Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure of removing unwanted hair through a highly concentrated beam of light absorbed by hair follicles to inhibit future hair growth. Laser hair removal is a highly effective light-based technology for removing unwanted body hair. During the procedure, a laser beam passes through the skin and penetrates individual hair follicles. The heat produced by the intense beam of light reduces the number and quality of hair, resulting in less noticeable, finer, and possibly lighter hair. The extent of hair reduction depends upon the number of sessions. Usually, 4-10 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart are needed to target the various stages of the hair growth cycle.

Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Laser Hair Removal

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Hair removal practices have developed from adhering to social, cultural, and religious customs to meeting aesthetic standards. Hair removal methods are divided into two distinct categories:

  1. Depilation

  2. Epilation

Epilation refers to removing the hair shaft, follicle, and bulb. It includes threading, plucking, waxing, sugaring, lasers, an intense pulsed light system, electrolysis, and photodynamic therapy.

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular hair removal procedures performed to get rid of unwanted hair using laser technology. It is a non-invasive technique that uses a laser beam to penetrate individual hair follicles. The intense heat of the laser beam destroys hair follicles, inhibiting future growth. Hair should not be plucked before the treatment; plucking hair reduces the procedure's efficacy as the target gets missing. 

It may take several laser hair removal treatments to significantly reduce hair growth because the laser beam only targets the actively growing hair follicles. Laser hair removal effectively decelerates hair growth but doesn't guarantee permanent results. Multiple sessions may be needed to get desired outcomes. However, it is an excellent alternative to shaving and waxing.

Procedure steps

Laser hair removal technique typically involves the following steps:

Preparation

The first step in preparing for laser hair removal treatment is to choose a board-certified specialist, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They will take your detailed clinical and drug intake history to rule out infections. Reviewing your clinical and hormonal evaluation, your surgeon can tailor a treatment plan for you specific to your goals and discuss risks, benefits, and expectations from the procedure to determine the correct procedure for you. 

Hair epilation should be avoided at least six weeks before the procedure to get maximum hair growth. Waxing or plucking hair before the procedure doesn't produce satisfactory results because the target gets absent. Moreover, sunscreens may be prescribed 4 to 6 weeks before the procedure, especially on exposed areas.

In preparation for your laser hair removal, shave the area at least 24 hours before the procedure to allow a slight stubble to grow; this will provide enough target for the laser without absorbing too much energy in the hair shaft itself.

Just before the procedure, you may be given local anesthesia to avoid discomfort.

Laser application

During the procedure, the area to be treated is cleaned to remove oils from the skin, and the patient is positioned comfortably. It's essential to use eye protection for both the patient and the operator, and keeping reflective/metallic surfaces near the laser must be avoided.

After individualizing the parameters to each patient's skin and hair type, the handpiece is kept perpendicular to the skin. It is pressed down gently but firmly to bring the follicles close to the surface and temporarily reduce the blood supply to the treated area.

Post-operative care

Some redness and swelling are expected after the laser treatment. Although most machines have inbuilt cooling systems, ice packs or cooling agents may be used after the treatment to minimize pain and swelling. In case of accidental epidermal injury, topical antibiotics may be used. Moreover, it is recommended to practice strict sun protection, and sunscreens must be used. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroid creams to minimize erythema and swelling.

Types of Laser Hair Removal

  • Which Laser Hair Removal is Right for You?

    A variety of options for laser hair removal are available. Laser hair removal is considered the most effective option for long-term hair removal. The mechanism of action of these systems is targeting the melanin in the hair shaft, follicular epithelium, and hair matrix by emitting light with wavelengths within the 600 to 1200 nanometers (nm) range because those wavelengths are selectively absorbed by melanin. 

    Deciding which laser hair removal technique is right for you is a multifactorial concern because it is a highly individualized process. Every patient is treated with a unique approach, possibly due to various factors such as hair thickness, density, or location.

  • Alexandrite Laser

    Alexandrite laser is a type of laser that produces a high-powered, red-wavelength beam of light. It has a wavelength of 755 nm. It means the Alexandrite laser has a shorter wavelength than the Diode and Nd: Yag lasers. It has been used effectively for laser hair removal treatment on fair and light brown skin types. Alexandrite laser offers greater penetrance and is an excellent option for lighter hair.

    Alexandrite laser treatment for hair removal offers a comfortable and pleasing service that increases the quality of life. The alexandrite laser (AL) is a safe, painless, and effective treatment for unwanted hair.

  • Diode Laser

    Diode laser is an effective laser hair removal technique for all skin types. Its wavelength is 810 nm. Diode laser penetrates deeper into the skin layers, delivers better fluency, and causes less epidermal damage.

    Patients undergoing 'diode laser treatment' experience hair reduction lasting for 4 to 12 months, and permanent hair reduction doesn't mean the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area. The reference point for an excellent result is approximately 80% hair loss. Hair regrowth after the diode laser is finer and lighter. The longer wavelength of the diode laser makes it suitable also for darker skin tones.

  • Nd: YAG Laser

    Nd: YAG (acronym of Neodymium-doped Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet) is a long-pulse laser technique effective for treating unwanted hair.

    Nd: YAG has a wavelength of 1064 nm, offers better penetration into the skin layers, causes less epidermal damage, and has relatively less melanin absorption.

    The long pulsed Nd: YAG is suitable for effectively removing hair for more than 12 months, although 4-5 sessions are necessary for these results. Blond hair can also be removed using Nd: YAG, although much less effectively. No long-lasting side effects are reported after using this treatment method. Darker skin tones or tanned skin can also be treated without side effects. Cooling may be advisable due to the pain reported by the patients.

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

    Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are high-intensity light sources that use a high-output flashlamp to produce noncoherent light delivered by a flashlamp. Light from the IPL device is absorbed by the hair pigment, causing energy buildup that, in turn, changes into heat. The heat travels down the hair and destroys the cells responsible for growing new hair.

    IPL wavelength is relatively high, ranging from 500-1200nm. Various filters allow the narrowing of the emitted wavelength band; therefore, it can also be used on darker skin. The IPL device discharges a broad wavelength, emitting green, yellow, red, and infrared wavelengths simultaneously, allowing the various skin tones to be targeted concurrently.

    A well-recognized advantage of IPL devices is the relatively large footprint of their spot size, resulting in higher treatment speed, allowing the practitioner to minimize the total number of pulses per treatment and affording a swift treatment. IPL is less expensive than an actual laser but less effective.

Why Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that is an effective and long-term alternative to shaving or waxing. It uses highly concentrated light beams to remove unwanted hair from various body parts. 

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle, heating and destroying it to prevent future hair growth. It is a long-term solution for reducing hair growth, with most people experiencing a significant reduction after a few sessions. Laser hair removal offers several benefits over traditional hair removal methods like shaving and waxing, including smoother and more long-lasting results, reduced risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation, and the ability to target larger areas of the body. While laser hair removal may not completely eliminate hair growth, it can significantly reduce it and provide a convenient and effective solution for those looking to reduce unwanted hair.

The following are the summarized benefits of Laser hair removal:

  • To achieve long-lasting hair reduction
  • To save time and money on regular hair removal methods
  • To avoid the discomfort and pain associated with traditional hair removal methods
  • To have smoother, clearer skin without ingrown hairs
  • To have a safe and effective option for removing hair in delicate areas, such as the face or bikini line

What are Concerns for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is ever-increasing in popularity. Technology is fast advancing, and there are increasingly excessive commercial claims that laser hair removal in all skin types is free of side effects. However, that is not true. Like, any other non-surgical procedure, laser hair removal also carries potential risks and concerns; however, rare. The overall incidence of adverse effects after laser hair removal appears to be low, with very uncommon side effects. Side effects of Laser hair removal vary depending on skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment guidelines. Rarely, laser hair removal can cause scarring, crusting, blistering, or other changes in skin texture. A few other infrequent side effects may include graying of treated hair or excessive hair regrowth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin. It is important to choose a reputable provider with proper training and experience in laser hair removal and to discuss any potential risks and side effects with them before undergoing the procedure. A few common concerns regarding laser hair removal are explained below

  • Skin Irritation/Redness

    It is common to experience skin irritation and redness after laser hair removal, particularly in the first few hours following the procedure. It can be due to the heat generated by the laser, which can cause temporary inflammation of the hair follicles and surrounding skin. Mild redness and swelling are usually normal and can be relieved with a cold compress or ice pack applied to the treated area for 10-15 minutes. In some cases, more severe skin redness, blistering, or crusting may occur. It can signify a more serious side effect or complication. It should be reported to the provider who performed the procedure immediately. To reduce the risk of skin irritation and redness after laser hair removal, it is crucial to follow the pre and post-treatment instructions provided by the provider, avoid sun exposure, and use gentle skincare products on the treated area.
  • Uneven Results

    Uneven results after laser hair removal can occur for several reasons. One reason may be the uneven application of the laser across the treatment area, leading to variations in hair reduction. Another potential cause of uneven results is variation in the thickness, color, and texture of the hair in the treated area. Dark, coarse hair is typically more responsive to laser treatment than lighter or thinner hair, which may require more sessions to achieve desired results. In some cases, uneven results may also be due to a provider's lack of experience or inadequate training in laser hair removal. To minimize the risk of uneven results, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced provider and to discuss the expected outcomes and potential risks and complications before undergoing the procedure.
  • Burns/Scarring Risk

    Although burns after laser hair removal are not common. However, once they happen, they can cause permanent scarring. Burns can occur when the laser is set too high, or the provider fails to properly adjust the laser to the individual's skin type and hair color. In most cases, burns heal completely. It's advised to keep the treated area moisturized, avoid scratching or rubbing, use hot showers, baths, and steam rooms, and avoid picking the skin.

Steps to getting your procedure

Research-icon

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Why Yes Doctor for Laser Hair Removal

Yes Doctor can help make laser hair removal treatment more affordable by offering financing options that allow patients to pay for the procedure over time. We provide loans specifically for medical procedures, including cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal.

Our financing options typically allow patients to choose from various repayment plans with lower monthly payments. Our financing plans involve quick approvals, making financing quick and easy.

By providing affordable financing options, Yes Doctor can help patients who may not be able to pay for laser hair removal treatment upfront to access the treatment they desire. It makes laser hair removal more accessible to a broader range of patients. It helps individuals achieve their cosmetic goals without having to delay treatment due to financial constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, laser hair removal is considered a very safe procedure. It has a proven and long-term safety record. However, it can be dangerous if done by an inexperienced provider. Burns, irreversible changes to your skin color, and scarring can occur. You can significantly minimize the risk of possible side effects by choosing a board-certified medical doctor who is exceptionally skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin structures and possible side effects. Moreover, laser hair removal is not equally effective for all skin and hair types. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for it.
Typically, laser hair removal treatment requires two to six treatments. The number of sessions required and the interval between each session depend mainly on the skin and hair type and the treatment area. In areas where hair regrowth is fast, such as the upper lip, more sessions may be required with less gap apart. During the pre-treatment consultation, the provider will assess your skin and hair type, discuss your goals and expectations, and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will also provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed to achieve the desired level of hair reduction and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
The procedure may feel painful to a certain degree. The extent of pain depends on the part of the body getting laser hair removal. The more sensitive the skin, the more pain you are likely to endure. Moreover, the pain delivered also depends on the person's pain tolerance. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, while others may find the procedure more painful. To minimize pain, your provider may rub a numbing cream or cooling device onto your skin before the procedure. Depending on the body part and your pain tolerance, you may not need any numbing cream at all.
You can expect to feel a sensation similar to a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against your skin during a laser hair removal treatment. The level of discomfort may vary depending on your pain tolerance and the sensitivity of the treated area. The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated, with smaller areas like the upper lip taking only a few minutes while larger areas like the legs can take up to an hour. After the treatment, the treated area may be red and swollen, and you may experience some itching and discomfort. It is important to avoid sun exposure and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your technician to ensure the best results. Multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve long-term hair reduction.