Laser Hair Removal Or Electrolysis - Which One Do You Need?

Having to deal with the discomfort of undesired body hair no longer has to be a problem as the process is now simpler and cheaper. While you may be tempted to toss your razors and reschedule your wax appointment, you should first consider which hair removal method works best for you. One of the best dermatologist in Mumbai, Dr. Niketa Sonavane, and the founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, explained to us the various differences between the two main methods of hair removal: laser hair removal and electrolysis.

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Removing excess hair using laser therapy is a popular treatment. Lasers can be used to eliminate unwanted hair, and this treatment involves beams of concentrated light that are pulsed into the skin to reach hair pigment. The startling truth is that laser hair removal is the most popular cosmetic surgery in India. The treatment is like IPL, but not identical to it (IPL). Hair growth is halted due to the heat created by this process.

Because the length of hair cycles varies, it is important to receive treatments every four to six weeks. The laser light is more easily absorbed by the hair follicle during the active growth phase, creating enough heat to destroy the follicle. The treatment focuses on new follicles with each session until most of the hair has been removed from the body.

WHAT DOES THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?

LHR in my laser clinic in Mumbai feels like a hot stone massage. The client feels like they are being caressed by a hot stone. Compared to other hair removal methods, laser hair removal is less painful. Even though the treatments are mildly unpleasant, they normally last only a few minutes. Treatments range from as little as 5 minutes to as long as two hours. Smaller areas such as the upper lip or chin are very quick, while treatments for bigger regions such as the full body laser hair removal, can take as long as a couple of hours.

According to Dr. Sonavane, every laser hair removal treatment should be held after a new hair growth cycle has begun. In regions with dense hair and fast regeneration, monthly treatments are indicated. Patients must wait until their hair has grown back in order to resume treatment. Patients may need to get their treatments spread out more often because their hair is growing back more slowly. “Four-week therapy plans are followed by six- to eight-week ones, then eight- to sixteen-week treatment plans,” says the doctor.

LHR treatment is simple and has few requirements. Do not apply any skincare products the day of treatment, and shave the day before, according to the manufacturer. As Dr. Sonavane warns, "However, it is crucial to exercise caution when shaving before to laser hair removal procedures."

DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL SUIT EVERYONE?

Patients with darker hair who have received laser hair removal treatments benefit from the fact that the laser energy is attracted to their pigment. The most common laser hair removal patient is someone with pale complexion and black hair.

For people with blonde hair, the diode and ruby lasers, which are geared toward patients with lighter skin tones, might be better at removing unwanted hair from their bodies.

The treatment's success is greatly influenced by your skin tone and hair colour, thus it is essential to visit a salon to discuss your particular skin tone and hair colour prior to treatment. If laser hair removal is not the best option for you, your doctor can recommend you to a different procedure that is more appropriate for your skin tone and health conditions.

Regardless of skin colour, it is crucial to realise that success is not assured. Many people may not realise hair regrowth for several months or years, while others are never forced to use a razor again.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CLINIC FOR LASER TREATMENT?

Although price is a critical factor of laser hair removal clinic selection, other elements should also be taken into account. Cost of laser hair removal treatment in Mumbai may may vary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 20,000 a session, depending on the area being treated and the type of laser being utilised. Before picking a dermatologist, conduct careful research, and remember that you should only work with someone who has great experience and good reviews from their patients.

DOES EVERYONE NEED MAINTENANCE SESSIONS?

It is essential to maintain post-laser hair removal treatment until you achieve the results you want. It will take roughly two weeks for the targeted hair to fall out after each treatment. However, it is typical to require six sessions to see considerable progress. Dr. Sonavane outlines, in detail, the potential for altering laser settings for safety concerns if the skin is darker in colour, which may lead to the need for future treatment sessions.

Many people claim that after six sessions, their hair growth was reduced by 75 to 95 percent. Regardless of how things turn out, the process will need some attention. The best results will be achieved by booking extra sessions each year for the first three years.

Electrolysis.

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF ELECTROLYSIS AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is a method of hair removal therapy that uses shortwave radio frequencies rather than light to suppress hair growth. According to the Food and Drug Administration, electrolysis is the only permanent approach to hair removal (FDA). In order to remove hair, a hair follicle is opened using a very small needle, which is thinner than a single strand of hair. This epilator, which is equipped with a modest electrical current, stops hair growth by destroying the follicle.

WHAT IS THE EXACT PROCESS OF ELECTROLYSIS?

The electrolysis treatment, depending on the size of the region being treated, will take between 15 minutes and one hour, and will be performed in sessions. Electrolysis, like laser hair removal, can be painful, therefore patients should expect some discomfort during the treatment. Several people have compared the feeling to the prick of a needle or the shock of a taser. Laser hair removal is no different than other surgical procedures when it comes to safety. A patient might also use ibuprofen or numbing cream to help prepare for the surgery.

Dr. Sonavane advises patients with symptoms to avoid stimulants, such as caffeine. According to Dr. Sonavane, electrolysis patients could have difficulty staying seated. It is advisable to be well-rested and relaxed before undergoing any type of hair removal therapy to avoid pain.

Just as there is a competent approach for hair removal with lasers, there is also a solid strategy for hair preservation. Dr. Sonavane further recommends that the hairs can be cut if needed, but that they should be long enough to be plucked with tweezers. “It is best to refrain from plucking hairs of any kind, including tweezing, threading, and waxing, between laser hair removal or electrolysis sessions, as the hairs removed will not be available for treatment at the following visit and will grow back untreated.”

Hair removal with regards to electrolysis and laser hair removal has different requirements. The amount of time and effort required for electrolysis is substantial. Depending on the type of hair and the location, it may take as many as 30 sessions to completely remove all of the hair.

Which candidate is the most appropriate for electrolysis?

It's worth noting that electrolysis, unlike laser treatment, does not rely on melanin for results, therefore it can be used by people of all skin colours. Nevertheless, one should remember that tweezing and waxing before the operation could make it more difficult. An epilator can be more difficult to use on hairs that have been tweezed or waxed, as they will have changed shape. Avoid tweezing and waxing if you can. In addition, electrolysis is only for those who are willing to put in the time, as it might take up to a year and a half to notice a full result from therapy. You should get the details from your nurse before your operation.

How do you find an electrolysis service provider?

Laser hair removal is more expensive than electrolysis, since it requires more treatments than electrolysis. The cost of a single session can vary depending on where you live, ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 9000 per person. A dermatologist should be consulted before starting treatment, as with any other cosmetic operation. It is advisable to get an evaluation before agreeing to any treatment.

Is electrolysis maintenance necessary?

To maintain results, occasional touch-up treatments are needed to ensure consistent results when using electrolysis like laser hair removal. Dr. Sonavane stated that a variety of factors determine the number of electrolysis sessions required, including the technician's speed, the thickness of the hair, and the total volume of hair being treated. One should separate huge regions with the help of