The Cost of Clarity: Investing in Permanent Facial Hair Removal

There are a large number of people around the world, who are often teased about the extra facial hair, especially the women are often ridiculed about the extra hair on the upper lip or under the chin. This often leaves life long emotional scars in their minds because they become very conscious of their appearance.

Another issue that women have to deal with  are dense facial hairs (hirsutism) which is often caused because of genetic or hormonal conditions. No matter how many times one tries to remove the hair, they grow back quickly. The dark hair on the skin often makes it difficult to put on makeup. There are many options of removing facial hair such as shaving, epilating, waxing, plucking etc but none of them are permanent. moreover, the traditional methods of hair removal often leave the skin dry and have a risk of rashes, redness etc on the skin. Some people try to resort to home remedies but there is no research or scientific evidence that these provide long term solution for unwanted facial hair.  Some common reasons of the excessive hair growth or hirsutism are

• Hormonal Imbalances: One of the prime causes of hirsutism is an imbalance in hormones, especially in women, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders, and certain ovarian tumours can lead to increased androgen production and subsequent excessive facial hair growth which does not respond to traditional treatments.
• Genetics: Genetic factors play a significant role in determining hair growth patterns. If hirsutism runs in your family, you might be more prone to developing excessive facial hair.
• Medications: Some medications, such as anabolic steroids, certain birth control pills, and medications that treat certain conditions (like epilepsy or Cushing’s syndrome), can disrupt hormone balance and lead to more than usual hair growth on face and other parts of body too.
• Aging: As women age, hormonal changes can lead to increased facial hair growth. This can be due to shifts in hormone levels, particularly a decrease in oestrogen production.
• Cushing’s Syndrome: This rare condition is characterized by high levels of cortisol (a steroid hormone) in the body. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hirsutism.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: This is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands’ ability to produce hormones. It can lead to elevated androgen levels and result in hirsutism.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can contribute to hormonal imbalances that lead to hirsutism. Fat tissue can convert certain hormones into androgens.
• Insulin Resistance: Conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as PCOS and obesity, can lead to increased androgen production and hirsutism.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions that cause elevated androgen levels, like acromegaly or tumours on the ovaries or adrenal glands, can lead to excessive facial hair growth.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause shifts in hormone levels and lead to increased facial hair growth.

Your dermatologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the hirsutism and recommend appropriate treatments, which might include hormonal therapies, medications, hair removal methods (like laser hair removal or electrolysis), or lifestyle changes such as exercises and insulin control depending on the underlying cause. The quest to permanent facial hair removal treatments ends with laser hair removal. Laser is already a powerful tool for treating many cosmetic skin conditions and laser hair removal is one of them.  Laser facial hair removal is specially designed to suit all skin types even the sensitive skin and is safe to use on any body part for ensuring maximum results. Lasers don’t heat up or damage the skin, they just target the hair follicles and destroy them.

Steps to laser permanent facial hair removal treatment

This cosmetic procedure uses a focused laser beam to target the hair follicles, damaging them and inhibiting future hair growth. Here are the general steps involved in laser facial hair removal:

Consultation:

The first step is scheduling a consultation with a qualified dermatologist or licensed laser technician. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, medical history, expectations, any medications you’re taking, and any previous hair removal methods you’ve tried. The doctor will also run some tests to detect the underlying conditions causing excessive facial hair growth. If you are seeking treatment just for cosmetic reasons then also some basic tests will be necessary.

Preparation:

Prior to your treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning, and self-tanning products, as tanned skin can be more sensitive to the laser. Sunscreen should be applied to the treatment area when going outside from four weeks prior to the appointment. Stay in shade and wear sun protective clothing including hats and sunglasses. Do not wax for 4 weeks up to the appointment. This will help the laser identify the hair pigment better and result in more effective treatment.

24 hours before the treatment avoid using topical creams such as body oils, moisturizers, perfumes, deodorants that come in direct content with the treatment area.

Shaving:

On the day of your treatment, you will likely be asked to shave the treatment area. or the technician will trim the hair to just few millimetres above the skin. This is because the laser targets the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface, and longer hair can cause discomfort during the procedure.

Cooling Gel or Numbing Cream:

Before starting the treatment, the technical team might apply a cooling gel or numbing cream to the treatment area to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Laser Treatment:

You will be given some protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light.

The technician will use a handheld laser device that emits short bursts of highly concentrated light. The strength of the laser and cooling device is decided on the basis of the skin type, colour, and colour and thickness of the hair on the face.  The laser light converts into heat as it is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles, damaging them and restricting any future growth. The dermatologist will first treat a small area and observe for some time if there is a bad reaction. They will then adjust the settings accordingly. You might feel a sensation of heat or a mild snapping feeling as the laser pulses. The discomfort level can vary depending on individual pain tolerance and the specific laser technology used but it is less than waxing or plucking.

Post-Treatment Care:

After the procedure, the technician will likely apply a soothing cream or gel to the treated area to reduce redness and discomfort. You will also be given some creams and lotions to soothe any inflammations and reduce the discomfort. Since there will be a time between the next appointment,  they will also give you treatments to decrease hair growth.

You’ll be given specific aftercare instructions, which might include avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and avoiding any activities that could irritate the treated skin.

Multiple Sessions:

Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to effectively target hair in all growth phases. The number of sessions needed varies based on factors like your hair type, skin type, and the treatment area. Typically, several sessions are scheduled about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Approximately 8-12 treatments are needed to see the full results. Everyone sees varying degree of results.

Results:

Over the course of your treatment sessions, you should notice a reduction in hair growth. Some people experience long-lasting hair reduction, while others might require occasional maintenance treatments.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. Laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth, but complete permanent hair removal might not always be achievable. Each person’s response to treatment can vary. Choosing a reputable clinic and following the instructions provided by your healthcare provider are crucial for safe and effective laser facial hair removal.

Benefits of laser hair removal for permanent facial hair reduction

• It is safe and effective technology: laser is being introduced in the cosmetic market only after passing through the necessary tests and research. Lasers are one of the world’s most efficient hair reduction systems in the world today. They can work with dark hair and lighter skin and vice a versa too.
• Cost effective: permanent facial hair removal treatment using lasers is an outpatient procedure which is very convenient to all patients. There is no need for an extra cost of hospital stay. Also, if you look at the long term the lasers for permanent hair removal cost much less than life time of waxing and other facial hair removal treatments.
• Reduces ingrown hairs: laser hair removal targets the hair follicles in the roots and hence the hair does not damage the skin’s surface or cause strawberry skin or ingrown hairs.
• Precisions: Lasers can target the hair with great precision without skin damage.
• Speed: lasers hair removal for permanent facial hair removal takes only a fraction of a time and can target many hairs at the same time. Small areas such as upper lips can be treated in less than a minutes and that means you will be in and out of the clinic in no time at all.

Post laser treatment care

Once the laser has worked on your face , you might feel some mild heat and redness in the areas and for speedy healing follow the doctor’s advice and

• Avoiding shaving or plucking the hair or waxing the treatment area
• Do not exfoliate the facial skin
• Stay away from excessive sweating activities
• Avoid swimming and saunas and hot showers
• Avoid direct sun exposure at all costs for 2-4 weeks post the treatment and if you have to go out use a sunscreen of a SPF 50+ minimum.

The cost of permanent facial hair removal varies from person to person. In some the results begin to show in just 3-4 treatments and some might take longer. The factors affecting the treatment generally include the type of skin, area to be treated, type of hair  and the underlying conditions. Surgeon’s experience and clinic’s reputations also influence the cost of facial hair removal.  Some clinics offer a package for hair removal which is a good thing to consider  for those who want long term and permanent results.  The cost of laser for permanent facial hair removal is not covered by insurance.