The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Laser zaps unwanted hair

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Laser zaps unwanted hair

R. Sujatha

More men seek treatment in the south than in Delhi or Mumbai: expert At the clinic dermatological advice and treatment is given after examining a client

CHENNAI: Until some time ago, laser treatment for unwanted hair was not available. Most people who suffered from unwanted fuzz settle for conventional but painful and repeated processes of doing away with hair. That has changed.

In under a year, Kaya Skin Clinic, running from three places in Chennai, claims to have at least 2,000 clients. More than 20,000 people have been treated so far in the country. At the clinic dermatological advice and treatment is given after examining a client. More men seek treatment in the south than in Delhi or Mumbai, says dermatologist Ameen Shah Daxini, associate medical coordinator of the clinic. On average, clinics in the south see 40 men to every 60 women while in northern cities only 20 men come to the clinic.

Dr. Daxini surmises that men come because of the mushrooming IT industry and the need to look good for international clients.

Though the treatment has cosmetic appeal, other types of skin disorders suffered by those who wear gas masks, firemen and police who tighten the strap of their helmet excessively under the chin are also potential customers, says Cynthia Mayfield, a dermatologist and laser surgeon from Indiana, USA, who was recently in Chennai to demonstrate a new machine.

Suneet Sinha, who has had three sittings at the clinic, says: "The dermatologist speaks of the implications and tells you how many sittings you need to undergo. Every patient wants to know what is happening to his body. You get your money's worth."

R. Teena started the treatment in June and has had four sessions. "It is worth the money and is gentler on my skin." She does not find the process painful though Suneet is uncomfortable. Teena says, "I was apprehensive. I am not so much into beauty care but the hair on my chin and upper lip was embarrassing. This [laser] is not at all painful."

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