Laser Hair Removal: What to Expect?

Hi Friends , I know some of you would be planning for Laser Hair Removal. You might be wondering what a day in Laser Hair Treatment like?

Do not worry I am here to give you some information before you choose.

I will discuss with you

·         What to expect in a Laser Hair Removal Session.

·         What are the Results you can expect.

·         What are Post Laser Precautions and After Care you need to keep in mind.

·         What are different laser technologies in laser Hair Removal.

So let’s get along. You can grab a cuppa of Coffee as I discuss all this with you.

On the day of laser Hair Removal Treatment

 So, let’s start how a typical laser hair removal session is likely to be:

Once you have reached the Clinic on schedule time the following procedures would be done:

·         You will be registered for the session. This might require filling a form and contact details.

·          This may be followed by a Confidential Medial Assessment Form by the Laser Therapist or Councillor. Here your medical details are taken in to account. If you are female, any hormonal disturbance as PCOD is usually ruled out by History and relevant investigations.

·         It is important that you have not Sunburn or Tanned your Skin in recent past as it may increase your chances of having Laser Burns.

·         If all is well then Viola !!! You Are Ready For Your Laser Session.

So this is how a typical session like. You may have some more questions…

How long does the Laser session takes?

Well friends a very valid question. Usually the session will depend on the area which is being targeted. Present Laser Machine are pretty fast and a session of Face would take few minutes though if you are targeting full body then it may take 3-4 hours also.

 Laser Sessions are typically known as Lunch Break Treatments. As most often you can complete one in few minutes

There is NO Down Time and you can resume your work immediately after a session.

So let’s suppose you have registered and signed up for a session so what next?

After shaving the procedure is as follows:

·         The Laser Therapist in consultation with Doctor will select which Laser machine, what Joules and Parameters of Machine have to be selected

·         The therapist and you will be given a pair of eye glasses to protect your eyes from laser light. Typically laser should be avoided close to eyes as it can be dangerous near eyes. On this account eyebrow is very delicate area to be treated.

·         Next the therapist will apply a cold jelly on the selected part. Many Clients will report this as Col Jello experience.

·         The Clinician will then start giving shots to the defined area. The blazes of laser shot often appear as string flashes of light emitted at each trigger and it feels like as if being splintered by rubber band or scale scold.

·         But don’t worry as this is temporary as this discomfort abates by the end of session.

·         After the session a Sun Screen of good strength as SPF 50 and some healing ointments as Antibiotics and mild steroid topical creams may be applied

·         Take a sigh of relief again and if you want to already jump in joy, you can with our next bubble shooter. Ointments and Bandages are not required after laser hair removal treatment due to the nature of the procedure being so minimally invasive. Isn’t it wonderful?

·         You may have little pain, redness and mild sunburn after the treatment. You will be required to use Sun screen regularly after this

So let me ask you, is hair Removal same in Males and females or it is different?

Well as against common assumption that males because of coarser hair and thicker skin have difficulty in Laser Hair Removal.

The fact is different as the procedure and post treatment care is same in both genders. Males may need more laser sittings than females and require little different settings in Joules, pulse width etc of laser machine depending on skin colour and hair quality. But this mandates in females too.

Best for Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is by far the best way to remove unwanted hair permanently! Utilizing a laser for permanent hair reduction/removal, the laser is attracted to the pigment found in the hair. The laser’s energy is absorbed by hair follicle which in turn dwindles and steadily destroys its ability to produce hair.

What’s amazing about laser hair removal is:

·         Laser hair removal can target any area in body except for those very close to eyes as Eyebrows

·         Getting rid of pesky Ingrowing hair

·         Freedom from regular and painful waxing

·         Freedom from risk of infection and burn due to waxing.

·         Ability to Flaunt Perfect hair less and smooth, sexy skin at any time.

Some hair and skin types can be a little difficult to treat — but not impossible.

Dark hair follicles are normally easy to treat because, again, the laser aims at the hair's pigment. This is also why white, blonde, red and gray pigments can turn out to be tricky.

Darker skin tones can also be a little tough to treat, but of course not impossible.

Now let me discuss with you different Laser Technologies that we have now. So are you interested to know some technical stuff?

"Nowadays, we do have different lasers that are capable to treat darker skin types such as African-American, Asian, Hispanic and even the tanned skin”.

So in general, darker skin is difficult to treat with laser hair Removal as they are more prone to be burnt by laser. So, careful selection of laser technology is mandatory.

These are common laser technologies in India

·         Ndyag Laser: best suited for darker skin and coarse hair. If you skin is dark and hair are coarse then this is best suited

·         Diode laser: This suits better to Wheatish complexion that is very typical of North Indian Skin. In fact in Northern India this technology is now are popular than NdYag,

·         IPL: This is better suited for very fine hair and lighter complexion of clients. This technology is like a double razor blade and can cause severe burns if not carefull. So you need to be very careful in using it.

So friends the technology of laser and its settings need to be checked by a good Doctor or therapist as your result may depend on that.

Also initially when hair are coarse Diode or NdYag may work but as  hair become thin IPL or Alexandrite will be useful.

The point is not to obsess over the laser therapist but the techniques he/she is capable to execute based on individual needs & goals.

Laser Hair Removal Results

Let me make it clear at very outset that there is nothing like Permanent Hair Removal though this term is often used in this Industry,. Correct term is Permanent Hair Reduction not removal.

·         You can expect 75-90% reduction in hair in 7-10 sessions. In some cases more sessions may be needed to give you result.

·         There is Miniaturization of hair that means that their size decreases and they become thin

·         The density of hair becomes much less

·         Some hair will still keep growing as we are mammanls and have hormones which proliferate hair growth.

·         After 7-10 sessions you may need occasional touch up sessions and should be prepared for them.

How long does it take for hair to grow back after each laser hair removal session: What to expect?

As with most cosmetic correction treatments, it may take a few sessions before you notice outcomes.

Since the hair has an unsteady growth cycle, in which an amount of hairs are actively growing, while others are not, you may require 4-6 sessions, spread out between four- to six-week intervals for most effective results.

Between those treatments, some hair may grow back as it normally would, but the growth may become patchier as with increased sessions.

Post-Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair removal is safe nowadays provided you are in safe hands and correct technology is being used

·         Typically laser hair removal is not very painful though some people may still prefer some numbing cream.

·         Post session there may be redness or swelling around hair follicles. This may need application of some soothing creams and ointments.

·         Regular use of Sun Screen is must after a session of Laser Hair Removal

·         Avoid rigorous exercise for 24 hours after Laser treatment as it may cause sweating and irritation

·         You are permitted to take shower after laser session. Cold or lukewarm water is preferable. Avoid using soap ,fragrance in scented toiletries as it may aggravate skin irritation.

Makeup after laser hair removal

Applying foundation base, color corrector, concealer or bronzer is not recommended after a laser hair removal treatment. This is because at this time your follicles will be sensitive to irritants, and by congesting the pores, you could cause breakouts or serious reactions on the skin.

If you must put on a makeup, mineral makeup can be worn a day after the treatment. Be sure to gently take off the makeup before bed or at earliest possible, so the skin can breathe. When cleansing your skin, use a fragrance-free cleanser, and lukewarm water, a clean towel to pat the skin dry.

What Happens Next? Paradoxical hair growth

After some days, you may see what seems like new hair growth at the laser removal treated site. This is actually an indication that the procedure is working, paradoxical hair as it appears.

Not all the unwanted hair fired by laser treatment was above the skin. Some of it still remained inside the follicle at the time and had not grown enough to be noticeable.

These hairs can now be targeted with laser as have been pushed out of the skin. Removing these surface hairs should be done gently and cautiously.

If it seems like the hair is still attached to something, leave as it is & let it finish shedding. 48 hours is a good waiting period between attempts.

What you’ll pay?

You will pay for the services, rapport & expertise of the provider. Yes, now you may be thinking paying for availing service is understandable but why others.

 It’s clear that you cannot compromise your skin and safety in the hands of inept laser technician for the sake of cost. One thing, each of us needs to understand that there is a standard price on every service and the one charging astonishingly low should reflect in final outcomes & complications.

While experienced professionals charge for their advanced products, techniques and the quality of treatment they offer.

In most cases, going to a dermatologist’s clinic will cost more than a spa, since the price covers the proficiency & expertise of a medical doctor. The price also varies depending on the area and size of the treatment site.

For instance, clients will pay per treatment for the bikini line, both full legs/arms will be little more than for the upper lip. The estimated overall cost of laser hair removal will further be established number of treatments required. 

Before you go

Is the provider well trained? Procedure for laser hair removal is not regulated by the Health care associations, this is why anyone can put up an atelier and conduct the procedure. Remember, forget about the pleasing results, you can end up with skin discoloration and scarring if the person treating you doesn’t know how to function the laser properly. They’re really powerful devices demanding expertise in target operating & tailoring.

How often should you go? That’s typically identified by the growth rate of your hair. You may not know, but, facial hair grows faster than the body hair, so treatments will be spaced about four to six weeks apart. For body hair, book appointments 45-60 days apart.

Can you wax or thread in between appointments? No. The laser requires a root to aim at, so shaving in between appointments is an ideal option.

Is there a problem being exposed to the sun? Tanning, spending time in the sun, or using sun beds—anything that changes the natural skin colour is not advised between laser hair removal sessions. These can cause pigmentation in the treatment areas.  Avoid sun rays before and during the time you are being treated.

Don’t reveal the skin under sun that’s being treated for at least three weeks before and after your appointment.

Sunscreen should be your BFF, lather it up with at least SPF30 on the treated areas afterwards so that you avoid getting the skin tanned. ‘You don’t want your skin to darken for your next session, because without the contrast characters the laser will not be as effectual.’

Call Today!

Now that you know all what to expect with your entire laser hair removal treatment, you’ll be in a state of readiness for future sessions. You can walk in or Call at Care Well Medical Center, Delhi today to schedule a free, No-obligation discussion for your permanent laser hair removal treatments, and save valuable time and money on your future hair primping needs!

Dr. Sandeep Bhasin

Sr. Cosmetic Surgeon
Care Well Medical Centre

m.+91-9311444806, 9818704499
e. info@carewellmedicalcentre.in
w. www.carewellmedicalcentre.com
a. 1 NRI Complex, C . R. Park (South Delhi), New Delhi – 110019