DR. P.K. TALWAR

The last decade has been one of the pursuits of the body beautiful. Many treatments, remedies and regimens were introduced to help improve the body. However they could not alter the basic definition of the facial and body structure. And this is where cosmetic surgery came in. The rapid advancement in cosmetic surgery made it possible to acquire change much more easily and redefine what nature had given.

If nature had blessed you with a large nose, then you could have it operated to a more shapely one. Or, have your tummy inched in, or even be silken smooth and hair free.

Laser stands for light amplification by simulated emission of radiation. Laser is a coherent light source unlike a bulb, hence, all the light is channelised through a beam. A light bulb or a tube light spreads light all over the place; hence there is little or no power in the light.

The removal of hair on the body has been an aspect that has bothered many a woman. From waxing to shaving and to hair-removal creams, most women have tried everything. Hair has, however, refused to be "hair today, gone tomorrow ", at least on the parts of the body you want to rid of hair.

 What does 75% hair mean?

Area and density of the hair in place of treatment.

 What positions do the patients have to lie in when they are being treated?

Patients are asked to lie down for a facial treatment. They are provided goggles to protect eyes, as the laser may affect them. For underarms, they should be at 90 degrees to the body. It's a comfortable procedure. Each sitting lasts for 10 to 15 minutes for a face and 5-7 minutes for underarms. For legs it may be 30 minutes. Chest abdomen and back are treated for 30 minutes each.

 Are there any side-effects and after-effects of the laser therapy?

Practically none, if it is with the right doctor and right laser. The more the wavelength of laser, the deeper it penetrates and deep hair roots can be removed. Other lasers like ruby, diode with 800nm may cause hypopigmentary problems i.e. the colour of skin may become darker on the treated area.
I had met a patient who had got the treatment done form the USA, and she developed permanent hypo patched which have not gone in the last 2 years, because the laser was not suitable for Indian skin and American doctors did not care while treating Indian skins. Hence the choice of laser and doctors.
Second danger is from beauty parlours who employ untrained doctors and may play havoc with patients. As this treatment has to be done by only medical grade lasers, one most go only to a doctor and should not be taken lightly.

 Which is the most important area for treatment?

Face, underarms, breast, abdominal and legs. Commonest is the face. Hair on cheeks, chins, lips, upper lips neck and forehead. Few girls get permanent make-up of eyebrows. Underarm is another very popular area for permanent hair removal.