What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and damage hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and converted into heat, which travels down to the follicle and disrupts its ability to produce new hair. With each session, treated follicles produce progressively finer and lighter hair until growth is significantly reduced.

Laser hair removal does not produce instant permanent removal in a single session. Multiple sessions are required because hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective on follicles in the active growth phase. Over a course of sessions, the majority of treated follicles are effectively disabled, resulting in long-lasting smoothness with minimal maintenance.

Who is this suitable for?

  • Adults seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair, on any body area
  • All skin types, including darker Indian skin tones
  • Patients with PCOS or hormonal hair growth (may need more sessions)
  • Anyone currently using waxing, threading, or shaving who wants a longer-lasting alternative

Skin tones we treat

  • All Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI
  • Specialist experience with South Asian skin types IV to VI
  • Protocols adjusted per skin type to minimise PIH risk

What causes excessive hair growth?

Unwanted or excessive hair growth can result from a range of factors, which your dermatologist will consider when designing your treatment plan.

Cause How It Contributes
Hormonal imbalances (PCOS)Elevated androgen levels stimulate hair follicles across the face, chin, and body in women
ObesityExcess fat tissue can produce additional hormones that stimulate hair growth
Endocrine disordersConditions affecting the adrenal glands or thyroid can alter hormone levels and stimulate hair growth
GeneticsFamily history plays a significant role in hair density, distribution, and texture
StressChronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting hair growth patterns
MedicationsCertain medications including steroids and some hormonal treatments can increase hair growth as a side effect
Puberty and menopauseHormonal shifts during puberty and menopause can alter hair growth patterns significantly

The Alma Soprano:
technology at Skinmatics

Skinmatics uses the Alma Soprano for laser hair removal, a USFDA-cleared system recognised for its combination of effectiveness, safety across skin types, and patient comfort.

01
Built-in Cooling System
The laser applicator continuously cools the skin during treatment, making the experience significantly more comfortable than older laser systems.
Feature
02
IN-Motion Technology
The laser is applied in a sweeping motion rather than single pulses, distributing heat gradually and reducing the risk of hot spots or burns.
Feature
03
Safe for All Skin Types
The Soprano's technology is designed to work effectively on darker skin tones, including the Fitzpatrick types IV to VI most common in Indian patients.
Feature
04
Large Treatment Area Coverage
The applicator can treat multiple follicles simultaneously, making sessions faster than older methods.
Feature
05
Reduces Ingrown Hairs
By disabling the follicle, laser treatment eliminates the regrowth that causes ingrown hairs, particularly beneficial for patients prone to them.
Feature

Before, during,
and after your treatment

What happens before your treatment
  • Personalised consultation to assess skin type, hair characteristics, and goals
  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for at least 2 weeks before each session
  • Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products in the treatment area as advised by your dermatologist
  • A patch test may be performed before your first session
What happens during your treatment
  • Protective eyewear provided, cooling gel applied to the treatment area
  • The Soprano applicator is moved across the skin in a sweeping motion
  • Built-in cooling keeps the skin surface comfortable throughout
  • Sessions take 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area
What happens after your treatment
  • Some redness or mild swelling is normal, typically resolving within a few hours
  • Moisturise the treated area and avoid sun exposure immediately afterward
  • Avoid harsh or active skincare products on the area for 24 to 48 hours
  • Sun protection is important throughout your treatment course

Session duration
by body area

Body AreaApproximate Session Duration
Upper lip10 to 15 minutes
Underarms15 to 20 minutes
Bikini area20 to 30 minutes
Full arms30 to 45 minutes
Full legs45 to 60 minutes
Back or chest45 to 60 minutes

Most patients require 6 to 10 sessions for optimal results, depending on hair type, skin type, and the area being treated. Sessions are spaced according to the hair growth cycle of each area: typically 4 to 6 weeks apart for the face and 6 to 8 weeks apart for the body. Hormonal hair growth, such as that caused by PCOS, may require additional sessions and periodic maintenance.

Dermatologists who know Indian skin.

Skinmatics has treated over 10,000 patients across 5 clinics in Bengaluru and Chennai. Laser hair removal is performed by MBBS, MD-qualified dermatologists using the Alma Soprano, a USFDA-cleared system with proven results. Treatment plans are customised to each patient's skin type, hair characteristics, and goals. The Soprano's built-in cooling technology ensures a comfortable experience without compromising effectiveness.

  • MBBS, MD-qualified dermatologist at every clinic
  • USFDA-cleared Alma Soprano across all locations
  • Specialist experience with Fitzpatrick types IV to VI
  • Personalised plans reviewed and signed off by your doctor
  • Honest assessments at every consultation, no guaranteed outcome claims
5
Clinics across Bengaluru and Chennai
10K+
Patients treated since founding
7
MBBS, MD-qualified dermatologists
USFDA
Cleared technologies in every clinic

Available at all five clinics

Laser hair removal is available at all Skinmatics locations in Bengaluru and Chennai. Book at your nearest clinic or call us to confirm availability at a specific branch.

Questions about laser hair removal

Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes, when performed by qualified dermatologists using USFDA-cleared technology. The Alma Soprano used at Skinmatics is a USFDA-cleared system with a strong safety record across all skin types. Its built-in cooling technology and IN-Motion application method reduce the risk of burns or adverse reactions. Side effects are minimal and include temporary redness that resolves quickly. Patients with darker skin tones, which includes most Indian patients, are safely treated using the Soprano's technology, which is specifically designed to work across the full range of skin tones.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients require 6 to 10 sessions for optimal results. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective on follicles in the active growth phase. Since not all follicles are in this phase simultaneously, multiple sessions are needed to treat the full population of follicles in the area over time. The exact number of sessions depends on your hair type, skin type, the area being treated, and whether hormonal factors are contributing to hair growth.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
The Alma Soprano's built-in cooling technology significantly reduces discomfort compared to older laser systems. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild warmth rather than pain. The IN-Motion sweeping technique distributes heat gradually across the skin, avoiding the sharp pulse sensation associated with older lasers. Patients who have experienced waxing or threading typically find laser hair removal considerably more comfortable in comparison.
How long does each session take?
Session duration depends on the size of the area being treated. Smaller areas such as the upper lip take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Larger areas such as the full legs or back take 45 to 60 minutes. The Soprano's large applicator and IN-Motion technology make it faster than older laser systems for the same area size. Your dermatologist will give you an estimate for your specific treatment area at your consultation.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal significantly and durably reduces hair growth, but the term "permanent" requires context. Treated follicles are disabled and do not regrow hair. However, dormant follicles that were not in the active growth phase during treatment can become active later, particularly when driven by hormonal changes such as PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause. Most patients maintain results for years with no further treatment, while some require occasional maintenance sessions. The result is long-lasting hair reduction rather than a guaranteed lifetime outcome.
Is laser hair removal safe for Indian skin?
Yes. The Alma Soprano used at Skinmatics is specifically designed to be safe across all skin tones, including the darker Fitzpatrick types IV to VI most common in Indian patients. Older laser systems with shorter wavelengths could cause burns or pigmentation changes on darker skin. The Soprano's technology and the expertise of Skinmatics' dermatologists in calibrating settings for Indian skin tones ensures safe and effective treatment without compromising on results.
Are there any side effects?
Common and expected responses include mild redness and slight swelling in the treated area, which typically resolve within a few hours of the session. These are normal skin responses to the laser energy and are not a cause for concern. Serious side effects such as burns or pigmentation changes are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified dermatologist using appropriate settings for the patient's skin type. Your dermatologist will advise you on aftercare to minimise any post-treatment response.
Can laser hair removal treat PCOS-related facial hair?
Yes. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for PCOS-related facial and body hair. However, because PCOS causes ongoing hormonal stimulation of hair follicles, results may require more sessions than non-hormonal hair growth and periodic maintenance sessions may be needed over time. Addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance through medical management alongside laser treatment produces the best long-term outcomes. Your dermatologist can advise on whether a combined approach is appropriate for your case.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Shaving between sessions is recommended and does not interfere with laser treatment. The laser targets the follicle beneath the skin surface, and shaving does not affect this. Waxing, threading, plucking, and epilating between sessions should be avoided, as these methods remove the hair root that the laser needs to target. Shaving the treatment area 24 hours before each session is typically advised by your dermatologist.
What areas of the body can be treated?
The Alma Soprano can safely treat virtually any area of the body including the face (upper lip, chin, sideburns), underarms, arms, legs, bikini area, back, chest, shoulders, and abdomen. The applicator size can be adjusted for precise treatment of smaller facial areas and faster coverage of larger body areas. Your dermatologist will confirm the suitability of each area at your consultation.
How should I prepare for a laser hair removal session?
Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks before each session. Do not wax, thread, or epilate the area between sessions. Avoid applying deodorant, perfume, or lotions to the treatment area on the day of your session. Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products in the treatment area as advised by your dermatologist. Arrive for your session with clean, product-free skin in the area to be treated.
What is the cost of laser hair removal in Bengaluru?
The cost depends on the area being treated and the number of sessions required. Smaller areas such as the upper lip are priced differently from larger areas such as the full legs or back. An accurate cost estimate is provided at your initial consultation once your treatment area and session plan have been assessed. Skinmatics offers customised treatment plans so you only pay for what your specific case requires.
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