Unwanted hair is a very big cosmetic problem. For its treatment, options are available from shaving, bleaching, plucking, waxing, and threading to lasers, electrolysis, and creams. Laser Hair Removal in Pune is the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in India. Laser hair removal treatment is a great option to reduce hair growth. In this blog, we will discuss hair removal technologies in brief. Ultimately choose the best method of hair removal in consultation with your plastic surgeon.
Sites Of Hair Growth:
Females commonly have hair on the face, axilla, groin, and legs and in males, the chest, back, shoulder, and neck, and hair above the ears is a concern.
Causes of hair growth/indications of hair removal:
- Hypertrichosis: Hypertrichosis means hairs grow in androgen-independent areas. It can be caused by genetics, drugs like steroids, thyroid disease, malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, and cancer.
- Hirsutism: In this, due to the testosterone hormone in the females, there is hair growth in unwanted areas such as the chin, sideburn, chest, thighs, back, and abdomen. This is due to PCOD or tumour of the adrenal glands.
- Cosmetic reasons: There are mainly cosmetic reasons behind the removal of unwanted hair. Females want to remove hair from armpits, legs, and upper lips. The reasons for this can range from cultural practices to general awareness. Recently many males have undergone laser treatment for beard shaping, neck/legs.
- Medical reason: Sometimes laser hair removal is done due to hair-related diseases like pseudofolliculitis barbae, pilonidal sinus, skin graft, and hairs trapped in keloid sinuses. In pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as razor bumps, hairs are curly or spirally after shaving and they cause inflammation.
What Are Different Hair Removal Technologies?
The most commonly used temporary methods in hair removal are threading, plucking, shaving, waxing, and chemical depilation. These are easy methods but are quite tedious and inconvenient. They also do not do permanent hair reduction. Their results mostly last for 2 weeks. Permanent hair reduction involves laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Let us see about these techniques.
Electrolysis is considered a gold standard treatment. In this, a small size needle is inserted into the hair root and the hair follicles are destroyed by an electric current. It gives results in all types of hair like white, red, blonde, and black hair. Its downside or disadvantage is that it is a very slow process. It is not suitable for treating very large areas. The experience of the doctor is very important in this and it gives variable results as you have to go through to the precise hair follicle depth.
Why Laser Hair Removal Is Superior To All Other Technologies?
LHR is a very selective procedure, it does not require any needle insertion like electrolysis. The laser rays target the hair follicle. This is a very fast procedure. A complete facial treatment can be completed in just 5 to 7 minutes. The chances of problems in this are negligible.
What Are Different Laser Or Light Technologies For Hair Removal?
In laser and light technology, ruby, alexandrite, diode, nd yag and IPL are the common technologies used.
- Ruby laser: Ruby laser was the first laser that was used for the first time in laser hair removal. Right now we have much better options than that, so not many use Ruby laser.
- 755 nm Alexandrite laser: The 755 nm Alexandrite laser is not suitable for our Indian skin type as it has a chance of having problems.
- Diode, Nd yag, and IPL are used in most Indian patients because their safety profile is quite good.
- Diode laser: 800,810 nm wavelength diode laser is safe for skin types 1 to 5 and gives very good results. You can expect 75 to 90% results from this laser.
- ND-Yag: 1064 nm wavelength nd-yag laser is the best combination of safety and results for dark skin type. You can expect 70 to 90% results from this laser. Due to the long wavelength, it penetrates deeper so that the melanin of the skin absorbs less laser energy and the side effects are much less.
- IPL: IPL is a light-based treatment. Usually, the wavelength of 600-1200nm is used in this. Their results are less than Diode and Nd-yag. Their spot size is bigger, due to which they can do very fast treatment. Usually, it is used for arms, legs, and full body hair removal treatment. In Indian skin type, diode or Nd-yag gives equivalent results but if you talk about side effects or safety profile then Nd-yag is better.
Q-switch lasers are less commonly used.
How Is Laser Hair Removal Done At Arra Aesthetics?
How do we decide the treatment of LHR patients at Arra Aesthetics?
At Arra Aesthetics, our approach to Laser Hair Removal (LHR) treatment is characterized by precision and personalization.
Upon consultation, a thorough assessment of the patient’s hair growth history is conducted, considering factors such as location, quantity, and potential health indicators. Detailed inquiries cover symptoms of diseases like PCOD or thyroid issues, medication history, and previous treatment experiences, including the type of laser used and its outcomes.
In cases of suspected underlying conditions, a comprehensive biochemical workup and pelvic ultrasonography are initiated to facilitate targeted treatment.
Clear communication with patients emphasizes realistic expectations, with our primary goal being permanent hair reduction. It is explained that lasers may not be effective on white, red, and blonde hairs, with electrolysis recommended for such cases.
This meticulous and individualized approach ensures tailored treatment plans that address both aesthetic preferences and potential health considerations.
Why are repeated sessions for hair removal needed?
Patients often wonder why a single session doesn’t suffice for hair removal, raising questions about the need for multiple treatments. To comprehend this, it’s essential to delve into the intricate process of hair growth.
Hair Growth Cycle:
- Anagen Phase: This is the active growth phase.
- Catagen Phase: A transitional phase marking regression.
- Telogen Phase: The resting phase.
Laser Action and Anagen Phase:
- Lasers effectively target hair in the anagen phase.
- Approximately 70% of facial hairs and 50% of arm and leg hairs are in this growth phase.
- The remaining hairs are in catagen or telogen, where laser treatment is less effective.
- Hair takes 4-10 months to re-enter the anagen phase, necessitating repeat sessions.
Stem Cell Destruction:
- Lasers indirectly destroy hair follicle stem cells.
- The anagen phase duration varies across different body parts.
- Treatment sessions are strategically planned based on these variations.
In essence, the need for multiple sessions in laser hair removal is intricately tied to the natural hair growth cycle. Lasers can only effectively target hairs in the anagen phase, and as this phase varies in duration for different body parts, a tailored approach is essential for optimal results. The destruction of stem cells adds another layer to the necessity of repeated sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and effective hair removal process.
How to get the best results in laser hair removal?
Achieving the best results in laser hair removal is a meticulous process that involves a comprehensive approach and the right technology. Here’s how we ensure your success at our clinic:
Detailed Assessment:
- Your detailed history is thoroughly discussed.
- Examination is conducted to understand your unique circumstances.
Identifying Underlying Causes:
- Reasons for hair growth are carefully ascertained.
- If hair growth is linked to any underlying disease, medications are prescribed alongside laser treatment.
Customized Laser Treatment:
- Patients are guided to use the appropriate laser power and frequency based on their skin type.
- The choice of laser machine significantly impacts results, and our clinic boasts the cutting-edge QOOL-epilation laser hair removal system.
QOOL-epilation Advantage:
- With our QOOL-epilation technology, treatments are completed in a remarkable 50% less time, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Post-Treatment Complications:
- After laser hair removal, normal reactions include redness and slight swelling.
- High-quality laser machines minimize complications such as blisters, burns, scars, pigmentation, or darkening.
Addressing Unusual Conditions:
- Paradoxical hypertrichosis, an uncommon condition where hair grows on the treated area, is explained.
- This phenomenon occurs in 10% of patients but does not compromise the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Determining Ideal Number of Sessions:
- The number of sessions depends on the treated area, hair growth pattern, and the chosen laser technology.
- Generally, 6 sessions suffice for those without hormonal issues; however, individuals with hormone-related concerns may require 10-12 sessions.
- Resistance to treatment is observed in 10 to 15% of patients, potentially necessitating additional sessions.
Our commitment is to provide a tailored approach, utilizing advanced technology and a thorough understanding of individual needs to ensure the optimal success of your laser hair removal journey.
Ideal Interval Between Two Sessions:
What should be the time between the two treatment sessions?
There is usually a gap of 4 to 6 weeks between the two treatment recommendations. It depends on which part of the body we are treating. Arra Aesthetics has QOOL-epilation technology, under this, we complete 3 treatment sessions in 1 month, whereas in a normal laser, only one session can be done in 1 month.
What precautions you should take before LHR?
Waxing and plucking should not be done within 2 weeks of the planned laser hair removal. Sun exposure should be avoided.
What to expect after LHR?
You should expect a 15 to 20% hair reduction after each laser hair removal treatment session. If you correctly complete your treatment sessions on time then you get 70-90% results. You should never do one treatment session today and another after 2 months. You will not get results at all. It is a continuous process and it is necessary to have treatment sessions on time.
Safety of LHR:
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure. Thousands of patients do hair removal every day. I give a demo of the ultra-selectiveness of QOOL-epilation technology to all the patients who visit us at Arra Aesthetics.
These are the results of some laser hair removal treatments, after seeing them you will probably feel confident about the treatment.
What is meant by permanent word in LHR?
Many patients have misunderstandings about permanent hair reduction. They understand that permanency means hairs will never grow. Fortunately, with laser hair removal treatment, the process of hair growth slows down i.e., the amount of hair becomes much less
than before. Vellus hairs are usually very thin and golden hairs of small size on our body. So you should expect this and not complete hair removal.
I will give you information about our QOOL-epilation technology in the next blog in detail.