Laser Hair Reduction: Benefits, Side Effects & Cost Real Value

Looking for an effective method to eliminate unwanted hair? Unhappy with the results of waxing, tweezing, or shaving? Laser hair reduction treatment can be a perfect choice then.

This article explains why the laser hair removal procedure is an option worth considering. So, continue reading!

What is Laser Hair Reduction History?

In the laser hair reduction procedure, highly concentrated laser light is passed into your hair follicles. The heat generated from the laser destroys these follicles. Hence, new hairs will stop growing from them.

Eager to know the progress of laser hair reduction? The story of this treatment starts with physicist Theodore Maiman, the father of the electro-optics industry.

In 1960, Maiman introduced the history of the ruby laser. However, it was slow and inefficient with severe skin burns. Although YAG laser and alexandrite laser came on the scene with a better effect, they could not provide long-lasting outcomes.

It is Dr. Richard Rox Anderson, the pioneer of modern laser hair reduction treatment.

Dr. Anderson along with his colleague Dr. Melanie Grossman initially tested on hairy dogs. Next, Anderson executed its human trial on himself. Both of them adjusted the intensity and duration of the laser light applied to the target region.

Finally, in 1997, FDA approved this modern laser hair reduction procedure that we all use today.

Dr. Sandeep Bhasin, the famous cosmetic surgeon of Delhi, is giving you complete information about this video laser hair reduction. So, do not forget to watch this video as well.

What are the Different Types of Laser Hair Reduction?

There are totally five types of laser hair reduction procedures:

1. Alexandrite Laser hair removal

Alexandrite laser hair removal type works for people having light skin tones. Unlike other types, it hurts very slightly. Since its wavelength is shorter, it does not penetrate deeply and requires more sessions.

2. Diode Laser hair removal

When compared to the alexandrite laser type, diode laser hair removal has a longer wavelength. Hence, it can penetrate deeply into the skin and require lesser sessions.

This method highly works on people with coarser hair and medium dark skin color.

3. Ruby laser hair removal

Among all the types, ruby laser hair removal was the first method used by people. Hence, it had a few disadvantages.

Unlike other types, this method is very slow. It works well on light skin with finer hair. But it was not effective on dark skin with coarse hair.

This method had few side effects, although they were not permanent. The side effects of ruby laser hair removal type include soreness, redness, and swelling.

4. Nd: YAG

Nd: YAG laser is very successful on darker skin with coarser hair. However, this procedure is less successful in people with lighter skin and finer hair.

Compared to other types, it has the longest wavelength. Hence, Nd: YAG laser penetrates the deepest. It reaches the deepest root of the hair and kills it in a few sessions.

5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Though IPL comes under the types of laser hair removal, it is not a laser. IPL is used as just a light to destroy the follicles. However, it is highly customized.

It is possible to adjust the power level and wavelength according to the person’s skin tone and hair quality.

Let us next look over the pros and cons of laser hair reduction therapy.

What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Reduction?

There are six advantages of laser hair reduction therapy. Let us run through them in detail:

1. Can be performed on varied body parts

Unlike temporary hair removal methods, you can have laser hair reduction in the body parts such as underarms, legs, feet, bikini line, chest, neck, buttocks, shoulders, breasts, abdomen, back, and face except for the eye region.

2. Long-lasting effect

Laser hair reduction, unlike other hair removal cosmetic methods, can deliver a long-lasting effect.

You may have to go through several sessions to achieve a substantial decline in hair growth. However, it depends on skin tone and hair color.

However, if you are aiming for a permanent hair reduction solution, you may require 3-7 sessions on average.

3. Precision

Unlike other methods, laser hair removal techniques can selectively target the hair without damaging the surrounding skin.

4. Speed

Each laser beam takes only a fraction of a second to destroy many hair follicles simultaneously.

It is possible to treat the smaller regions like your upper lip within a minute. However, large areas like the legs or back may take an hour.

5. Safe, comfortable, and pain-free

Although laser therapy is costlier compared to waxing and shaving, it is safe, pain-free, and comfortable.

6. Comparatively cost-effective

At first, you may feel shocked to hear its overall cost.  However, if you think on a long-term basis, laser therapy proves to be actually cheaper than repetitive waxing, creams, or razors for the entire lifetime.

Hence, a laser hair reduction procedure can be the ideal choice you can surely consider.

What are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Reduction?

The most usual side effects of laser hair reduction may include redness, discomfort, and swelling. These signs and symptoms may disappear in a few hours after undergoing laser hair reduction.

Laser hair reduction therapy may lighten or darken the target portion of your skin. It may work for the short-term or the long-term.

However, people with darker skin and those who expose to sunlight before or after treatment are more prone to skin lightening.

The risk of complications differs with hair color, skin type, treatment strategy, and adherence to pre- and post-treatment steps.

There are a few rare side effects including the appearance of crust, scars, and blisters. There may be changes in skin texture, graying of treated hair, or excess hair development on treated portions, mainly on dark skin.

However, this procedure is not recommended for eyebrows and eyelids due to the possibility of eye injury.

Similarly, if you have any skin disorder, don’t forget to check whether it suits you during the initial consultation.

What to Expect Before and After Laser Hair Reduction?

Setting realistic expectations is the key to the success of laser hair reduction treatment. So, let’s go through its significance in detail.

Before the Procedure

Have you finally decided to undergo a laser hair reduction procedure? Start following the below steps then:

• Stop waxing, using hair removal creams, plucking, and electrolysis for 6 weeks before undergoing laser hair reduction treatment.
• Don’t get exposed to sunlight before and after undergoing laser hair reduction therapy. Else, you may likely get complications after the treatment.
• Avoid using any skin cream that may darken or lighten your skin
• Avoid eating blood thinners before the procedure

For more personalized instructions, don’t forget to enquire about your doctor.

During the Procedure

Just before the treatment, your hair above the skin surface will be trimmed or shaved. Your doctor will apply for a topical numbing medicine 30 minutes before the treatment.

Both you and your doctor should wear an eye protection device while using the laser light. For the precise penetration of laser light, your doctor will be utilizing a cooling device or a cold gel to safeguard the external layers of the skin.

After the Procedure

Have you undergone the first round of laser hair reduction procedures? Here are the below-listed instructions that you should follow:

• You may notice swelling, irritation, or redness on the treated portion for a few hours after the procedure. Don’t panic! Just apply ice on the treated part.
• Follow the medications prescribed by your doctor for a quicker recovery.
• As mentioned already, avoid sun exposure even in between sessions. Avoid using the tanning bed as well for 6 weeks.
• If you have to go out, apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen on the treated area daily.
• In case your face was treated, don’t wear makeup till 24 hours after the procedure. Stop using makeup if you get blisters by any chance.

Regarding the use of medications like blood thinners, enquire your doctor when to start consuming them. Strictly follow your doctor’s personalized after-care instructions.

Your next session will be 4-6 weeks later. You will continue to get laser treatment until the hair stops its growth. How should you take care of the treated part after taking the laser treatment? Read this article to know which will help you to get more information.

Results

Although hair does not fall right away, it will shed within a few days to weeks. A natural hair cycle includes mainly hair growth and hair loss. Therefore, you must undergo recurrent sessions to get a considerable effect. However, these results differ from individual to individual.

Still, you can expect nearly 10-25% hair reduction after the initial treatment. However, the area to be treated, skin color, hair color and thickness, and the laser type really matter!

Mostly, 2-6 laser sessions may be required for hair removal. Usually, you won’t see any hair for several months to years. When it regrows, it will be very lesser, lighter, and finer in color.

Remember that laser therapy is a permanent hair reduction method and not a permanent hair loss method.

What is the Cost of Laser Hair Reduction?

The expense of laser hair reduction therapy fluctuates in every part of India.

By watching this video, you will know how much the cost of laser hair reduction is in Delhi city.

You may feel glad to know that this procedure in Delhi is comparatively cheaper. The average cost for laser hair reduction in Delhi comes to Rs. 2000-20000/- per session.

However, the price differs depending on the following features:

• The extent of the segment to be treated
• The expected overall time for the procedure
• Skin tone and hair tone
• Number of sessions required in your case
• Qualification, reputation, and experience of the doctor
• The area of the clinic where you are having the procedure

Only when you go for a consultation, you will get a better idea of the cost based on your condition and affordability.

Conclusion

Here’s the upshot! Laser hair reduction can successfully decrease the amount of hair in the treated portion. Even if it regrows over time, it will be less in quantity. So, you are sure to experience a smooth appearance. However, consult your hair removal specialist regarding what to expect from this treatment. Remember that hair types and skin complexions do make an effect on the final outcome. Hence, clarify your doubts, get a realistic understanding, and discuss your treatment goals properly during the consultation.

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