Painless Laser Hair Reduction

PAINLESS Laser Hair Reduction

How does laser hair reduction work?
Lasers are amplifiers of light that has only one color (monochromatic). The near infra-red wavelengths of laser targets the pigment in the hair bulge, heating and destroying it.

What types of lasers are available for laser hair reduction?

1. Ruby Laser 694nm

2. Alexandrite Laser 755nm

3. Diode laser 810nm

4. Nd:YAG laser 1064nm

            Long pulsed lasers of above-mentioned wavelengths are used for effective permanent hair reduction. Shorter wavlengths are better absorbed by the melanin pigment and hence give best results. Nd:YAG laser was developed as a safe modality of treatment for sun-tanned, dark skin. 

            In our opinion, it's better to condition the skin first before laser is applied. If you're going for treatment, get it right the first time around.

Are Q-switched lasers good for hair reduction?
NO. NEVER. These are bleaching lasers, at best. They disintegrate pigments with what's called the photo-acoustic effect. They are used for tattoo removal.
            Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are unfortunately being used in Pakistan for laser hair reduction by unscrupulous or poorly trained doctors. Q-switched lasers simply do not have the pulse width necessary to damage hair follicles within their thermal relaxation time. Permanent hair reduction will never result.

Are all types of hair treatable with laser?
Darker hair colors are more successfully treated than natural blond or red-hair, where lack of pigment makes the technique relatively ineffective.

How many treatments are required?
Only hairs in the growth phase can be treated, which is why several treatments are needed before results can be seen.? The average at our clinic is about 4-5 sessions for permanent hair reduction.

Why must I use a sun screen?
The shorter wavelength lasers cannot be used through a suntan, as the laser is likely to damage the tan resulting in darker or paler patches on the skin.Similarly, it is often difficult to laser darker skin types as the skin pigment will block the laser light reaching the hair bulge.

            In our opinion, it's better to condition the skin first before laser is applied. If you're going for treatment, get it right the first time around.

What is the benefit of having this treatment?
            Laser treatment has been proven to reduce by about half in hair growth after 6 months of regular treatments. However, the long term success is not
currently known. It is difficult to predict individual responses as many factors are involved: the thickness of hairs, different sites on the body, hormonal imbalances, darkness of hairs and how strong laser light can be tolerated. However, in general, the hair-free intervals gradually lengthen and the re-growth becomes sparser and finer.

Are there any risks involved?
            It is normal for the skin on treated area to be red and bumpy due to the hair follicles being heated. This should settle in couple of days.
These side-effects are rare:

Hyper-pigmentation (darker spots) – temporary and usually resolves in 6 months. 

Hypo-pigmentation (paler spots) – may be permanent.Risk of these is reduced by avoiding/protecting yourself from sun before and after treatment as instructed. 

Scarring – Unlikely but may occur if the patients pick on their skin.

What are the alternatives for laser?

Shaving, waxing and depilatory (hair removal) creams. Systemic treatments to suppress hormone production for those with hormonal problem (such as poly-cystic ovary syndrome). 

 Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream – slows hair growth but does not produce permanent reduction.

Preparation needed 
            Do not bleach, wax or pluck for a few weeks before treatment. No shaving for 2 days before. There needs to be hair present and visible for the treatment to work. Avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks before and after treatment, and during any treatment courses. No self-tan products for one week before treatment. If you are tanned, we will not treat you. You will be asked to remove make up thoroughly before treatment. Please bring a list of all medication you take with you on your first appointment.

What happens during treatment?
            Local anesthetic cream can be used for children if they find the treatment painful. Adults should take an over-the counter pain killer (eg. paracetamol) half an hour before the appointment.

            Everyone in the treatment room is required to wear protective goggles. You should not remove these until told to do so. The doctor will ensure the area to be treated is clean and shaved if necessary. They will calibrate the laser, and guide the device along the area. You feel a cold spray before and after each laser pulse. You may smell some burning hair along the process but do not be alarmed as this is normal. Aloe vera gel is applied at the end. Your next appointment date is given to you before you leave the clinic. If however you have no re-growth of hair by the time of your next appointment, we will re-schedule for a later date.

Aftercare
            Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark pigmentation. Always use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) throughout the course of your treatment. Failure to follow this advice may result in burning, blistering, scarring and permanent pigment changes.

            Continue applying aloe vera gel or non-scented moisturizer to soothe any irritation. You may keep this in the fridge if you wish so that it is cold. You
should treat the area gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours. You may resume use of your usual creams/lotions/make-up once the irritation stops.

            Do not pluck, wax or use any other hair removal methods apart from shaving for 4-6 weeks after treatment. The hairs in the treated area will start to shed after 2 weeks, and if you wish you can gently exfoliate the area to remove them.

You should avoid picking or scratching the treated skin.