Hair removal using waxing is every girl’s nightmare due to its association with extreme pain. Earlier, Hair on the hands, legs, armpits, upper lip, bikini line, etc. were removed with waxing which led to darkening of skin and burns. Darkening was caused due to the chemicals used in the wax and it has also proved to burn the skin. However, nowadays, people wish for painless removal of body hair with minimal side effects. With advancement in the field of science, lasers have been used for the painless removal of hair. This procedure of using laser for the removal of hair is called “laser hair removal”. This procedure uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to destroy unwanted hair. This is possible with lasers,
During Laser hair removal, a powerful light is shone on the area of hair that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. Light energy converts into heat and damages the hair follicle that produces the hair. This type of damage prevents further hair growth. It does however not result in permanent hair removal. Multiple sessions are needed in the initial phase of treatment. Further sessions are required as maintenance as and when needed. Laser hair removal can be used for any skin type. However, hair colour and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal.
The principle in Laser hair removal is that the pigment of the hair, i.e. melanin should absorb the light. Without damaging the skin, laser should focus to damage the hair follicle alone. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin, results in the best outcomes for Laser Hair reduction in Mumbai. However, advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin with dark hair. Laser hair removal shows less effect with grey, blond, or white coloured hair. These colours fail to effectively absorb the emitted light hence it is less effective for hair colours that don't absorb light well: grey, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light- coloured hair continues to be developed.
TYPES OF LASERS:
Lasers are chosen according to the tone of the skin and colour of the skin and hair.
- EAlexandrite laser hair removal
Ideal for light skin tones, and less painful than other laser types as it has shorter wavelength and doesn’t penetrate too deep. The Alexandrite treatment may need more sessions than the other lasers. It is long lasting and better than waxing, shaving, or threading
- Diode laser hair removal- is the workhorse of Laser hair removal in Mumbaitoday.
These lasers are often compared with the Alexandrite type. Comparatively they have longer wavelength than the Alexandrite. Indicated for courser hair and medium dark skin tones. This requires less sessions for completion of laser Hair removal.
- Nd Yag laser hair removal
Indicated for thicker and courser hair, Nd: YAG treatments have the longest wavelength, making it more uncomfortable than other types. Due to deep penetration causes permanent killing of hair roots.
- Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL)
The wavelength and power levels can be adjusted as per the skin tone and hair quality to meet the needs of the individual based on their skin tone and hair qualities.
RISKS:
The most common side effects of laser hair removal in Mumbai include:
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Skin irritation:
Swelling, tenderness and discomfort are common signs and symptoms after laser hair removal. However, they do not last for long.
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Pigment changes:
The affected skin may darken or lighten the area where laser was used. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening may occur in patients who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment. It can even occur in patients with darker skin.
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Rare changes:
Laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Greying of treated hair can be seen specially in patients with dark skin. Severe eye injury following the use of laser near the eye for eyebrows or surrounding areas is possible if protection has not been used.
PROCEDURE:
- edical history, including use of medication, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures will be taken into account.
- All the risks and benefits will be discussed
- The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare you for laser hair reduction procedure in Mumbai. These might include:
- Staying out of the sun.Avoid travelling in the sun. Use of Sunblock for protection against the sun.
- Avoiding other hair removal methods.Waxing and electrolysis can damage the hair follicle and must be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
- Avoiding blood-thinners.Aspirin (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to be avoided as it has anti-platelet activity.
- Shaving treatment area.Shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It prevents burning of hair present over the surface thereby leaving the hair shaft intact below the surface.
Laser hair removal in Mumbai usually requires two to six treatments. Areas where hair grows rapidly such as upper lip frequent multiple sessions may be required. Such areas, the treatment might have to be repeated in 4-8 weeks while on areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks. Time taken for each procedure is also different. Treating a small area, takes few minutes while treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.
For each treatment the patient as well as the doctor wears special goggles to protect the eyes from the laser beam. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. Topical anaesthesia may be applied on the skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment but the downside of its use is that it prevents recognition of early burns on the skin should they happen.
After selecting the type of laser to be used, the doctor will use a hand-held laser probe to the skin. Cooling gels are needed to protect the skin and lessen the side effects. The laser is now activated to target the hair follicles.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE :
The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. Sight discomfort post laser hair removal is a common side effect. One might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If one has a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area. Sunlight is to be strictly avoided by using a Sunblock daily.
Results
No immediate results of hair fall are noted. However, initially they do bring about a hair reduction which will shed over few weeks, The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. you might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
Patients having PCOS will need double the number of sessions required in a normal female. This is due to the increased levels of male hormone in their blood which also increases acne as well as causes hairfall.
COST OF LASER HAIR REDUCTION IN MUMBAI:
Hair removal using a laser is a safe painless technique is a good substitute to traditional techniques like waxing or threading. One needs to be patient enough to see the outcomes in few weeks. Additionally, removal of facial hair helps in removal of debris, excess oil and dead skin cell thus providing a clear skin.
The cost of Laser Hair reduction in Mumbai is very affordable. It should be carried out at a clinic setting with required sterility and anti-sepsis. Cheap procedures may not benefit you rather can cause burns. Hence choose a day care centre where the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a Doctor.