Top Laser Hair Removal Question Answer

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Priyanak on 06/10/2023 12:10 PM

Here's why laser hair removal will not have any effect on your sweat glands.

Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to destroy hair follicles, preventing future hair growth. The laser energy targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle, heating it up and damaging the surrounding cells. Over time, this damage leads to a reduction in hair growth, making laser hair removal an effective and long-lasting solution for unwanted hair.

While laser hair removal does not directly target sweat glands, some individuals may experience a temporary reduction in sweating after treatment. The laser energy can affect the surrounding structures in the skin, leading to inflammation and swelling that can temporarily decrease sweat production.

However, sweat glands are located in the deeper layers of the skin than the hair follicles and are not directly affected by the laser energy used in hair removal treatments. This means that sweat glands are generally safe during laser hair removal procedures, and there is no significant risk of permanent damage or impairment.

If you are concerned about excessive sweating, it is important to discuss your options with a dermatologist who can recommend more effective treatments tailored to your individual needs.

Answered on 06/10/2023 12:10 PM

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Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Swathi on 06/10/2023 12:12 PM

Hirsutism is a medical condition that results in excessive hair growth in women, typically on the chin, upper lip, chest, and abdomen. It is caused by an increase in androgen hormones, such as testosterone, which can be due to various underlying medical conditions, most commonly polycystic ovary syndrome.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle with a focused beam of light. The heat from the laser damages the follicle, inhibiting or delaying future hair growth. While laser hair removal can effectively reduce or even eliminate hair growth in these areas, it should not be the only treatment modality for hirsutism. The underlying hormonal imbalance needs to be addressed through medical treatment like oral contraceptives and other medicines to reduce the androgen excess, which will make the effects of laser better and longer lasting.

Do note that may take multiple sessions, more than average, to achieve the desired result and maintenance treatments may be necessary.

In conclusion, while laser hair removal can be a useful tool in managing the symptoms of hirsutism, it should be used in conjunction with medical treatment to address the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Answered on 06/10/2023 12:12 PM

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Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Arun Sharma on 14/10/2023 14:37 PM

If you are worried about harm to your sweat glands during laser hair reduction, you should know how laser hair removal works first.

Laser hair removal targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicle, which absorbs the laser energy, heats up, and is destroyed. This also destroys the stem cells in the follicle leading to restriction in hair growth. Hair follicles are associated with sebaceous or oil glands in many parts of the body, which are occasionally affected by laser energy. However, sweat glands are not associated with hair follicles and are located deeper in the skin. Therefore, laser energy doesnot reach them and has minimal effect on them.

It is sometimes possible to experience temporary changes in sweat production immediately after the procedure, as the skin may be temporarily irritated and inflamed. This may lead to increased sweating or decreased sweating in the treated area for a short period of time. However, these changes are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days to weeks.

Thus, laser hair removal should not have any significant impact on the sweat glands in your underarms. Any changes in sweat production are usually temporary and resolve on their own. However, it is essential to consult an experienced and qualified dermatologist before undergoing the procedure, to understand and minimize the risk of potential side effects.

Answered on 14/10/2023 14:37 PM

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Dr. Akshitha Shetty
Dr. Akshitha Shetty

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Sanjana on 14/10/2023 15:47 PM

Laser hair reduction is a procedure where laser light beams are used to heat up the melanin pigment at the base of hair follicles (the tube shape structure from which hair grows) thereby damaging the follicle itself and reducing hair growth. There is no harmful radiation involved and hence it is a safe process to use.

The main issue faced with laser hair reduction is to prevent heating up the melanin in the surrounding skin (which can cause burns) while only targeting those in the follicles. For this, a cooling tip or gel is used to keep the surrounding skin cool, and a precise beam of certain wavelength is generated which only heats the hair base.

You should get laser hair reduction done only after checkup by a qualified dermatologist who can check your hair and skin type, treat any underlying cause for excess hair (e.g. hormonal issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome) and decide the exact parameters to be used safely and effectively for you. The only side effects faced are occasional mild redness and irritation which goes away on icing or cooling the area. Hence, you can opt for laser hair reduction procedures without worrying about its safety.

Remember that laser hair reduction takes several sessions for satisfactory results and may need maintenance sessions as recommended by your doctor.

Answered on 14/10/2023 15:47 PM

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Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Sharma on 14/10/2023 15:48 PM

Laser hair reduction is the best way for you if you want a long term solution for your unwanted body hair. When you take a session, the hair in the area is shaved so as to target the growing area of hair follicles below the skin. The laser beam heats up the melanin pigment in the hair follicle which also damages the follicle and reduces its growth. If done with good machines and correct parameters, the process is painless. A slight pinching sensation occasionally occurs at sites with very thick hair.

For the process to occur safely and comfortably, you should consult a dermatologist who can check your hair and skin type and customise the treatment as per your requirement. If you are sensitive to heat, a topical anesthetic cream can be applied before the procedure to get rid of any unpleasant sensation. During and after the procedure, a cooling tip of the machine will soothe your skin and get rid of any temporary redness or irritation as well.

Keep your skin moisturised and get any existing skin problems treated before you opt for laser hair reduction.

Answered on 14/10/2023 15:48 PM

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Dr. Midhuna P V
Dr. Midhuna P V

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Priya Singh on 14/10/2023 15:50 PM

If you have seen a video or demo of laser hair removal procedure, it involves shaving the target area and placing the handpiece of laser machine over the area to fire a shot. Gel may be applied before the shot and cleaned up afterwards. This works by sending a light beam of particular wavelength inside the skin which can heat up the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. The heated pigment damages the growing area of the follicle and prevents hair growth.

Thus the actual procedure is simple. Numbing is usually not required unless the hair is very thick or the person is unusually sensitive to heat.

Laser hair removal, if done with the correct parameters and technique on a good machine, should be a painless procedure. You can feel an occasional pinch in areas with thick hair as the roots are heated up. However, skin needs to be well moisturised and free from any disease, which can cause discomfort, irritation or even burns. The area should be shaved thoroughly and stray hairs should be cleaned up as they can also cause burns. While firing the shot, the gel and the cold tip of the machine cools and soothes the skin of the target area so as to direct the heat towards the hair follicle under the skin and cause no discomfort or damage to the skin above (since skin also contains melanin, there is a chance of it absorbing the laser heat instead). The resultant feeling is often described as receiving a "hot stone massage.

Answered on 14/10/2023 15:50 PM

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Dr. Akshitha Shetty
Dr. Akshitha Shetty

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Neethi on 14/10/2023 15:51 PM

Laser hair removal process basically involves focusing a light beam of a specific wavelength at the hair follicles. The black melanin pigment in the growing hair follicle absorbs the light and produces heat to damage the growing hair cells, thereby reducing hair growth. A lot of people are concerned about risks of cancer from this laser light. However, the rays which can cause skin cancer are mainly UV rays present in sunlight which can penetrate deep inside skin and change the genetic structure of growing skin cells. Apart from this, ionizing radiation as released in Xrays can also penetrate inside the body and induce cancer in different cells. These rays are invisible.

The laser used for hair removal is of a different wavelength of visible light. It has no ionizing power and cannot penetrate inside cells or affect their genetic structure. Neither does it have properties of UV light to damage cells or cause tan. They are only designed to be absorbed by the black melanin pigment to generate heat and not affect other skin cells. Hence, they are safe to take even over long terms.

If you are interested in laser hair removal, consult a dermatologist for a safe and effective procedure without bearing any worry about cancer.

Answered on 14/10/2023 15:51 PM

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Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Neetika on 14/10/2023 16:44 PM

The process of laser hair reduction involves targetting laser beams to the growing hair follicles under the skin. The melanin pigment in the follicle absorbs the light and releases heat to damage the growing hair cells and reduce hair growth. This works mainly on hairs which are in the growing phase. That is why some hair grows back again following each session (the ones in resting phase).
Sessions need to be repeated after 1-2 months to target the next cycle of hair growth, and sessions are continued till most of the follciles have reduced or no growth. This can take 6 or more sessions depending on your body part and hormone status e.g. facial hair in women with polycystic ovary may need more sessions along with hormonal treatment while underarm hair in other females can respond in less time.

Once the growth is reduced more than 90%, the few hairs which occasionally grow become very fine and sparse. Yearly maintenance sessions may be needed to keep growth at zero, although clearance of full areas without need for maintenance is also common.

Answered on 14/10/2023 16:44 PM

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Dr. Midhuna P V
Dr. Midhuna P V

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Anamika on 14/10/2023 16:46 PM

Laser hair removal is an extremely safe process as it only involves targetting light beams of certain wavelengths towards the hair roots. These light beams are absorbed only by the melanin pigments in the hair follicles which heat up to damage the growing cells in the follicle and decrease hair growth. This light doesnot affect any other type of cell and doesn't penetrate deep in the skin and hence has no other side effects. The only reported problems are temporary redness and irritation due to the heat generated during the process. Cooling gel and iced tip of the machine help in alleviating these effects of heat and protect the surrounding skin to make the process comfortable and painless.

If you are considering laser hair removal on the face, make sure your skin is well moisturised and free from other diseases. The residual heat can irritate dry skin and make the facial skin prone to suntan. So visit your doctor before to decide on a suitable skincare regimen to keep your skin healthy.

If you suffer from hormonal problems like polycystic ovary, your skin may be acne prone. This needs to be treated along with the laser process for full results, so mention it clearly to your doctor to formulate a suitable treatment plan.

Laser hair removal works even on sensitive skin without any side effect and gives you relief from headache of shaving, threading and waxing - painful procedures to get rid pf unwanted hair.

Answered on 14/10/2023 16:46 PM

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Dr. K Prathyusha
Dr. K Prathyusha

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

Laser Hair Removal

Asked by Suman on 14/10/2023 16:47 PM

Laser hair removal acts preferentially on the growing hairs which contain more melanin and absorb more heat. Much of the hair on our skin at a point is in resting or falling phase where there is no or little melanin and thus do not respond to laser. These hairs enter growing phase after every few weeks - hence sessions of laser hair removal are done every 4 weeks or more to target the next batch of growing hair. In areas where hair is thick and quick growing, sessions may be more frequent and higher in number (like lower face) while thin and slow growing hair needs sessions at longer gaps (like chest, abdomen, back).
The number of sessions depend on your skin type, hair type and density and your hormonal status. A minimum average of 6 sessions is recommended to almost everyone for significant results. However, women with hormonal issues like polycystic ovary need more sessions along with oral medicines to reduce hair growth as hormonal imbalances makes the hair resistant to laser. Males and young people need more sessions than older females due to similar hormonal differences.
Visit a dermatologist to get your hair and skin type checked and he/she can guide you regarding the number of sessions you might need for expected results and whether any additional skin care or medicines would be required for the same.

Answered on 14/10/2023 16:47 PM

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Dr. K Prathyusha
Dr. K Prathyusha

MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

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