If you’ve been paying attention to the beauty and wellness industry in the UAE, you’ll have noticed that laser treatments are growing in popularity – and as well as becoming one of the most sought-after treatments amongst locals, the world’s wealthy are flocking to the region to combine combine theirs with a lavish getaway.
Known for its opulent hotels, luxurious designer stores and high-end restaurants, the UAE has long been a favoured travel destination for the affluent – and now, there’s an extra reason to book those first class flights for your next trip.
Laser hair removal has become a commonly requested service in UAE dermatology clinics and beauty clinics over recent years, with demand for the service projected to grow by 18.7 per cent by 2030, and a corresponding revenue forecast of USD 1.75 billion.
And in part, it has been fuelled by a surge in medical tourism to the region, with the treatment proving to be a favoured choice amongst visitors as much as it is the UAE’s own residents.
Why is laser hair removal popular in the UAE?
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to unwanted body hair, unlike more traditional methods such as shaving and waxing – and over recent years, as availability has increased, it has become the preferred choice for many women (and men) around the world. A course of treatments doesn’t come cheap, with at least six sessions generally required to achieve long-term removal and top-up sessions often required every few months to maintain results – but in the UAE, where wealth is in abundance and most visitors enjoy a lavish lifestyle, the price tag is not an issue for those seeking a solution that lasts.
People looking for a hair removal solution that really works are choosing the laser option for several other reasons, too. The number of laser hair reduction professionals in the region is on the rise, and there is a rich supply of good doctors for laser hair removal in UAE. Facilities vary, but offer a choice of aesthetic physicians, dermatologists, and dermatosurgeons manning the laser treatment clinics – so clients know they are in safe hands when they walk in, whether for an initial consultation or the treatment itself.
The type of technology between modern laser hair removal has evolved, too, with recent advancements in the field allowing clinics to provide the most cutting-edge and up-to-the-minute treatments using the very best machines. Forget older lasers that only worked on specific skin types; many leading UAE clinics are equipped with the latest lasers and laser tools for all skin types, which means more people than ever are eligible for the treatment – so it’s unsurprising that the number of those opting to purchase blocks of sessions is on the rise.
On that note, it’s fair to say that demand from the general public is on the up: There is growing interest in minimally-invasive procedures from citizens and residents of all ages, and not surprisingly, laser hair reduction is one of the most requested services.
Laser hair removal practice is highly sought after as the UAE government regulates laser removal services strictly to ensure patient safety. All health facilities and healthcare professionals offering laser hair removal treatment must abide by the Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Hair Reduction Standards. These are regulations developed by Dubai Health Authority’s Health Regulation Department.
Market researchers point out that the UAE is among the world’s fastest-growing and most preferred destinations for laser treatment – a finding that isn’t surprising, given that it is a top tourist destination. Add the government’s campaign for medical tourism, and it becomes evident that high-quality treatment services will continue to be a staple in the region, with the medical tourism portal, Dubai Health Experience, already listing 42 dermatology clinics, a number of which specialise in laser treatments.
Why choose laser hair removal treatment
Wondering if you should dive into the world of laser hair removal? These benefits may just be the nudge you need:
- Laser hair reduction is safe when done by professionals.
- Lasers are precise: Hair removal lasers target the specific problem area and do not affect surrounding areas of the body.
- It is effective: The complete multi-session laser treatment reduces hair by 80 per cent or more.
- It requires little maintenance: After treatment, hair grows back at a slow pace, with some patients going years without seeing any regrowth. When regrowth does occur, the hair is thinner and lighter than before, and can be removed through an additional laser hair removal session, as there’s no risk in repeating the procedure.
How to choose a laser hair removal practitioner in the UAE
If you’re considering booking those flights and jetting off to the UAE sooner, rather than later, how do you make sure you’re picking the best possible laser hair removal specialist to handle your treatment? Well, there are two main areas you should focus on when choosing where to have your laser hair reduction sessions done: the facility where the procedure happens, and the practitioner who will carry out the procedure.
Choosing a laser hair removal facility
When choosing your facility, be sure to confirm that it Is authorised to offer laser hair reduction services; has a full-time specialist supervising laser hair removal procedures; provides protective eyewear for use during the procedure and is adequately ventilated.
Choosing a laser hair removal physician
The UAE’s Department of Health licenses different categories of healthcare professionals to offer laser hair reduction treatment. Many clinics list their staff on their websites and brochures. When choosing yours, it’s vital to confirm that the practitioner you’ll be seeing is licensed to practice so that you can be sure you’re in the safest possible hands.
Authorised practitioners include specialist plastic surgeons, specialist dermatologists and even specialist endocrinologists, as well as family medicine practitioners, and internal medicine practitioners who hold an additional license for laser hair removal.
Registered nurses and beauty therapists may also perform the procedure, with professionals in this last category required to undergo extra training in laser hair reduction to become laser hair technicians.
Nurses and beauty therapists who wish to offer laser hair removal services must undertake the training at a centre approved by the DHA and pass the DHA assessment, and must always be supervised by a specialist physician.
To ensure you’re choosing someone experienced, also confirm that your laser hair technician has at least ten documented cases as proof of hands-on training, which is a requirement they must fulfill as per the regulations.
If the laser hair practitioner obtained their training outside the UAE, make sure that their course is accredited by the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC) or Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Reduction (SMSHR).
The bottom line
There’s no denying that laser hair removal’s popularity in the UAE is on the rise, and it’s in no small part due to the availability of good hair removal doctors in the region. That, in addition to world-class treatment facilities, advanced lasers and stringent government regulation ensure patients receive quality laser treatment services. So if you’re keen to combine your treatment with a sun-soaked getaway, then this is the place to do it.
