It is the only way that will make us feel very beautiful and proud of our choice. It’s our only chance to get rid of the shave or other method we used. It is the only solution to the problem of what I will wear today so that the unshaven legs are not visible. It is also the final solution to the bursitis of the areas that we treated with other methods. It is still the soft and smooth skin that we have after laser hair removal and we are no longer “afraid” to touch our partner.
Laser hair removal replaces dense and wild skin with a soft silky skin.
How does the laser work?
The laser is based on the treatment of selective photothermolysis, ie the treatment of the selective elimination of the hair root without creating the slightest problem in the surrounding tissue.
The laser emits a gentle beam of light that penetrates the skin. The melanin of the hair absorbs the selective energy and the light of the laser is converted into heat, its temperature increases, until finally the hair root is destroyed, leaving the surrounding area of the skin unaffected.
During the treatment the skin is protected by a mechanism of dynamic cooling of the skin where coolant sprays the skin, cooling its upper layers. The mechanism protects and provides local anesthesia making the treatment effective & painless. The Zimmer cold air cooling mechanism is also used.
The number of treatments varies depending on the individual, the area of application, the color and quality of the hair as well as the phototype of the skin. A very key element is whether the hair growth is in a hormone-dependent or non-hormone-dependent area.
The treatments are effective when the hair is in the growth phase, it is dark (regenerative phase) and the hair removal is done properly (ie with sufficient energy, good cooling and proper session intervals).
In any case, regardless of the type of area, even if we have achieved an excellent result in the initial cycle of sessions, it usually needs to be maintained 1 to 2 times a year.
The use of laser hair removal is the only medically proven solution for people suffering from papilloma (hairs trapped in the skin).
In our dermatological clinic we have the Laser Alexandrite QUANTA SYSTEM Q1, LIGHT EVO SERIES and the GenltleLASE of the American company Candela.
What are the benefits of Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal?
The laser emits light with a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper and therefore, removes hair faster and more efficiently without causing much damage to the skin, because the melanin existent in epithelial cells (skin cells) does not absorb light with the same rate absorbed by the hairs.
The side effects of this treatment are much smaller compared to other hair removal treatments. Also the level of pain reported by the patients is much lower compared to the other available hair removal treatment options.
Security
Speed
Effectiveness
Painless treatment
What are the most common areas of laser hair removal for women?
Laser hair removal is suitable for all areas of the face and body except the eyelids and eyebrows. The most popular areas are:
Face
Upper lip
Neck
Back
Waist
Shoulders
Chest
Belly
Calves
Breasts
Hands
Armpits
Bikini
Thighs & Buttocks
Laser hair removal and men
Laser hair removal has been the treatment of choice for many men for several years. In these cases, the goal is mainly to the hair on the chest, back and shoulders, but often their total elimination. Other areas that men usually choose are neck, ears, nose, middle eyebrow, hands, armpits, cheekbones.
Men usually need more sessions because the follicle is deeper and the hair is thicker.
How is the hair removal process done in practice?
Stage 1st
The doctor takes your medical history and then examines the skin to check on the one hand what actions can be taken to cover the existing hair growth and on the other hand if there are other peculiarities that need to be checked. In case of multiple moles or other skin lesions then we carefully protect this area so that it does not come into contact with the laser light beam.
Stage 2
In most areas where we do laser hair removal, no anesthetic cream is required. However, in some cases, such as in the bikini area, we apply a local anesthetic cream to avoid pain. So we enter the specially designed area where the laser machine is and depending on the area we remove or not some clothes and jewelry. In this area we all wear special glasses to protect the eyes throughout the use of the laser, whether it concerns the face or the body.
Stage 3rd
At this stage and depending on the point where we want to depilate our experienced and trained staff, cleans the area to be depilated, if the area is not properly shaved then we shave the area to have the appropriate hair length and if the area is large we discreetly divide it into squares with a pencil to better delimit the point and help us have a better scan.
Stage 4th
The energy of the machine, which mainly concern the intensity of the Laser have been determined by the doctor who has taken your history. However, when necessary, we proceed to a test “hit” to see how our skin will react in order to determine the appropriate safe actions.
Stage 5
Then we proceed normally to scan the area we want to depilate and when we are done we put a soothing cream. Immediately after the laser therapy (unless it is night) we put sunscreen with a very high spf protection and we faithfully follow the instructions that will be given to us, for after the laser procedure. It is very important to book our next appointment because in 30-40 days a smaller percentage of hair that we have burned will try to come out again and it is the right time to laser hair again because then they are again in the regenerative phase.
Basic instructions before and after treatment:
What do we do before applying laser hair removal?
- Allow the hairs to grow so that they are visible to the naked eye. If we already have a lot of hair we use a razor or a trimmer but only before our first treatment. In any case, we should be careful not to irritate our skin.
- Avoid tanning, either from the sun or other tanning techniques at least a month earlier
- We do not use deodorants before the treatment
- Stop taking drugs that cause photosensitivity
- It is desirable that the sun has not seen us for at least 72 hours before
- Do not use products such as acids or retinol for at least a week earlier
What should we do after laser hair removal treatment?
- Immediately after the laser hair removal treatment we do not come in contact with water
- There may be erythema and edema in each hair follicle which may last from a few hours to 1-2 days. Apply betafusin twice a day until the possible irritation goes away
- Avoid direct sunlight mainly in the area where we have done the treatment
- We do not do solarium and do not use any self tanning products.
- Do not use makeup products until the redness subsides.
- Irritant creams and other invasive methods are not allowed.
- Avoid chlorine (pool) for the next 24 hours
- We follow the care instructions of our dermatologist
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it necessary to stay at home?
No, laser hair removal generally does not require any interruption from our daily activities. Immediately after laser hair removal, the skin will be a little red. Nevertheless, most people return to their daily activities at the same time.
When will I see the results after the laser hair removal?
We will probably see the results immediately after treatment. Results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of the hair, the area that has undergone the hair removal process, the type of laser used and the color of our skin all affect the results. A 10% to 25% reduction in hair is usually expected immediately after the first treatment.
How long do the results of laser hair removal last?
Most patients remain without annoying hairs for months or even years. When some of them grow up, they will be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments about once a year.
What are the possible side effects?
There are minimal side effects and they last for 1 to 3 days. These side effects include:
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Redness
Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the direct supervision of a dermatologist. Other possible side effects include:
• Skin blisters
• Manifestations of herpes simplex
• Infections
• Scars
• Discoloration of the skin
Over time, skin color tends to return to normal. Some skin color changes, however, are permanent. This is why it is important to consult a dermatologist who specializes in laser treatments and has deep knowledge of the skin.
It is also important to follow the instructions of our dermatologist. Following the instructions before and after treatment will significantly reduce the risk of side effects.
How often can we do laser hair removal in the same area?
This varies from patient to patient. Hair removal often requires a number of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. The number of sessions required to completely eliminate hair growth depends on the area of the face or body and the quality of the hair. In addition, the required number of sessions is influenced by other factors such as medication, obesity, hormones, hereditary predisposition, stress. Our dermatologist will inform us whenever it is safe to do another treatment to maintain the results.
Why are repetitive sessions required at the beginning of our laser treatment?
On the day of application of the laser treatment, only the hairs that are in the growth phase are removed, regenerative phase as in this phase the hair follicle has the largest amount of melanin so there will be a greater absorption of the laser energy. But not all our hairs are in the same phase at the same time.
Is laser hair removal safe for everyone?
Lasers play an important role in the treatment of many conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails. In recent years, there have been many advances in medicine with laser technology. Dermatologists have guided and played an essential role in realizing these developments. One such advance is that more people can safely do laser hair removal. In the past, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients with light hair and light skin and patients with dark skin. Laser hair removal should be done very carefully in these patients. Dermatologists know what precautions to take for safe and effective laser hair removal. Laser hair removal has been certified as a safe and effective procedure by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How permanent are the effects of alexandrite laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is permanent when the hair follicle is damaged. Only when the follicle is damaged, the hairs will eventually regenerate. The time needed for hair regeneration depends on the unique hair growth cycle of the individual but also on the area we are depilating. Some people have hair that grows faster than others.
Is laser hair removal worth it?
If we add how much we spend on razors, waxes, depilatory creams, etc. during our lifetime, and what is the result of the laser in relation to the other methods then we will understand that it is a beauty investment, worth the cost, frees us from permanent shaving stress and the result justifies us 100%. The cost is per session and per area.
How painful is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is designed to target hair follicles with tiny high-heat laser beams. The burning sensation is mainly due to the burning of the hair. The laser machine also removes coolant so we do not feel burning during the treatment. In some areas, apply a local anesthetic cream to avoid any pain. You may also experience mild discomfort after the procedure, such as redness and irritation similar to a mild sunburn.
In which cases I cannot have a laser treatment?
We cannot proceed in laser when we have tanned skin due to discoloration of the skin. In addition, if we have herpes, then the affected area should be treated first with the appropriate treatment if necessary and then proceed to the hair removal treatment.
At what age can we have a laser? Can children have a laser?
In general, hair removal begins after adulthood where the development of the individual has been completed. In some cases and always with the guidance and approval of the dermatologist we can start earlier.
When do we choose electrolysis-thermolysis treatment instead of laser?
The electrolysis-thermolysis radical hair removal system is used for white-blonde hairs, for hairs in fuzz and hormone-dependent areas. The doctor will properly guide us on the most suitable hair removal treatment to follow.
What about hormone dependent areas and laser hair removal?
Hormone dependent areas are those that present hair growth, sometimes intense, when normally they shouldn’t. In those areas where the face mainly belongs, androgens prevail over estrogens, resulting in bothersome hair growth. In such a case, we can understand how important it is to visit our dermatologist, that can understand the medical nature of the issue and guide us properly either with the necessary hormonal control or refer us to an endocrinologist. These areas, due to their specificity, require more sessions with Laser hair removal.
Can I have a laser treatment if I suffer from psoriasis or vitiligo?
The doctor and always according to our medical history, will clarify if we can proceed with laser hair removal. In general and always with medical supervision we can do laser hair removal with gentle energies.
Is laser prohibited in pregnancy?
There are no specific studies on lasers that are safe or unsafe for pregnant women. We recommend that pregnant women consult their gynecologist before proceeding with laser hair removal treatment.
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