Laser Hair Removal

Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The short answer is Yes, “But” you should have realistic expectations. It is rare to see 100% removal of all the hair in the targeted area. There are many factors affecting the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment.

• Skin & Hair color: The starker the difference between the hair color and skin color better it is. So, an ideal condition is black hair and light skin.
• Hair type: Treatment works better on thick long terminal hair rather than short & think hair. E.g., the vellus hair on upper lip area are much tricky to remove rather than maybe darker thicker hair on underarms or chest area.
• Hair growth: The laser hair removal works best on hair that are in initial growth phase. How many hairs are at this stage at a particular time depends on area of the body and from person to person. It may take many sessions to cover all the hair with around 1 month gap between the consecutive sessions. The number of sessions also depends on how dense the hair growth is.
• Laser type: How effective the treatment is, depends on which laser type is being used. A good certified plastic surgeon will use the right laser depending on your hair type, skin color and all other factors.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

No, laser hair removal is not permanent in an absolute sense.

Hair may grow back but after a longer time period, much longer than in comparison to shaving or waxing. How long does it take for hair to grow back varies from person to person and area you have this therapy on. Some may experience some hair grow back after as long as a year or more.

Moreover, the hair that do grow back are thinner, lighter and generally fewer in number than what was there before.

It will be correct to term it as a hair reduction therapy.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Laser hair removal is a completely safe and FDA-approved cosmetic procedure when performed under the supervision of a qualified and experienced practitioner. It is generally safe in longer term as well.

One of the best things about laser technology is that it is precise and accurate and perfect for specifically targeting and removing unwanted hair.

Some people may experience side effects. A good practitioner will discuss probable side effects and may also do a test patch before proceeding with the treatment.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

The laser treatment may cause at a minimum some discomfort when laser strikes the hair follicle. Depending on the hair being removed, patient’s own pain threshold and some other factors you may feel anywhere from little pinches to significant pain.

Your dermatologist / cosmetic surgeon may do a test patch and may also use a skin numbing cream to decrease the pain.

How Much Is Laser Hair Removal?

A laser removal treatment may cost anywhere between $150 to $2000 depending on various factors:

• Treatment area is a major deciding factor. Some areas like upper lips or ears may cost as low as $30-40 per session while other areas like legs or back may cost anywhere around $200 per session.
• It may take anywhere from 4-8 sessions for completing the hair removal treatment. So lesser the number of hair to be removed lesser the whole cost.
• Who is performing the procedure makes a difference. A qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon may charge more owing their expertise and experience.
• Your location may also be a deciding factor. Some cities have a higher traffic of people looking for hair removal treatments and hence higher costs. Coastal tourist locations may have higher costs.

DIY or At-Home Options

There are many DIY or At-Home laser hair removal devices available ranging anywhere from $100 to $400. However, how effective these turn out to be depends on your expertise and knowledge about the process.

How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal?

All set for your first laser hair removal session but not sure how to prepare? Nothing to worry about.

Before your first session, you will have a full consultation and a patch test wherein an expert practioner will clear all your doubts and help you understand the entire procedure. A patch test is performed at least 24 hours before a scheduled laser hair removal session. During this test, the technician will apply the laser to a small part of the target area and monitor it for a few minutes. A session usually lasts for about 10-30 minutes and you may have to attend 3-5 sessions.

Tips & Precautions

• It is highly recommended to avoid any tanning before a scheduled laser hair removal session. If your skin is tanned, you must wait for about 4-6 weeks. In the meanwhile, you should avoid exposure to harsh sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
• Plucking or waxing is not advised before a laser hair removal session as they can alter the hair growth cycle and restrict the ability of the laser technology to catch the hair follicles.
• You should avoid bleaching your hair as it is easier for the laser to notice darker hair follicles.
• Before your session, you should clean the treatment area and avoid the application of any cosmetic product.
• Select a non-perfumed shaving or cleaning product for the bikini area else it may lead to irritation. Also, you should gently exfoliate the bikini area 3-5 days before the treatment session.
• You should preferably wear a cotton underwear and loose clothing.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine products for at least 12-24 hours before the laser hair removal session.
• You may keep chewing gum with you as some people find it helpful.
• Please ensure that all the excess hairs from the perianal and labia area have been removed before the laser hair removal procedure.
• You should ideally make use of a pH-balanced feminine cleanser wash afterwards to ensure that the shaving foam has been completely removed.
• It is recommended to put an icepack covered with a clean and hygienic cloth on the skin.
• The use of chemical products or lubricants should be avoided for 24 hours before and after a session.
• Hot showers, saunas, and baths should be avoided for at least 3-7 days after a laser hair removal session.

FAQs