Say goodbye to facial hair: Unveiling laser hair removal treatment insights

Laser facial hair removal has become increasingly popular in India over the past decade. The cosmetic and beauty industry in India has been growing rapidly, and more people are seeking solutions for unwanted facial hair. This process offers a convenient and relatively long-lasting way to address this concern.

Major metropolitan cities and urban centers in India are sprouting up with refined clinics to cater to the rising demand for laser hair removal. As more people want to opt for it owing to increased exposure to global beauty standards and higher disposable incomes. However, the popularity of laser facial hair removal has seeped into tier 2 and tier 3 cities with established centres coming up in cities like Lucknow, Jalandhar, Jaipur and more.

Moreover, the advent of social media and the internet has made beauty treatments and trends more accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the popularity of procedures like laser hair removal. To help you solve facial hair woes, Midday Online spoke to Dr Batul Patel, dermatologist, founder and medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic to share with us safe measures for laser treatment.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure used to permanently reduce or remove unwanted body or facial hair. It works by targeting melanin - a substance in our body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. The process involves concentrated beams of light, known as lasers, which target and damage the hair follicles, ultimately inhibiting or delaying their ability to grow hair. The cost for the procedure varies based on the number of sessions. A package of 6 sessions would typically start at INR 1 lakh.

Here's how laser hair removal works:

The procedure works by utilising specialised lasers that emit concentrated beams of light. These lasers are designed to target the melanin present in the hair follicles. The melanin absorbs the laser energy, which is then converted into heat. This heat damages the hair follicles' ability to produce new hair, leading to gradual hair thinning and reduction over a series of treatment sessions.

During the procedure, the patient wears protective eyewear to shield their eyes from the laser's intense light. The practitioner adjusts the laser's settings based on the patient's skin tone, hair color, and hair thickness. A cooling gel may be applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort and protect the skin's surface.

As the laser is activated, it pulses targeted energy into the hair follicles. The sensation can range from a mild discomfort, often described as a snapping rubber band, to a warming sensation. The laser's precision allows it to selectively target the melanin in the hair follicles while minimising damage to the surrounding skin. Multiple sessions are necessary to catch hairs in their active growth phase, as hair grows in cycles and not all follicles are active simultaneously.

Over a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, patients typically experience a gradual reduction in hair growth in the treated area. It's important to note that while laser facial hair removal can result in long-lasting hair reduction, it might not eliminate all hair permanently. Maintenance sessions might be required to address any potential regrowth.

What are the most common areas on the face that can be treated with laser hair removal?

The most common areas on the face that can be treated with laser hair removal include the upper lip, chin, cheeks, sideburns, and the area between the eyebrows (unibrow). These areas often have noticeable and unwanted facial hair that individuals may seek to remove or reduce for cosmetic reasons. Laser hair removal offers a precise and effective solution for targeting and managing hair growth in these facial areas, providing individuals with a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What are the different types of lasers used in laser hair removal treatment?

Several types of lasers are used in laser hair removal treatments, each with specific characteristics suited for different skin tones and hair colors. The main types of lasers used in laser hair removal include:

Alexandrite Laser
This laser is most effective for individuals with fair to light skin tones and dark hair. It has a relatively high melanin absorption rate, making it efficient at targeting hair follicles. Alexandrite lasers work quickly and are often used for larger treatment areas.

Diode Laser
Diode lasers are versatile and can be effective on a wider range of skin tones, including light to medium skin. They offer deeper penetration into the skin, making them suitable for thicker hair. Diode lasers tend to be less painful during treatment and can cover larger areas relatively quickly.

Nd:YAG Laser
Nd:YAG lasers have a longer wavelength, allowing them to penetrate even deeper into the skin. They are considered safer for individuals with darker skin tones, as they have a reduced risk of causing pigment changes or burns. Nd:YAG lasers are often used for individuals with medium to dark skin and can be effective for both fine and coarse hair.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
While not technically a laser, IPL devices emit broad-spectrum light that can target melanin in hair follicles. IPL devices are versatile and can be adjusted to various skin tones, but they might be less precise than dedicated lasers. They are often used for hair removal on larger body areas.

What factors determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for laser facial hair removal?

Several factors determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for laser facial hair removal. Skin tone and hair color contrast are important, as individuals with lighter skin tones and darker hair tend to achieve better results due to the laser's ability to target melanin.

Individuals with darker skin tones can also undergo laser hair removal, but it's important to use a laser that is specifically designed for their skin type to avoid potential side effects like hyperpigmentation or burns. This might involve using longer-wavelength lasers, such as the Nd:YAG laser, which has a deeper penetration and is safer for darker skin tones.

It's important to consider any underlying medical conditions, medications, or skin sensitivities that could affect the procedure's safety and effectiveness. A consultation with a trained practitioner is crucial to assess individual suitability, create a tailored treatment plan, and discuss potential risks and benefits.

Things to keep in mind before opting for laser facial hair removal

The typical process for a laser facial hair removal session involves several steps, beginning with preparation and followed by post-treatment care. Prior to the session, patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and tanning, as well as any hair removal methods that pluck or remove the hair from the root, such as waxing or threading, for a few weeks.

On the day of the session, the treatment area should be clean and free of lotions, makeup, and creams. The patient and practitioner will typically wear protective eyewear to shield the eyes from the laser's light. The practitioner may apply a cooling gel to the treatment area to help alleviate discomfort and protect the skin.

During the session, the practitioner adjusts the laser settings based on the patient's skin tone, hair color, and hair thickness. The laser is then applied to the treatment area, emitting pulses of energy that target the hair follicles. The patient may feel a sensation similar to the snapping of a rubber band or a warming feeling as the laser is activated.

After the session, the cooling gel is wiped off, and the patient may experience mild redness or swelling, which usually subsides within a few hours. It's important to avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on the treated area in the days following the session. Multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results, typically spaced several weeks apart to catch hair in different growth phases.

For post-treatment care: Patients are advised to avoid activities that could irritate the treated area, such as hot showers, saunas, or strenuous exercise, for a day or two after the session. It's important to keep the treated area moisturized and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by the practitioner. Patients should also avoid plucking, waxing, or threading between sessions, as these methods disrupt the hair growth cycle needed for effective laser hair removal. Following the recommended treatment schedule and aftercare instructions can help ensure the best results and minimize potential side effects.

Are the results of laser facial hair removal permanent, or will it need maintenance sessions?

The results of laser facial hair removal are often long-lasting, but it's important to understand that they might not be entirely permanent for everyone. While many individuals experience significant hair reduction and even near-complete elimination of unwanted facial hair, some hair follicles might become less active rather than fully eradicated.

Maintenance sessions might be necessary to address any potential regrowth over time. The need for maintenance can vary from person to person due to factors like hormonal changes, genetics, and individual response to treatment. Following a full initial treatment course, which typically consists of multiple sessions, patients might need occasional touch-up sessions to maintain the desired results.

Ask your expert these questions before signing up for the treatment:

What type of laser will be used?
How many sessions will I likely need?
What are the potential risks for my skin type?
How should I prepare for the procedure?
What post-treatment care do you recommend?
Can I see before-and-after photos of previous patients?
What is the total estimated cost?

Before undergoing laser hair removal, it's recommended to have a consultation with a qualified dermatologist or licensed practitioner who can assess your skin type, hair color, and medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to discuss potential risks and benefits.

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