are many big hospitals and specialist doctors for laser hair removal treatment in India. The cost varies in different hospitals. If you are coming from abroad, apart from the cost of laser hair removal treatment, there will also be the cost of a hotel stay, accommodation, and local travel. So, the total cost of laser hair removal in India would be around INR 2,600 to INR 65,000.