laser hair removal

When treating hair the energy of the laser light is used to prevent the regrowth of the hair. To do this the laser light has to penetrate several millimeters into the skin to reach the hair root. When it meets the melanin in the hair (brown color) the light is absorbed, i.e. it is converted into heat. The darker, the thicker, the more dense the hair, the more heat is produced. This heat damages the cells within the hair and in the immediate area around the hair, which are responsible for hair regrowth. This ensures a drastic reduction of hair in the treated area.

It is necessary to treat several times with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks, as in human beings the hair grows in certain phases and the melanin-containing hair shaft is connected to the hair root in the growing phase only. But different hairs are never in this phase at the same time. It is individually different how many sessions are needed and whether one has to retreat after about one year. It is dependent on hair and skin type and on genetic predisposition as well. Normally people from Southern countries need more sessions.

The laser beam enters the upper skin layer. The pigment of the hair follicle absorbs the light energy specifically. 
Through the conversion of light into heat, the surrounding area is heated and the follicle cell suffers a heat damage which causes the death of the root of the hair and the hair follicle.

The light flash only damages hair, which is in an early-growth stadium. Other hair keeps growing normally. Therefore each region needs 4 to 8 treatments. The more treatments are done, the higher the chance to treat every hair in its damageable growth stadium.

The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the color, thickness, and depth of the hair, thus red, blond, and grey hair reacts less than black hair. The outcome of the treatment also depends on the hormone level.  To reach a high effectiveness it is important to set up a treatment plan with your doctor depending on your skin type and hair consistency.

The best outcome is reached on light, un-tanned skin with dark hair. To avoid unwanted side effects the skin needs to be as light as possible, because the targets of the laser are dark, pigmented parts which also can be found in the upper layer of tanned or dark skin.  One possibility is to start the treatment in autumn.

Since the laser beam targets the pigments in the hair, black or dark hair can be treated the easiest. Treatment of blond and grey hair is much more difficult and in some cases is not possible.

After the application of a hydrous gel, the handpiece of the laser is held onto the skin and moved over the parts to be treated. The laser sends a round light impulse of the size of 8-14mm.
The treatment is very comfortable thanks to the skin cooling system of the laser device.

After the treatment, a redness of the skin, a strong feeling of warmth, or wheals can occur. Overall the side effects are like a light sunburn or allergic reaction. 
After a few hours, the treated parts might darken and build up a small scrap that degenerates within 2-10 days. 
The hair loosens and drops out after 5 days to 2 weeks. The re-growing hair is mostly thinner and lighter than the natural hair.

The next treatment can be done after 4-8 weeks when definite hair growth is noticeable.

• shave the hair one day before the treatment
• avoid tanning the skin
• do not do plucking, waxing, or electrical epilating 4-6 weeks before treatment


What needs to be considered after the treatment?
• cool the treated skin as long as it is comfortable for you
• if crusts built up, do not manipulate them
• protect treated areas against sunlight or intensive light (solarium)
• use suntan cream (20-50) if you stay outside longer
• if skin changes should occur, that are not named above, contact your doctor immediately