Dr MIR SHAHNAWAZ
Unwanted facial and body hair is a medical complaint more common among women of reproductive age. At times it can be idiopathic (without any cause) or may be due to certain underlying medical conditions like Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Presence of unwanted facial hair overall jeopardizes the feminine identity of a woman due to alteration in her aesthetic standards. In my clinical experience of many years, I have found facially hirsute women low on self-esteem. Hirsute women often try to get rid of excessive facial hair and are sometimes overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and depression. To address this issue, Laser Hair Reduction has come up as a revolutionary solution. In current times, it is the most sought after and the most advanced and scientific method of removing unwanted hair. Other options like shaving, waxing and plucking requires a lot of time and money besides being cumbersome and messy.
Technology involved : Laser therapy selectively damages the hair follicle without destroying adjacent tissues by its photothermal and photochemical effects. The damage to hair causes the conversion of thick and coarse hairs into thin and finer strands. Lasers like DIODE and ND: YAG are used to reduce hair growth.
Targer areas
Almost all parts of the body can be treated, most commonly done areas are face, arms, chest, back, underarms, legs and private parts.
Time required
Smaller body parts require 5-30 minutes and full body session requires around 2-3 hours.
Sessions and Frequency
Around four to six sessions can lead to 70 to 80 percent reduction in hair growth. Afterwards, maintenance sessions at three to four months may be required for sometime. Hair type, skin type and harmonal problems like PCOD/PCOS have a major influence the number of sessions.
Side effects associated
Laser Hair reduction is relatively a safer procedure. However few people may experience the following side effects which are temporary:
(a) Itching/ Redness for few hours
(b) Minimal pain during the procedure, which can be eliminated by using numbing cream.
(c) Laser hair reduction should be avoided in Pregnancy .
Precautions before and after the Laser session
Patients should not wax, tweeze, bleach or epilate for at least 2-4 weeks prior to their sessions. Avoid Sun-exposure before or after the sessions and use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
Advantages of Laser Hair Reduction
(a) It is nearly painless
(b) Results are long term
(c) Best for Ingrown hairs
(d) Reduces hassle of waxing/tweezing.
(e) Latest Diode Lasers have an ‘Ice-Cooling Contact Tip’ , so NO chances of Burn
(f) Best option for PCOD patients to get rid of their facial growth and boost their confidence levels.
(e) Safer when compared to other treatment options.
There is no doubt that lasers have brought a new ray of hope to the dermatological sector. However, there is a thin line between treating your face effectively with lasers and damaging it. Unfortunately, in our clinical practices, we come across several patients who have been wrongly diagnosed and irresponsibly treated by non-certified people. Your skin is your most prized possession and you must invest wisely while choosing your dermatologist and the kind of treatment he/she will provide you. A few things of paramount importance that a patient must ascertain before opting for a laser session at any centre should include:
1. The person handling the laser- he/she must be a certified dermatologist with minimum qualifications of MBBS followed by MD dermatology.
2. The brand of the laser in use- Ensure that the device is an FDA approved laser-like SAPPHIRE, LUMENIS, and ALMA etc. Avoid centres that use cheap chinese /korean replicas and look-alike lasers.
3. The energy parameters used during a laser session and their modulation in subsequent sittings.
Laser technology has evolved with time, and various lasers of different wavelengths and energies are used to cure skin problems. However, it is pertinent to mention here that if lasers are performed imprudently by a non-professional, they can be hazardous. Therefore, one has to beware of quacks posing as doctors and get it done only by certified clinicians only (MBBS, MD/DNB).Lastly, don’t fall into the trap of discounts circulated on social media by various influencers or saloons regarding laser hair reduction. In most of these cases, there operates a nexus and such centres usually compromise on the quality and standard of lasers which might prove detrimental to the patient’s interest.
