PERMANENT LASER HAIR REDUCTION

After the laser hair removal procedure is done, hair is most likely to grow back on the chin, neck, and other areas of the face.

This may be due in part to hormonal fluctuations and the reactivation of hair follicles by androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone.

In some women, regrowth of hair on the chin, neck, upper lip, and sideburns may coincide with menopause, when estrogen levels drop.

Hair regrowth on the body is also possible. In some people, it may be more likely to occur on the arms, legs, or chest rather than on the stomach, bikini line, or how underarms.

When the follicle is only damaged and not destroyed, the hair might grow back. However, the hair will not have the strength or the color it once had. The hair that grows back is often very fine and weak. The following areas as appropriate for laser hair removal:

• Chest
• Back
• Arms
• Legs
• Shoulders
• Neck
• Bikini area
• Face (except for the eye area)

Hair growth goes through four stages. They are:

• Anagen: The growing phase
• Catagen: The transitional phase
• Telogen: The resting phase
• Exogen: The shedding phase

At any given time, the hairs will be going through all four phases. For that reason, it can only target hairs during the anagen, or growing phase. Each session will catch on average 18% of the hair since only a few of them will be at the right stage at the time of your session.

If one is planning to opt for laser hair removal, here are some basic dos and don’ts that cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Niketa Sonavane suggested a few tips one should keep in mind before and after going for such a treatment.

Before permanent laser hair reduction treatment:

• Avoid threading, plucking, or waxing the area to be treated for at least two-three weeks.
• Apply sunscreen whenever going out.
• Stop using all active acne, anti-ageing, and pigmentation products two days before your laser session.
• Avoid swimming and exposure to UV rays a week before the session.
• Avoid caffeine as it can increase sensitivity.

What happens during the laser hair removal treatment:

Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. Some patients receive a numbing gel. Numbing the area helps when a small area will be treated and the skin is very sensitive. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a numbing gel to work.

The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut and the skin is treated with the laser. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. As the hair vaporizes from the energy of the laser, there can be a sulfurous smell from the smoke puffs.

How long the treatment lasts depend on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. But if a large area like the back or legs is treated, the treatment may last more than an hour.

After permanent laser hair reduction treatment:

• Apply aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to soothe the skin.
• Use sunscreen every three-four hours.
• Active creams and serums can be started after 48 hours.
• Apply a mild exfoliant like AHA/BHA lotion from the third day onwards.
• Gym and exercise after 12 hours.

The results will be seen immediately after treatment though they vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of the hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of the skin all affect the results. One can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.

To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it and finer and lighter in color.

Serious complications related to laser hair removal are rare. The most common side effects include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Discomfort and skin irritation

They typically subside within a few days after the treatment.

LASER HAIR REDUCTION TREATMENTS AT KLARA SKIN & HAIR CLINIC

No more painful wax appointments or rushing with razors!

Waxing and shaving are a thing of the past.

Laser hair removal offers you the luxury of silky-smooth and ready-for-anything skin all year round. Treatments are tailored to eradicate hair from the face and body areas and the sessions are fast, effective, and affordable.