Laser hair removal is a medical technique that removes unwanted hair using a focused beam of light (laser).

A laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair during laser hair removal. The light energy is converted to heat, which destroys the hair-producing tube-shaped sacs (hair follicles) beneath the skin. Future hair development is inhibited or delayed as a result of this injury.

Laser hair removal can successfully postpone hair growth for a long time, but it seldom results in permanent hair eradication. For initial hair removal, many laser hair removal treatments are required, and maintenance treatments may be required as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.

When is this recommended?

• Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair.
• Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line.

What is the Procedure?

During the procedure

• A hand-held laser instrument will be pressed against your skin by your doctor. 
• Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device may be attached to the instrument’s tip or a cool gel applied to your skin to protect it and reduce the risk of side effects.
• The doctor will activate the laser, and the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. 
• Hair growth is inhibited when the laser beam damages the hair follicles with intense heat. 
• A cooling device or gel will likely cause you to feel a sense of cold and discomfort.
• Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might only take a few minutes. 
• Treatment of a larger area, like the back, may take more than an hour.

After the procedure

• During the first few hours after laser hair removal, you may experience redness and swelling.
• Apply ice to any discomfort you might experience. 
• The doctor may apply a steroid cream to the affected area if you have a skin reaction after laser hair removal.
• You should avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments. 
• You should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every day.

What are the advantages?

• Precision. The laser can selectively target dark, coarse hair while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
• Speed. With each pulse of the laser, several areas of hair can be treated simultaneously within a fraction of a second. Every second, the laser can treat an area the size of a quarter. It takes a few minutes to treat a small area like the upper lip, whereas it may take an hour to treat larger ones like the back or legs.
• Predictability Most patients lose their hair permanently after three to seven sessions.