This is the treatment procedure we follow at LaseRx for laser hair removal at our clinic in Juhu, Mumbai (Bombay) India. These are general guidelines, and specific details may vary by patient.
Pre-Treatment
Since laser hair removal depends a lot on hair being in the active growing phase, it is important to not use techniques which cause trauma to hair for a few weeks before laser hair removal. Thus, it is advisable to stop waxing, threading and plucking for a few weeks (3-4) before laser hair removal, and during the time you are undergoing laser hair removal sessions. In the interim, you can use chemical depilatories, shaving and bleaching.
Before you undergo laser hair removal, it is important to consult one of our experienced hair counselors, or one of our dermatologists. All New Look centers have well trained hair counselors and dermatologists. They will advise you whether you can undergo laser hair removal alone, or whether you will be better off with medical management of any hormonal imbalances, along with laser hair removal. You can also discuss the possible course for the treatment, and whether you are an appropriate candidate with them.
During Treatment
Laser Hair Removal begins with removing the surface hair on the skin, on the desired area of treatment, with either shaving or trimming. A cold water-based jelly is then applied on the desired area of treatment. This helps to keep the skin cool, and also provides good coupling of the laser to the skin. The laser is then applied, one spot at a time, in a straight line, such that the entire area is covered with laser spots. During this time, the patient can feel a pin prick each time the laser is fired, but otherwise there is no pain. The laser probe includes a cooling mechanism, which actively cools the skin, before the laser is fired. Once the laser treatment is completed, then the gel is wiped off, and a soothing ointment is applied on the skin. The patient can then immediately leave the clinic. Before this, they can use a cold-pack on their skin, if they like.
Post-Treatment
Post-Laser, the skin may be slightly red for an hour or so, especially around the hair follicle. Normally, the patient might notice a slight “tingling” in the skin for the first few hours, and then everything becomes normal.
It is normal, after laser hair removal, for the hair inside the skin to come out on the surface in the first week or so after the laser session. This is normal. This hair gets shed off over the next week, and after a couple of weeks, normally, there is only bare skin. We would then expect the patient to come back for a fresh laser session, only when there is fresh growth, which depending on area of body, might take anywhere between 4-12 weeks after the laser session. In between sessions, patients are asked to apply a sunscreen when they go out. This soothes and protects the skin