Brazilian laser hair removal is a treatment that uses a laser to reduce the hair around the vulva, helping with hygiene and the prevention of skin trouble. However, this area has the structure of the female genitalia, where mucous membrane, blood vessels and nerves are densely packed, so it needs a different approach from ordinary skin.
To give the conclusion first, this treatment is not finished in one go; its effect builds up over several sessions. This column looks in turn at how it works, why a gynaecological approach is needed, and how to care for the skin after treatment.
How does Brazilian laser hair removal work?
The laser delivers energy by targeting the black melanin pigment in body hair, and selectively damages the follicle and root from which the hair grows. The energy is fired without contact and a cooling function is added, which reduces pain and discomfort, and as this process is repeated, hair growth in the area is gradually suppressed.
It is hard to expect a noticeable change from 1 session alone, and up to 1 to 2 sessions many people actually feel that there is no effect. As the number of sessions increases, the hair becomes a little thinner and the overall amount decreases, and several sessions have to accumulate before the hair reaches a level where it is completely unnoticeable.
Why at a gynaecology clinic, and in which cases is it advisable?
Unlike ordinary skin, this area can respond to even small irritation with pain, swelling or pigmentation, so results can differ from person to person even when the same equipment is used. It calls for careful planning in which the energy intensity and angle are adjusted after looking at the thickness of each part, the medical history, and also childbirth, contraception and the menstrual cycle.
If the laser is carried out regardless while there is inflammation such as vaginitis, the irritation can actually make the symptoms worse. The order that must be kept is to finish treatment of the inflammation first and to schedule the procedure only after the condition has stabilised, and this is the first thing checked at the examination before treatment.
- Excess pubic hair and dampness — when pubic hair grows long and creates a damp environment, it can become a cause of bacterial growth
- Tangling during periods — in some cases menstrual blood clumps on the pubic hair during the period and this leads to vaginitis
- Recurring itching and eczema — in some cases itching, eczema and vaginitis keep coming back because of the damp environment
How should the skin be cared for after treatment?
For skin made sensitive by the laser, choosing well-ventilated clothing rather than tight underwear helps to reduce irritation. Moisturiser needs to be applied steadily to keep the skin hydrated, so that skin that has become vulnerable to bacterial infection can recover stably and without problems.
For the several days while the skin is sensitive, it is advisable to avoid environments with strong heat stimulation, such as saunas and heated bathhouses, and sexual intercourse, which causes friction. If symptoms that differ from usual appear, such as blisters or pain that continues, they should not be passed over on the basis of self-judgement but checked straight away at a consultation.
- Managing redness — the redness that appears right after treatment subsides within 1 to 2 days in many cases
- Avoiding friction — choose well-ventilated clothing instead of tight underwear to reduce irritation
- Keeping the skin moisturised — apply moisturiser steadily to the weakened skin to keep it hydrated
- Refraining from intercourse — avoid sexual intercourse, which causes friction, for the several days while the skin is sensitive