How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Required For Best Results?

Are you also getting conscious of the hair on your body whenever deciding to go out? Are you also tired of following the old methods where you have to do waxing, shaving and whatnot and looking for a long-term solution to get rid of that unwanted hair on your body and face? If you are trying to find answers to your questions and thinking about getting laser hair removal, you are in the right place. 

Here, we will discuss the laser hair removal treatment in detail and try to understand how many sessions are required to get the best results. We have also taken the help of Dr. Rohit Batra, the best doctor for laser hair removal in Delhi at DermaWorld Skin & Hair Clinics, to make this article more informative. So, let’s start by digging deeper into laser hair removal.

What Do You Understand About Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is identified to be a medical procedure that works by using a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. During a laser hair removal procedure, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is then converted into heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hair. This damage is necessary as it inhibits or delays future hair growth. 

Though laser hair removal is known to delay hair growth for long periods, it doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. To expect accurate test results, multiple hair removal treatment sessions are required for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatment might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is found to be most effective for people with light skin and dark hair, but it can also be successfully used on all skin types.

What Is The Need for Laser Hair Removal? 

Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair. Common treatment locations on the body part include the armpits, legs, upper lip, chin, and the bikini line. However, it is possible to treat unwanted hair in any body part except for the eyelid of a surrounding area and skin with tattoos. 

Hair colour and skin type can influence laser hair removal success as the pigment of the hair absorbs the light. Ideally, the laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the surrounding skin. Altogether, light skin and dark hair can give the best outcomes. 

While the risk of damage to the skin arises when there is little contrast between hair and skin colour, however, the good news is that advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal also convenient for people with darker skin.  

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Safe?

There can be various benefits of laser hair removal, including: 

• Reduces the chance of certain skin diseases 

• Saves money over time 

• Laser hair removal helps with other skin issues as well 

• Requires fewer sessions than other options 

Are There Any Risks Associated With Laser Hair Removal?

The side effects can vary with skin type, hair colour, treatment, and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal can include: 

• Skin Irritation: In some cases, temporary discomfort and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. But any signs and symptoms of these usually disappear within hours. 

• Pigment Changes: Laser hair removal might lighten or darken the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening conditions might affect those individuals who don’t avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment and who have darker skin.

Laser hair removal is typically not recommended for eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas due to the risk of getting severe eye injury.

How Many Treatment Sessions Are Required To Expect Best Results? 

In general, 4 to 6 treatment sessions are adequate for hair reduction. However, initially, after a one-on-one consultation, your doctor may determine whether you require additional treatment sessions. This would be based on the density of your hair, hair colour, and skin colour. However, it would help if you kept in mind that it is not always necessary to require a touch-up treatment two years after the laser hair removal completion. 

How To Prepare? 

A laser hair removal treatment doesn’t require a lot of effort to be put to prepare for a treatment, but still, there are some things you should do before your treatment, such as: 

• Make sure you avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment

• Shave the area 24 hours before the treatment

• Avoid the use of sunless tanners

• Avoid waxing, shaving in between the treatment sessions

• Get your treatment done by the finest skincare specialist

• Avoid blood-thinning medications 

Can Home Lasers Be Done? 

Lasers to perform hair removals in the home are available. These devices can help in modest hair reduction. However, there are no studies to prove that laser removal done at home can be effective when compared to laser hair removal performed under the guidance of a dermatologist. 

As it can lead to the risk of several injuries, especially eye injury. 

Results 

Hairs do not fall out immediately within a moment, but you will shed them over days to weeks due to the continuous hair growth that occurs naturally. It clears the reason why repeated treatment sessions are necessary because both hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment generally works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage. 

Results can vary significantly and are hard to predict. For most people, hair removal can last for several months, while for some, it can last for years. But one clear thing is laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal, but when your new hair regrows, it’s usually lighter in colour and finer. You might need a maintenance session to expect long-term results and consult the best skincare specialist. 

One can consult Dr. Rohit Batra, an MD (Dermatology, Venerology & Leprology), who is an adult, pediatric cosmetic dermatologist & dermatosurgeon based in New Delhi. He holds 20+ years of experience in providing effective solutions and successful treatments to his patients. In order to start your successful treatment journey, you can book your appointment with him by visiting DermaWorld Skin & Hair Clinics today!