Is the process of Laser Hair Removal painful? What are the side effects? How getting it done by a certified professional improves the results and reduces the risk of side effects?

Know about it & find out more about this Procedure & What to Expect from the best dermatologist – Dr. Gaurav Garg

Are you a working woman or live a life that is dynamic, busy and keeps you on toes all the time. If so then you must have come across situations where an invitation to a party would worry you about your looks or compromise with your dresses to cover your body hairs. Even on a regular basis while you get ready to take on the day you must have felt hesitant in wearing sleeveless or short dresses because you didn’t get time for a salon visit to remove those unwanted hairs on your legs or underarms. Well! Regular trips to a salon are okay as long as they are relaxing and fun. Making those runs to get rid of your hairs every now and then is exhausting. But the methods to remove hairs like waxing, shaving, etc needs to be done repeatedly to stay at your best look and be ready for any occasion. Also, you have to endure the discomfort and irritation on your skin that comes with these options. The trouble is the most if you have sensitive skin. 

So what you can do to get rid of these hairs without rushing to a salon every week or so and without feeling that discomfort? The answer is laser hair removal. It is the most promising treatment and increasingly getting popular. The treatment is the most sought-after hair removal as it provides excellent results that last longer and suits all types of skins. If you are getting the treatment from a certified and experienced professionals, the results are even better. Despite the treatment gaining popularity and effectiveness, there are still some doubts about the safety and results of the procedure. Some people argue that the procedure is expensive. This blog discusses the details about the procedure and facts about the results you can expect from it. It explains how the results you get are worth the cost and even saves you money in the long run and most importantly how you can ensure the best results by teaming up with a well-trained and proficient practitioner.

Table of Contents

 Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye: 

1. What is Laser Hair Removal actually? 
2. Is it worth getting Laser Hair Removal treatment? 
3. How does Laser Hair removal work on our skin? 
4. How permanent Is Laser Hair Removal? Does Laser Hair Removal last forever? 
5. How long does Laser Hair Removal take to see results? What happens after the first Laser Hair Removal session? How many sessions are needed? 
6. Which is the best Laser machine for Hair Removal? Is it safe for my skin type?
7. How much Laser Hair removal actually costs in New Delhi”: How much does Laser Hair removal cost? Is it covered under insurance? 
8. “ I’ve heard laser hair removal is painful”: Is it so? Does it hurt more than Waxing? 
9. Can you get a laser hair removal done from a spa? What are the complications that may arise if your practitioner is not skilled?
10. What are the minor side effects associated with laser hair removal and how to tackle them? 

Know all about it from the most trusted dermatologist in Delhi ~ Dr. Gaurav Garg

1. Let us start from the basics: What is Laser Hair Removal actually?

The hair on any part of your body grows in an active growth cycle. Their growth begins from the root as they migrate through the skin to show up. So every hair that grows on your body stems from the root or hair follicle. The laser hair removal techniques target these follicles to destroy them and prohibit hair growth. To accomplish this, a highly focussed laser beam is used that heats up the follicles to an extent that they are destroyed. The wavelength of the laser is carefully selected to target the pigment found in the  follicles. For that reason, only the follicles are destroyed and your skin remains unharmed.

2. Why should you consider Laser Hair Removal?: Is it worth getting Laser Hair Removal?

If you are still wondering whether you should take the Laser hair removal or not, here are some exceptional benefits the procedure provides which would improve your life remarkably.

Waxing, shaving, and other methods remove hairs superficially. Under the skin, the hairs get curly and grow inwards. On the other hand, laser hair removal causes the hairs to fallout from the root, thus eliminating the possibility of ingrown hairs. You do not have to wait for hairs to regrow to get the treatment again. Rather the treatment sessions are done at pre-decided intervals and the final results are enduring. Once the treatment is done, you do not have to make repeated visits to the clinic and save plenty in the long run. Laser technology is highly precise and can cover even larger areas in much less time leaving your skin completely unharmed.

Treatments like waxing, shaving, and electrolysis have short-lived results and have to be done very frequently. The discomfort in these treatments is also significant. Depilatory creams also work superficially and give an extremely unpleasant smell. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is often mixed with laser treatment. However, the light used in IPL is of higher intensity and does not yield effective results for smaller areas. These benefits, laser hair removal offers are convincing enough to prove the superiority of the method over others.

3. Let’s know How Laser Works: How does Laser Hair Removal work on our skin?

How the treatment is performed and how it will work on my skin? These queries are addressed best by understanding the procedure of the treatment.

The laser hair removal begins with a meticulous study of your medical condition, previous skin treatments, skin disorder & scarring history and present skin condition. This helps the practitioner to ascertain your candidature for the treatment and chose the most suitable laser type and wavelength for the best outcomes. You would be asked to avoid the sun and lighten your skin tone so that the laser can be easily targeted to darker hair follicles. You have to avoid plucking, waxing, electrolysis, etc as they can disturb the hair follicles. However, you should shave or trim the hairs to safer treatment.

A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize any sensation during the treatment. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and is treated by the concentrated laser light. The light is absorbed by the dark pigment present in the roots of the hairs and destroys them. Restorative gels like aloe vera can be used after the procedure to soothe the skin and avoid slight redness or irritation you might feel.

4. How long does Laser Hair Removal take to see the results? What happens after the first Laser Hair Removal session?

The laser strikes the hair roots and attempts to cause enough damage so that the hairs fall out. It generally takes one to two weeks to experience the results clearly. However, in some cases, some results can be seen after the first session itself. With each session, the results keep improving and becoming more apparent. It is important to understand that the hair growth cycle is governed by genetics and hormone levels which is why the time the results might take to be visible can be different for each individual. You would need multiple sessions to achieve perfect and long-lasting results, generally six to ten sessions. Each session is spaced by four to ten weeks. Although the results take time to be noticeable, the procedure is easy, fast, and needs no downtime. You can get back to your routine right after the treatment. There could be mild redness and swelling that is eased by using ice packs. You need to protect your skin from sun exposure to ensure that the successive sessions are effective and the final result meets your expectations.

5. How Permanent Is Laser Hair Removal?: Does Laser Hair Removal Last Forever?

Is it really true that laser hair removal is permanent? Well! The answer to this question is subjective. But one thing assured about the treatment is that the results are long-term. Laser hair removal is known for the permanent removal of unwanted body hairs. The treatment targets the roots of the hairs so it is approved for permanent removal. However, in some cases, you may experience hair regrowth. But even in these cases, results are maintained for several years. It takes multiple years for the hair to start growing again. Also, the hairs that regrow are much lighter and thinner. To achieve well-sustained results, you need to take up multiple sessions of laser treatment. 

The laser affects the actively growing follicles and not all hairs have a synchronized growth cycle. For that reason, multiple sessions are needed to remove hairs from every cycle. The number of sessions you would need depends on the skin and hair color and the coarseness of the hairs. Some body-parts are intrigue to be treated and may have denser hairs. Such body areas need more sessions.  Generally, you need six sessions to ensure complete hair removal. Often eight sessions are recommended where the later sessions are follow up sessions that ensure the longevity of the outcomes.

6. Which is the best Laser machine for Hair Removal? Is it safe for my skin type?

 Does the type of laser used for the treatment affect the results? The question must have occurred to you like many others. Yes, the laser type and machine play a significant role in the successful accomplishment of the treatment. By successful accomplishment, we mean safe and effective treatment with the best possible outcomes.

The GentleYag Pro Laser machine is a revolutionary introduction in the field of laser hair removal. The machine is highly admired by the top dermatologists and patients who have experienced the benefits of the machine. The GentleYag Pro has been the industry standard for nearly two decades. It is preferred over other laser options for the benefits it provides to both the practitioners and patients.

GentleYag Pro Laser machine offers the best pulse duration that ensures that the hair follicles are completely destroyed, unlike other lasers. The higher repetition rate also adds to the destruction of root cells and eliminates the chances of hair regrowth. With the largest spot size, it offers amazing throughput by covering the maximum area in minimum time. The full body treatment can be done in nearly forty minutes. It provides additional benefits to the skin by addressing other skin problems as well. It works the best with the darker skin tone and is highly suitable for Indian skin.

7. How much Laser hair removal actually cost in Delhi? How much does Laser Hair removal cost? Is it covered under insurance?

Let us now talk about the numbers. The cost of laser hair removal treatment is subjective. It depends on several factors. It can be different for you, even if you are getting a similar treatment from the same clinic. The reason is that the treatment is highly personalized for your skin and hair condition and the body area to be treated. The average cost of laser hair removal treatment in Delhi ranges from INR 1500 to INR 3000 and can go up to INR 20000 (approx) for larger body areas. Some prominent parameters that determine the total cost include the following.

• Size of body area:

Treatment for larger areas like chest or back takes more time and hence costs more.

• Number of sessions required:

This is a complicated parameter as the number of sessions also depends on different factors. Every session adds to the total cost of the procedure.

• Hair color and skin tone:

These parameters significantly impact the cost. The lighter skin and dark-colored hairs are easiest to remove and require fewer sessions. These cost less as compared to lighter hairs.

• Laser equipment used:

Based on your skin attributes the type of laser is selected to ensure the best results. The type of equipment used also varies the cost. GentleYag Pro Laser machine is the most popular choice, ideal for all Indian skin types and also cost-effective.

The laser hair removal is not covered by insurance but you can choose to pay in installments or opt for the pick the packages offered by the clinics to get a better deal.

8. “I’ve heard laser hair removal is painful:” Is it so? Does it Hurt more than Waxing?

I have almost zero tolerance for pain. Can I get the laser hair removal treatment? What you feel during laser hair removal is not exactly pain. You would get a snapping feeling on your skin and may feel the heat that is produced by the laser to destroy the hair follicles. Talking about the pain, it may hurt a bit but much lesser than the waxing. The discomfort after the treatment is slight which is similar to mild sunburn. All these troubling feelings can be reduced to a great extent if the procedure is performed by a skilled practitioner. The Dermalife clinic operates under the elite leadership of Dr. Gaurav Garg, a renowned dermatologist with extensive experience. He is highly proficient in working with the laser and ensures minimum discomfort with his light and skillful hands. We use the latest equipment that is powered with the cooling mechanism to reduce the heat you feel. We make all possible efforts to ensure that you have a pain-free and pleasant experience with us.

9. Can you get a laser hair removal done from a spa?  What are the complications that may arise if your practitioner is not skilled?

Laser hair removal is an intriguing procedure. It needs a thorough analysis of your skin and hair attributes. Different colors and texture of skin and hair are treated differently and need different preparatory steps. The choice of laser for the treatment should be accurate. The equipment used emits a highly concentrated laser and produces significant heat which is why it must be handled with the utmost care and precision. Any mishandling can lead to major consequences. In addition to the disappointment about the results, it can give your blemishes, burn, or harm your skin in several ways. People with sensitive skin are at maximum risk. If done in an unskillful manner, it may also cause scarring or blisters on your skin, increasing the risk of infections. A spa can never guarantee your safety during and after the process. Often spas are not even certified unless they have qualified and trained dermatologists to perform the procedure. A professional clinic, on the other hand, would have a team of professional dermatologists and doctors to monitor your overall health condition and ensure a safe and fruitful treatment.

10. Side Effects and Risks of Laser Hair Removal: Risks and side effects/complications associated with laser hair removal.

Safety is the most vital aspect of any medical or cosmetic procedure. With an aesthetic procedure like laser hair removal, it is of higher importance as the results can be dramatically different if the safety is not considered. However, if the process is performed by a qualified and skilled practitioner the side effects and complications of the laser hair removal are minor or not at all. Some minor side effects are common which include:

• Redness, swelling, and irritation

You can observe slight redness and swell after the treatment. The skin may seem irritated. These side effects are mild and fade away on their own within a few hours. Your dermatologist would apply a topical anesthetic to reduce these effects. You can also use cool compression and moisturizer over the treated area to soothe your skin.

• Change in pigmentation

You can notice pigmentation changes on your skin. Lighter skin may develop slightly dark spots and vice versa. This is also temporary and needs no concern.

Some major complications like excess hair growth, scarring and blisters, and overall change in skin texture are rare and can be completely avoided by opting for the right practitioner for the treatment. The treatment is highly safe and needs no downtime. The mild side effects will be gone in hours and you can even wear the makeup the next day. Laser treatment provides you complete removal of hair that lasts long and keeps you ready to transmit your radiance always.