Considering laser hair removing? Here’s what dermatologists need you to know beforehand

We all love silky, clean and hairless pores and skin. If you are on the lookout for a extra everlasting resolution to eliminating undesirable body hair, chances are you’ll wish to take into account laser hair removing. This fashionable strategy of hair removing claims to considerably and completely cut back undesirable hair, making it a protected and efficient different to shaving and waxing. That being mentioned, laser hair removal can include (although minimal) its personal dangers and unwanted effects subsequently if it’s your first time present process laser hair removing therapy, it is essential to grasp the potential unwanted effects, advantages, dos and don’ts earlier than making your first go to.

What is laser hair removing?

“Laser hair removal uses light energy at specific wavelengths to hit pigmented hair follicles and causes termination of those cells giving more permanent results in the specific area treated. It can be done on most parts of the body and typically requires multiple sessions over a period of time in order to result in significant hair reduction,” says Dr Sushma Yadav, dermatologist, cosmetologist, hair transplant surgeon and founding father of the Bengaluru-based Skinology Centre. (Also learn: The ultimate skincare guide to shaving women’s facial hair )

“Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that utilizes laser technology to target and destroy the hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. The procedure involves a handheld laser device that emits concentrated light pulses onto the targeted area. The melanin in the hair follicles absorbs the light energy, which then converts into heat, ultimately disrupting the follicles’ ability to produce new hair,” says Dr Vijay Singhal, Sr Consultant Dermatology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi.

Dr Vijay added, “Before undergoing laser hair removal, it’s very important to consult with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to assess your skin type, hair colour, and medical history. This evaluation will determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment.”

Dr Vijay additional shared with HT Lifestyle some essential dos and don’ts of laser hair removing.

Dos:

– Follow the pre-treatment directions given similar to shaving the therapy space earlier than the session.

– Wear protecting eyewear through the process to protect your eyes from potential laser publicity.

– Inform your physician about any modifications in drugs or medical situations earlier than every session.

– Follow the post-treatment care, similar to avoiding solar publicity, utilizing sunscreen, and moisturizing the handled space.

Don’ts:

– Ideally, one ought to keep away from plucking or waxing the therapy space for a minimum of six weeks previous to the process, because the laser targets the hair roots.

– Refrain from utilizing tanning beds or extreme solar publicity, as it might improve the danger of problems.

– Do not bear laser hair removing if in case you have an energetic an infection, open wounds, or tattoos within the therapy space.

Pros of laser hair removing

Here are some benefits highlighted by Dr Sushma:

1. It’s a extra long-term resolution for undesirable hair progress. It reduces the variety of undesirable hairs within the focused space and when the hair does develop again, there’s much less of it and it’s finer and lighter.

2. Laser hair removing sometimes requires 6-8 classes after which occasional upkeep sooner or later.

3. It additionally helps to scale back ingrown hair and infected bumps on the pores and skin, helps with points like keratosis pilaris, folliculitis and reduces pigmentation to an extent.

4. Though the preliminary value might sound excessive it’s positively a extra economical funding for your self in case you see it in the long term.

Dr Vijay highlighted the next benefits:

1. Long-lasting outcomes: Laser hair removing supplies longer-lasting hair discount in comparison with conventional hair removing strategies like shaving or waxing.

2. Precision: The laser targets particular areas, leaving the encircling pores and skin unhurt.

3. Time-saving: As the therapy progresses, sufferers expertise considerably decreased hair progress, saving time on day by day hair removing routines.

Cons of laser hair removing

Dr Sushma shared the next disadvantages:

1. Downtime instantly posts laser-like redness, and delicate swelling which normally goes down in a number of hours.

2. It may cause pimples breakouts or exaggerate any underlying pores and skin points like infections so all the time inform your dermatologist whenever you go for session.

3. Laser hair removing doesn’t work on white or very blonde hair so hold that in thoughts when choosing this therapy.

4. People with any underlying hormonal imbalance can also have scanty outcomes or may require further classes to sort out the progressive progress.

5. People with darker pores and skin tones are extra in danger for issues like burns, infections and everlasting harm from laser hair removing if not executed correctly.

6. Lastly, paradoxical hair progress which suggests areas the place you don’t have progress or have very tremendous progress needs to be averted as it could possibly trigger extra hair progress in these areas.

Cons of laser hair removing highlighted by Dr Vijay:

1. Multiple classes could also be required: Since hair grows in cycles, a number of classes are sometimes wanted to focus on all of the energetic hair follicles successfully.

2. Mild discomfort: Although the process is usually well-tolerated, some people might expertise minimal discomfort, typically described as a light stinging sensation or rubber band snap feeling.

3. Cost: Laser hair removing may be costly, particularly when contemplating a number of classes, though it might be a cheap choice in the long term.

“If is if you are someone looking to take care of unwanted, thick, coloured hair then this is the way to go about it. However, before heading for laser hair removal, one should discuss their concerns and medical history with a qualified dermatologist to make the process successful, keeping any complications at bay,” consultants concluded.