Arogyam Laser Hair Removal - Top 20 FAQ

Laser Hair Removal uses powerful light of one particular frequency to destroy hair follicles

It depends on the principle that the hair root being black in colour absorbs more light energy than the surrounding skin and hence gets destroyed while the skin is not harmed

Most of the hair roots are destroyed permanently leaving the skin soft and smooth permanently

Multiple sessions are required, 6 to 8 sessions may be required for permanent removal at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks

Results are very good, most hair gets destroyed permanently and will never grow back.

Hair can be removed from the whole body – for females the favourite parts are face, arms and legs and for males, beard, chest and back.

How does laser remove hair?

Laser hair removal depends on the principle called selective photothermolysis, in which certain cells absorb light energy and this causes them to heat up and get destroyed. It depends on the fact that the black roots of hair absorb certain light frequencies at far higher rates than the surrounding skin due to their black colour, and this selectively heats up the root cells and destroys them, thus destroying the whole hair.

How many sessions are needed?

Permanent laser hair removal requires 6 to 8 sessions at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. This is because lasers act selectively on hairs which are growing actively, and those hairs which are in a dormant stage are not affected and start growing, and will be affected only in further sessions.

Is it painful?

Pain during laser hair removal is minimal, it is often compared to a snapping rubber band. Pain is further minimised in our clinic by using the latest in-motion technique.

Is the hair removal permanent?

Yes, most hairs removed with lasers are permanently removed. There are however some constraints to this. Firstly, soft and light hairs are not removed by lasers. Lasers act best on black and thick hairs. Hence hairs which are thin and light coloured will not be removed by lasers. Secondly, upto 10% of hairs which are removed initially can grow back after a period of 6 months to 2 years. This can require a further two or three sessions after 2 year. Thirdly, in conditions which predispose to excess hair like hormonal abnormalities or steroid use, there may be recurrence of hair growth after 1 year. Fourthly, some hairs in some persons can be resistant to lasers for unknown reasons. But overall, lasers will vastly reduce hairs in all persons and that is why laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures throughout the world.

Isolated hairs, resistant hairs, etc can be treated with electrolysis which is available in Arogyam.

What are the advantages of other methods of hair removal?

Although there are other methods of hair removal like waxing, hair removal creams, threading, shaving, etc, laser is considered the most effective because hair removal is permanent, avoids problems like folliculitis and cuts and leaves the skin more soft and smooth as even the hair roots are destroyed so that there is no stubble.

Is it effective on white hairs?

No, lasers are not effective on white hairs, as white hairs do not absorb the laser light. White hairs are removed using Electrolysis which is available in Arogyam.

Is it suitable for all types of skin and hairs?

Lasers work best on fair skin with black hairs. In dark persons, higher light energy has to be used and more sessions are needed. So also in lighter coloured hairs, more sessions may be needed. In hairs which are light coloured and thin, lasers may not work at all.

In such cases, electrolysis is used which is equally effective on light coloured hairs also.

Is it safe for facial hair?

Yes, it is very safe for facial hair and in fact this is one of the most commonly requested parts for laser hair removal. However, it should be known that soft and light hairs will not be removed with laser.

What laser machine is used in Arogyam?

Arogyam uses the most advanced Diode laser maching, using a sapphire cooled 10 Array diode laser machine.

What are the complications of laser hair removal?

Complications are very rare in Laser hair removal. Some of the known complications of Lasers are superficial burns, reappearance of acne, and dark pigmentation. These complications are rare and temporary, they can be easily reversed.

What precautions should I take after the laser procedure?

No special precautions are needed and people can get back to work immediately after the procedure. One ointment has to be applied for 3 days and sunscreen used when going out in the sun.

What precautions should I take before the procedure?

Before:

Avoid waxing and threading from six weeks before the procedure as it removes the roots of the hairs which need to be destroyed by the laser light.

Avoid shaving and de-epilatory creams from 2 days before the procedure – these do not affect the hair roots but the hair should not be removed completely

Use sunscreen when going out from 1 month before the procedure, do not use procedures like bleaching, derma-abrasion, etc for 1 month before the procedure. Simple procedures like facials can be done upto 2 days before the procedure

Inform the doctor about any conditions like POCD or any other skin ailment.

Day of procedure:

Wear loose clothes which can be pulled back to expose the area to be lasered.

Avoid makeup if facial hair is to be removed

After the procedure:

Sun exposure is to be minimized, sunscreen is a must when going out in the sun

A steroid-antibiotic ointment will be given which is to be applied as directed

How much time will it take for the procedure?

Laser therapy takes only about 20 to 30 minutes per part, for example, laser of the face will take about 20 minutes and laser of the legs will take about 30 minutes. Patient can go back to work right after the procedure, there is no need to take rest.