Laser Hair Reduction (LHR) is a commonly used cosmetic procedure to remove unwanted/excessive hair. It is a method that involves the removal of hair by exposure to laser light pulses. LHR is extensively used and practised nowadays using various technologically advanced devices. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles, resulting in the absorption of light by the pigment in the follicles (melanin), thereby destroying it.
LHR is used to remove unwanted hair from the face, neck, leg, back, chest, arm, underarm, bikini line and other areas. Laser therapy depends on various factors like hair colour, skin colour, the sensitivity of the skin, type of equipment used, etc.
Factors that contribute to successful and effective hair removal include:
- Skin and hair colour: It is most useful for people having light skin and dark hair.
- Hair growth stage (anagen hair being most sensitive)
- Laser type
- Hormonal status
Benefits
- LHR targets dark, coarse hair specifically leaving the surrounding skin undamaged
- It is a speedy process
Initially, multiple laser hair removal sessions are required, followed by maintenance treatment. Hair roots are sensitive to laser only in the anagen phase of the growth cycle. At one point in time, not all hairs are in the anagen phase. Therefore, to target all hairs multiple sessions are required.
No of sessions average from 4 to 6 (might vary from person to person depending on hair growth) and the gap between two sessions is a minimum of 4 weeks.
LHR should not be done in:
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Less than 15 years of age
- Photo aggravated skin diseases like SLE
- Treatment area with active skin infections
Pre-care
- No waxing/ threading/ plucking/ bleaching/ hair removal creams 4 -6 weeks before treatment.
- Sun protection and wearing of sunscreens 4-6 weeks before treatment.
During procedure:
- Written consent is taken
- Area to be treated is shaved/ trimmed
- Area is cleaned to remove oils and dirt from the skin
- Numbing cream applied before the procedure to decrease pain
- Eye protection is given to both patient and operator
- Gel is applied to the treatment area
Post-procedure care
- Ice packs are applied to the area
- Topical steroid creams are applied in case of redness and swelling
- Strict application of sunscreens following the procedure
- Avoid waxing/ threading/ plucking/ bleaching/ hair removal creams ā only shaving/ trimming is allowed in between the sessions.
Complications
It is usually a very safe procedure. However, some persons may experience a slight burning sensation, redness and dryness which will all resolve within 1-2 days after treatment.
