► Departments → Plastic Surgery Unit → Non Surgical → Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses laser light to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal works by passing a light beam through the skin. The laser targets dark pigment, called melanin, in hair. When the light beam hits the hair follicle (where hair growth originates), the intense heat destroys the hair follicle instantly.

In most cases, laser hair removal slows hair regrowth, but it takes several treatments to provide an extended "hair-free" period.

Number Of Sessions

Multiple treatments, usually 5-7, but as many as 12, depending on the type of hair and skin color have been shown in practice to provide long-term reduction of hair. Current parameters suggest a series of treatments spaced at 4–6 weeks apart for most areas, although the timing of treatments has still not been standardized.

The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, and sex. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Finer hair and hair on darker skin is harder to treat and may require more treatments. Certain areas (notably men's and women's faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results.

It's important to note that laser does not work on light hair and very fine and vellus hair ,  Laser hair removal is not permanent but it is long term and can be patchy.
Hair removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (commonly called ingrown hairs or "shaving bumps"). For darker skin patients with black hair.

Risks

Risks include the chance of burning the skin  or discoloring dark skin with the laser, hypopigmentation (white spots), flare of acne,  swelling around the follicle, scab forming, and purpura

Specific Areas Treated with laser hair removal