What if we told you that you could ditch the monthly waxing sessions for a more permanent, long-term solution to hair removal?

We all know and understand the struggle of repeatedly waxing or shaving for hair removal. Fortunately, advancements in medical aesthetics have brought forth an effective and lasting alternative – Laser Hair Reduction. Moreover, laser hair reduction causes minimal or almost no pain! You can visit us to know more about laser hair reduction in Thane.

What is Laser Hair Reduction and how does it work?

As one of the most popular treatments, Laser Hair Reduction is a simple, safe and relatively permanent solution for hair removal. The Laser aims at targeting melanin (the pigment that gives your hair its colour) in your hair follicle with concentrated beams of light and burns it without affecting the surrounding skin which in turn stops or delays hair growth.

The popular abbreviation LHR stands for Laser Hair Reduction as opposed to Laser Hair ‘Removal’ because the laser aims at targeting thick, dark hair and converting them into baby or vellus hair.

Who can get laser hair reduction?

Laser Hair Reduction works best for individuals with dark, coarse hair. Consider LHR if;

• You have excessive facial hair or thick, coarse hair growth on the face because of hormonal imbalance or PCOS. In this case, you may need to get your hormone levels checked and manage them simultaneously while you get your LHR sessions for optimum results.
• You are looking for a more permanent alternative to waxing
• You tend to have recurrent folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles)
• You have chicken skin or Keratosis Pilaris
• You have ingrown hair

How many sessions are required for laser hair reduction?

8 – 10 sessions on an average are recommended for optimal results.

Pre-procedure instructions

• It is not advisable to wax, pluck or bleach your hair between sessions since the laser requires preserving the roots in order to burn them.
• Our hair grows in different phases and the laser only works on the follicles in the growth stage which is why timing is everything. Your sessions must be within 30 – 45 days or 4 to 6 weeks apart.
• Avoid tanning, use of topical tretinoin, or acids at least 7 – 10 days before your session

Let your doctor know if;

• You’re on Isotretinoin or Roaccutane (which is a vitamin A derivative often given to acne patients)
• You have history of herpes
• An active skin infection/condition
• Tendency for keloids or scarring
• Tattoos in the treatment area
• History of recent UV exposure or tanning

What can you expect during laser hair reduction?

First, the area is cleansed and shaved. The area to be treated is then marked and the parameters are set according to your skin type and hair growth. Both the patient and the technician will wear protective eyewear to prevent any accidents. A cooling gel is applied, and the skin is held tight while the laser is run over the treatment area. You may sometimes experience a burning smell which is the result of the laser burning and vaporising the hair follicles.

What can you expect post laser hair reduction and in terms of results?

• 10% reduction in every session
• The time for the hair to grow back increases
• Reduced thickness of hair
• Reduction in density of hair growth

Post Procedure Care

• Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure and tanning 2 weeks before and after treatment
• Avoid heavy exercise, parlour procedures, spas, saunas
• Avoid harsh topical agents
• Ice application may help if you have mild redness
• Use a good moisturizer and sunscreen on the treated areas
• There may be mild inflammation or perifollicular edema (swelling around the follicles) immediately after the procedure which is usually temporary and should settle in a couple of hours post-procedure. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical cream to help speed healing.

PROS of Laser hair Reduction over waxing

• More permanent results
• FDA-approved safe and effective lasers
• Save money in the long run as compared to waxing
• Also helps eliminate ingrown hair
• Works well for chicken skin/tiny bumps while waxing worsens it due to friction

Cost of laser hair reduction

Pricing will vary according to the body part being treated. It is relatively higher than waxing but if you consider the number of waxing sessions you have gotten so far and the number you’ll need for the next decade, LHR will begin to feel like a steal!

Recovery and risks

The downtime is minimal, and your skin should recover within 2-3 days post-procedure.

The technology and equipment used at Skin Series is US FDA approved for hair reduction which simply means that it is not only safe but also effective.

Although, ensure you get your sessions from a professional who knows exactly what they are doing to avoid technique/technician-related complications.

At Skin Series, we use the Alma Soprano Titanium which is not just the fastest, but also the safest and the most comfortable technology available. It emits 3 different wavelengths to target different types of hair growth. It allows us to customise treatment parameters according to skin colour and has a specialised facial tip that allows us to treat smaller areas like the eyebrows, upper lips, knuckles, etc. with precision. Contact Dr. Natasha Shetty to learn more about laser hair reduction.