Laser Hair Removal

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If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, Laser Hair Removal may be an option worth considering.
Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in all over the world. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorbs the light. That destroys the hair. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. It provides a long-term solution for reducing hair growth and can be performed on areas such as the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, and back. Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal (LHR):

Laser hair removal offers several benefits compared to traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and plucking. Here are some of the benefits of laser hair removal:
> Precision: Laser technology allows for precise targeting of hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. This precision ensures effective hair removal while minimizing the risk of skin irritation or burns.
> Long-lasting results: Laser hair removal offers long-lasting or even permanent hair reduction. While multiple sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results, many people experience a significant reduction in hair growth that lasts for months or even years.
> Time-saving: Laser hair removal can treat larger areas of the body in a relatively short amount of time. For example, it can quickly cover areas like the legs, back, or chest, making it a time-efficient option for those who want to remove hair from large areas.
> Reduced hair regrowth: With repeated sessions of laser hair removal, many individuals experience a noticeable reduction in the thickness and density of hair regrowth. The hair that does grow back is often finer, lighter, and less noticeable.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Preparing for laser hair removal involves several steps to ensure that the treatment is effective and safe. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for laser hair removal:

Laser hair removal is more than just ”zapping” unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure.

If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six 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 six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely.

What to expect during Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to reduce unwanted hair growth in specific areas of the body. It utilizes laser technology to target hair follicles, heating them and damaging their ability to produce hair. Here’s what you can generally expect during a laser hair removal session:

Just before the procedure, your hair that will be undergoing treatment will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface. Usually topical numbing medicine is applied 20- 30 minutes before the laser procedure, to help with the sting of the laser pulses. The laser equipment will be adjusted according to the color, thickness, and location of your hair being treated as well as your skin color. When the procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water to ease any discomfort. You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later. You’ll get treatments until hair stops growing.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

Reduced hair regrowth: With repeated sessions of laser hair removal, many individuals experience a noticeable reduction in the thickness and density of hair regrowth.

Long-term hair reduction: Unlike temporary hair removal methods such as shaving or waxing, laser hair removal offers long-lasting results. It targets the hair follicles, damaging them to inhibit future hair growth. With multiple sessions, you can achieve significant and permanent hair reduction.

Speed: The laser used in hair removal treatments can treat multiple hair follicles simultaneously, allowing for quick and efficient sessions. Small areas like the upper lip can be treated in a matter of minutes, while larger areas like the back or legs may take longer but still offer considerable time savings compared to other methods.

Reduced ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs, which can be painful and unsightly, often result from other hair removal techniques like shaving or waxing. Laser hair removal significantly reduces the occurrence of ingrown hairs by destroying the hair follicles and preventing new hair growth.

Minimal discomfort: While everyone’s pain tolerance may vary, most people describe laser hair removal as tolerable and less painful than waxing.

Time and cost savings: Although laser hair removal may initially require multiple sessions, it offers long-term savings in terms of time and money. Over time, you’ll spend less on razors, waxing appointments, or depilatory creams.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal is a popular method for long-term hair reduction, it does have some disadvantages to consider. Here are some potential drawbacks of laser hair removal:

Cost: Laser hair removal can be quite expensive, especially when multiple sessions are required to achieve the desired results. The cost varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions needed, making it less affordable for some individuals.
Multiple sessions: Achieving satisfactory results typically requires multiple sessions of laser hair removal. Hair grows in cycles, and the treatment is most effective during the active growth phase. Therefore, several sessions are usually needed to target hair in different growth stages, which can be time-consuming and may require multiple visits to the clinic.
Pain and discomfort: While pain tolerance varies from person to person, laser hair removal can cause some discomfort or pain during the procedure.

Recovery & Risk

For a day or two afterward, the treated area of your skin will look and feel like it’s sunburned. Cool compresses and moisturizers may help. If your face was treated, you can wear makeup the next day unless your skin is blistering. Over the next month, your treated hair will fall out. Wear sunscreen for the following month to help prevent temporary changes in the color of the treated skin. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Other potential side effects are swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare.

It’s worth noting that laser hair removal may not be suitable for everyone, and results can vary depending on factors such as hair color, skin color, and hormonal changes. It’s best to consult with a qualified dermatologist or medical professional to determine if laser hair removal is the right option for you.
Dr Mubashir Mushtaq Daha a renowned Dermatologist & Aesthetic Physician in Islamabad.

Dr. Mubashir Mushtaq Daha is a highly qualified professional with an impressive background:
MBBS, RMP, MSPH, (MCPS) Dermatology
Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Aesthetic Association (USA)
Member of the Academy of Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine (USA)
Skin Specialist and Aesthetic Physician with extensive experience in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology
Currently working as a Registrar in the Department of Dermatology at Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS)
Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Daha’s exceptional expertise, offers personalized care for your skin needs.

Laser Hair Removal | Dr. Mubashir Mushtaq Daha