Laser Hair Removal Singapore - How It Works

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal treatment permanently destroys hair follicles by using low fluence, repetitive, short laser pulses to target and damage hair roots within the hair follicle.

At the same time, the laser tip provides contact cooling to the skin surface, preventing superficial burns and reducing discomfort.

This method effectively removes hair and prevents its re-growth simultaneously as the hair follicle has been destroyed.

Of note, there is no current treatment available that can prevent new hair growth.

i.e New hair follicles can still be produced in the skin and factors affecting new hair growth will be discussed below in the section titled - is laser hair removal permanent.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal may not always be permanent due to several reasons.

Of note, there is no current treatment available that can prevent new hair growth. New hair growth (new hair follicles) should not be confused with hair re-growth i.e hair re-growing from the same follicle.

Laser hair removal prevents hair re-growth by destroying hair follicles but it cannot prevent new hair growth.

Whilst the laser energy is able to destroy the existing hair follicles and thereby reduce hair re-growth, new hair growth is influenced by various factors, such as hormones and genetics.

In patients who are genetically more hairy, they may observe new hair growth over time. The new hair growth can be treated by doing maintenance hair removal laser treatments once every few months.

Another example would be a medical condition such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) where a person's hormone levels may undergo changes. They may experience new hair growth in areas previously treated with laser hair removal.

The effectiveness of laser hair removal can also depend on the color and thickness of the hair being treated. Laser hair removal works best on darker hair as the pigment absorbs the laser energy, which then heats and destroys the hair follicle.

In contrast, lighter colored hair may not absorb enough laser energy to damage the hair follicle effectively.

What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and IPL treatment in Singapore?

IPL hair removal treatments use a single intense pulse of energy that targets melanin, allowing it to be effective on coarse or dark hair. However, this reduces its efficacy on finer hair and may result in adverse effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and burns when performed on people with darker skin tones.

Hair Removal Laser, on the other hand, uses gentler pulses of laser energy fired at a high repetition rate to gradually heat the skin just enough to destroy the hair roots without causing pain and damage to the skin. Using a two-pronged approach, energy is targeted at melanin found in the hair shaft, and the cells responsible for hair production in the hair root. This method increases hair removal efficacy and safety and has no side effects.

The biggest advantage of hair removal by laser is that there is little to no pain! Contact cooling coupled with the gradual application of gentle laser energy to the skin results in less trauma and reduced pain sensation during the treatment, reducing the chance of side effects.

Laser hair removal is suitable for everyone and all skin types. Those with sensitive skin or individuals with dark skin types can now enjoy painless, long term laser hair removal!

Learn more about Laser Hair Removal Versus IPL Hair Removal here

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Experience in Singapore

Dr. Edwin recommends that patients shave prior to the laser hair removal session for optimal results. It is recommended to avoid waxing, plucking or threading of unwanted hair 3 weeks before initiating treatment.

The targeted area will receive several passes of the laser. During the laser treatment, patients may experience some warmth over sensitive areas such as the upper lip, underarms and bikini line.

The laser hair removal treatment is virtually pain-free. Nowadays, laser hair removal treatment are made very comfortable by the advanced cooling laser tip!

Individual results vary according to one’s skin type (darker skin vs. lighter skin) and hair coarseness. For most people, Dr. Edwin finds that improvement is seen within 7 days of the first session. 

Best results are seen after 8 to 12 sessions.

Patients should continue shaving after the treatment and avoid waxing / threading / or plucking of unwanted hair.

Treatment Indications

What Factors Impact Hair Removal Results?

There are several factors that may reduce the efficacy of laser hair removal, which can affect the results and lead to new hair growth.

Hair Color and Thickness

The color and thickness of the hair being treated can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of laser hair removal. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, which absorbs the laser energy and destroys the hair follicle.

Darker hair absorbs more laser energy and is, therefore, more responsive to treatment, whereas lighter hair may not absorb enough laser energy to destroy the hair follicle effectively. Similarly, thicker hair requires more laser energy to destroy the hair follicle, which can make it more challenging to achieve optimal results.

Skin Tone

The effectiveness of laser hair removal can also depend on the person's skin tone. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, which can also affect the surrounding skin. Therefore, individuals with darker skin may be at risk of experiencing side effects such as burns if the laser settings are not adjusted appropriately or are too high.

To minimize these risks, it's essential to choose a laser that is suitable for your skin type. Experienced practitioners would usually start at a gentle laser power and gradually increase the power over subsequent sessions. For this reason, generally, darker skin tone patients may require more laser sessions.

Hormones

Hormones can also play a significant role in new hair growth and the effectiveness of laser hair removal. Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased hair growth, which can affect the results of laser hair removal.

For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience increased hair growth due to high levels of androgens. In such cases, laser hair removal results may be slower, more laser treatment sessions may be required to see good improvement, and maintenance treatments may be necessary.

Risks and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal is a widely accepted and safe procedure, being informed about potential risks and side effects is important for making an informed decision. In this section, we address common concerns while emphasizing the procedure's overall safety and efficacy.

Mild Skin Irritation: Temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling may occur post-treatment but typically subside quickly. Application of the Intensive Recovery Cream is recommended to accelerate the healing process.

Rare Side Effects: While uncommon, risks such as blistering, crusting, or other changes in skin texture or colour can occur.

It's important to note that these side effects are generally temporary and can be minimized with proper pre and post-treatment care. Consulting with an experienced doctor ensures the safest and most effective treatment plan for your skin type.

FAQs