Most people look for ways to reduce hair growth on a permanent basis since recurrent shaving or hair removal using temporary methods can be tedious. Laser hair reduction is a popular cosmetic intervention that uses a laser to target hair follicles to reduce excess hair growth.
Laser hair reduction treatment procedure involves several stages that occur before, during and after each session. The stages are inventory based on your hair characteristics, the treatment area, and your specific requirements.
What Is Laser Hair Reduction?
Laser hair reduction treatment that uses a laser to target the pigment present in hair follicles. The energy is converted to heat, affecting the hair follicle and slowing hair growth.
Contrary to other methods of hair removal, laser hair reduction treatment is done closer to the hair follicles. Since hair grows in different phases, multiple treatments are required to partially eliminate hair growth on your body.
Prior to treatment, you are required to meet a dermatologist to evaluate whether laser treatment is appropriate for you and to develop a customized treatment plan.
Stages of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
There are several stages of laser hair removal treatment. Some of these include pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment stages. These are some of the stage-specific signs to look out for.
Pre-treatment Stages of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal takes several weeks to properly reduce hair growth. For the first 4 treatments, hair growth reduces by 25% per session. For the last 2 sessions, hair growth reduction is 10% or less. Most clients resume their normal activities after the sessions. It is normal to feel a tingling or warm sensation, but if there is extreme pain, you are advised to inform the practitioner. Discomfort and redness can be experienced in the treatment area for a maximum of two days.
Treatment Stages of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Patients begin to notice a reduction in hair growth after the eighth session. The first four sessions of laser hair removal can result to patches of regrowth where the hair grows back, but of finer texture.
Post-treatment Stages of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
After treatment, there will be redness and inflammation in the treated area. If you are experiencing itching, you should not scratch the area. You can apply ice directly to the skin to minimize any swelling. If there is any scarring post-treatment, you should avoid picking the scab, as this could cause infection. You should wash the area with lukewarm water and an unscented soap once a day. You should moisturize the treatment area to avoid dry skin.
It is important to know that the first four sessions of laser hair removal may result to patches of regrowth where the hair grows back, but of fine texture.
Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Skin Assessment
The first stage of the laser hair reduction treatment process is a detailed consultation. The dermatologist examines the treatment area and considers the following:
- Skin type and skin tone
- Hair color and hair thickness
- Hair density
- Hair removal methods used in the past
- Treatment area
- Skin concerns and their condition
- Current use of skin care products and medication
The doctor will describe the results that can be expected from the treatment, thus setting your expectations.
It is important to have a consultation at a Skin Clinic in Bhiwadi because laser treatment settings vary with the skin and hair types. For this reason, the same settings cannot be used for everyone.
Trusting Dr. Trapta Gupta will help you decide the best treatment for you.
Stage 2: Preparing the Treatment Area
The treatment plan is finalized in the first consultation. The patient is then given preparation guidelines for the laser session.
The area to be treated is usually shaved at the request of the doctor. Your doctor will explain the reason for shaving, which is to remove hair from the surface of the skin to allow the laser to reach the follicle.
It is also recommended to avoid hair removal methods that involve removing hair from the follicle like waxing and plucking, before treatment.
Sun exposure also needs to be limited and your dermatologist will provide you with special skin care instructions to avoid skin irritation due to treatment or unwanted side effects.
Stage 3: Cleaning and Preparing the Skin
To prepare the skin for treatment, the area is cleansed to remove all makeup, creams, oils, deodorants or anything else on the skin.
Prior to starting the treatment, the treatment area is inspected to ensure that it is ready. Depending on the area to be treated and the type of equipment used, eye protection and covering of the surrounding skin may be required.
The primary function of this step is to prepare the skin to receive the laser.
Stage 4: Application of Laser Energy
This is the core stage of the laser hair reduction treatment procedure.
A laser is passed over the area to deliver energy in the form of laser pulses. The energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and is directed towards the hair follicle.
The sensation felt during the treatment may vary from a mild snapping to warmth or slight pricking. Treatment discomfort is depended on the treatment area, hair density, individual sensitivity and the laser technology used.
Leading lip treatment would likely take a few minutes, while back or full body treatment would take several hours.
The length of the treatment and the area covered is adjusted to compliment the response of the skin.
Stage 5: Cooling and Skin Comfort
During or shortly after laser treatment, skin comfort and protection is enhanced by cooling the treated area.
Some skin reactivity may occur in the form of temporary redness, slight swelling, or warmth in the area surrounding treated hair follicles as the skin responds to the laser energy.
Your doctor will examine your skin and recommend a post-treatment plan.
You should not compare your treatment settings with anyone else’s since skin and hair characteristics and treatment responses may be uniquely different for each person.
Stage 6: Immediate Post-Treatment Care
After the laser treatment, the area may appear slightly pink and be slightly tender. Skincare and sun-protection measures recommended by your doctor may be necessary.
Some general guidelines may include:
- Avoidance of sun exposure on the treated area
- Application of sunscreen as directed
- Avoidance of excessive rubbing or scratching
- Use of gentle skincare products
- Avoidance of irritating the skin if directed by your doctor
Aftercare instructions by your doctor should be strictly adhered to.
Stage 7: Hair Shedding and Gradual Reduction
Laser hair reduction should not be expected to remove all hair in a single session and may confuse a patient.
Hair may begin to shed days or weeks after the treatment as the natural growth cycle of the hair dictates when the follicles will respond.
This is generally accepted as the reason for requiring multiple laser hair reduction sessions.
As patients undergo multiple sessions, they begin to notice a gradual slowing of hair growth, as the remaining hair may become finer or begin to be less noticeable.
Stage 8: Continued Treatments
Continued treatments will help ensure the laser hair reduction process is complete.
The hair growth cycle is not synchronized across all hairs. For this reason, multiple treatments are necessary.
The individual factors that will dictate how many treatments will be necessary and how far apart they will need to be are the following:
- The size of the treated area
- The thickness and density of the hair
- Your skin type
- The pattern of your hair growth
- Your hormonal status
- How you respond to the treatments
Your dermatologist will advise you when more treatments are needed.
Stage 9: Evaluation of Results and Aftercare
After the prescribed treatments have been completed, your dermatologist will evaluate the degree of hair reduction and may recommend maintenance treatments.
Long term hair growth is individually determined by hormonal factors, genetics, hair characteristics, and the area treated. For these reasons, laser hair reduction is a multi-treatment process rather than an instant, permanent hair removal process.
Regular follow-up visits allow your dermatologist to assess your response and treatment your goal.
Why Consulting with Professionals Matters
Laser skin treatment often requires accuracy and technique. The wrong kind of treatment may aggravate your skin. That’s why it is important to find a qualified Dermatologist and a reputable clinic, in order to ensure that your treatment is tailor made for your skin and your hair.
For Laser Hair Reduction Treatment in Bhiwadi, an appointment with Dr. Trapta Gupta can allow you to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment, and to learn what the treatment will involve- both before and after the treatment.
A professional consultation also allows you the opportunity to discuss less-formal concerns such as sensitive skin, pigmentation, and previous adverse reactions to hair removal techniques and to manage your expectations from the treatment.
Conclusion
Laser Hair Reduction Treatment has multiple phases that include a consultation and assessment of the skin, preparation, application of the laser, cooling, aftercare, hair shedding, and multiple follow-up treatments.
Laser Hair Reduction Treatment can be a convenient solution to remove unwanted hair, but results will vary from one patient to the other. All the phases of preparation, treatment, aftercare and multiple treatments combine to make the entire process worthwhile.
If you want to opt for Laser Hair Reduction Treatment in Bhiwadi, visit a reputable Skin Clinic in Bhiwadi and book a personalized appointment with Dr. Trapta Gupta for your skin and hair type.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is laser hair reduction therapy?
Laser hair reduction therapy is a cosmetic treatment that quite literally uses technology to reduce hair. Reducing hair follicles is done by targeting absorption of laser energy and is a hair removal and growth reduction process.
2. What are the steps in laser hair reduction therapy?
There are several steps to the therapy process. These include a consult, assessment of both the skin and hair, preparation of the treatment area, laser application, cooling of the treatment area, post-therapy care, and periodic therapy sessions.
3. Is laser hair reduction therapy painful?
Sensations associated with discomfort range from warmth to pricking sensations or snapping. Treatment area and pain sensitivity both contribute to discomfort experienced during therapy.
4. How many laser hair reduction therapy sessions do I need?
The key factors that impact the number of sessions include the area to be treated, the density of the hair, skin type, and the hair growth cycle. Your dermatologist will best advise a treatment plan.
