While a lot of lasers are available in the market, Long Pulse Nd Yag Laser and Diode laser are most suited for Permanent Laser hair removal in Indian and ethnic skin types.

Apart from lasers, Intense pulsed light  IPL can also be used to cause hair reduction. However, they produce a broad spectrum of wavelengths and cannot be focused on a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths is dispersed at a variety of depths only some of these are effectively absorbed by the hair causing substandard results and increasing the risk of burns and being less effective on darker skin.

When choosing a laser for hair reduction, ask these questions :

• Which laser is being used during the treatment?

Ans A lot of lasers are available in the market, but Long Pulse Nd Yag Laser and Diode laser are most suited for Permanent Laser hair removal in Indian and ethnic skin types. When IPL is used, the results are compromised.

• Who is doing the laser treatment?

Ans. A laser hair treatment should be done by a doctor, who knows the exact skin type, takes into consideration the hair thickness, and is well-versed with the laser machine settings. Most importantly, the doctor can foresee a complication and immediately halt the procedure and administer appropriate treatment.

• What are the side effects?

Ans. Like any technology, every procedure has side effects. So a laser can give you temporary redness and swelling. Very rarely one may develop ingrowth, irritation, or acne all of which are self-resolving. The personnel treating you should make you aware of these.

• Is it laser hair removal or reduction?

Ans. Laser hair removal is permanent hair reduction and not permanent hair removal. Permanent Laser hair reduction, happens in 6 to 10 sessions, at intervals of 1 to 1.5 months. Up to 80-90% reduction in hair size is achieved, hence is laser hair reduction and not removal.

• What is the guarantee of hair removal?

Ans. Laser hair removal doesn’t get rid of the hair forever, it does drastically reduce the hair growth- to the point that you can stop shaving. Also, if you develop a hormonal problem later in your life, the hair especially on the lower face and neck may come back.

While until a few years ago, Permanent Laser hair removal as a procedure was dominated by women, nowadays more and more men are going for the same. Underarm hair, hair on ear pinna, forearm hair, cheek hair, chest hair, shoulder hair, and leg hair are the common areas that men seek to get their hair lasered.

Additionally, it is the ideal choice of hair reduction for clinical conditions like folliculitis, ingrown hair, acne, keloidalis nucha, etc. Also in clients with dark underarms, in addition to avoidance of fragrance and friction, the laser becomes the ideal approach for hair removal.

At the skin doctor, a premier skin clinic in Mumbai,

We take pride to announce that we have a 4th generation fiber optic diode laser, FDA approved.

All the laser procedures are done by a well-trained doctor.

Mechanism: Permanent Laser hair removal works on the principle of selective thermolysis of melanin pigment of hair follicles. By virtue of this property, with every session, a small part of the hair root is destroyed. The aim is to achieve a 90% destruction of hair roots to have the best results.

Permanent Laser hair reduction, happens in 6 to 10 sessions, at intervals of 1 to 1.5 months. In clients with underlying hormonal conditions, the sessions may be doubled.

Permanent Laser hair reduction best works on thick hair – so underarm hair, bikini hair, and below the knee and below the forearm are the best regions for good results.

There are some medical conditions like PCOS, where thick hair develops on the chin, jawline, side locks, neck, and below the navel. These conditions require simultaneous medical treatment in addition to laser hair reduction.

Before the procedure starts the Patient is examined and thoroughly investigated and then the treatment is planned

Procedure.  The area to be lasered is cleansed, marked, and shaved. The patient is given protective eyewear and a chilled gel is applied to the area. The laser shots are delivered which are almost painless due to the ultracool laser tip. Sunscreen is applied and the client is good to go with a list of post-procedure instructions. A week later, the client will experience new hair growth which on shaving will reappear after 3 to 4 weeks. This is the time for the next laser session (4 to 6 weeks later).

Post-laser care: one has to wear sunscreen sincerely after a laser procedure. Exposure to beaches, swimming pools, and water parks is to be avoided in the initial 10 days. Facials, peels, cleanup, and microdermabrasion are to avoid for 10 days. Medicated creams containing tretinoin, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc should be withheld for 5 to 7 days as per the doctor’s instruction.

Permanent Laser hair removal is a simple, affordable, and safe manner of getting rid of unwanted hair for men and women; provided its done by a qualified and trained doctor.