Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal

The main difference between laser hair removal and photoepilation used for hair reduction is mainly in the technology – both produce a beam of light that in laser systems is concentrated and emits the exact wavelength needed to treat the hair, while photoepilation produces a broad spectrum of wavelengths that are less effective.

Laser systems work with energy that is many times stronger than that of photoepilation. Because the heat is absorbed by the follicle, there is minimal risk of burning with laser hair removal, whereas with photoepilation, there is a risk that the light will be absorbed by surrounding tissue, causing the skin pigment to heat up and burn darker skin types.

Unwanted or excessive hair is a problem faced by both women and men. Unfortunately, most known methods of hair removal – shaving, waxing, electroepilation, as well as non-professional home photoepilators or home laser hair removal devices are not a permanent solution to the problem.

Professional laser hair removal outperforms all methods by offering a LASTING hair removal solution

• Makes skin smooth and soft
• Prevents ingrown hairs
• Saves time in frequent shaving, waxing, hair removal procedures, etc.
• Creates convenience and comfort
• Allows maintaining good hygiene

It is extremely important to know that laser hair removal is a medical method that must be performed by a trained and qualified medical professional. In this regard, make sure that the specialist who performs the procedure has the necessary knowledge and experience before trusting him.

In the hands of a competent specialist and following his instructions before and after the procedure, and any possible risks of laser hair removal will be minimized – discomfort, redness, swelling.

With older laser devices and photoepilation, the procedures were more painful, requiring the application of numbing gel in more sensitive patients. With the advancement of laser technology, this is no longer necessary.

With them, laser hair removal is accompanied by minimal discomfort. Most patients feel a slight burning sensation. Usually, in addition to/built into the laser system, a cooling system also functions, which contributes to a more comfortable procedure.

Extremely fast modern laser systems and respectively fast procedures make the procedures imperceptible and accessible even for people with an extremely low pain threshold.

To achieve a lasting effect of laser hair removal procedures should be performed every 3 to 5 weeks, and after achieving the final result – permanent hair reduction, maintenance procedures are done – once or twice a year. The time interval between laser hair removal treatments also has an impact on the total number of treatments – extending the interval may increase the number of laser hair removal treatments required.

Laser hair removal kills the hair follicle only when it is in the growth phase (anagen phase). In a given period, up to 20-25% of hairs are in this active phase. This is why several treatments have to be carried out and the number of treatments is individual. Already after the first treatment, a significant number of hair follicles are destroyed, but for a lasting result, an average of 5-6 treatments are needed. Areas such as pubic and underarms and other areas of the body are affected more quickly, while fine facial hair requires more treatments.

Before the procedure, the area needs to be prepared depending on the type of laser system – in the case of laser systems such as Alexandrite and Nd:Yag lasers, the area needs to be shaved the day before or on the day of the procedure, and on the day of the procedure it is recommended to have a hair length of about 1- 2 mm maximum.

Regardless of the type of laser system used, 2-3 weeks prior to the laser hair removal procedure, the hair should not be plucked (removed with tweezers, waxing or epilator) in order to be able to process the hair follicle during the procedure.

The duration of the laser hair removal procedure depends primarily on the size of the treated area – usually from a few minutes for small areas of the face to 40-60 minutes for larger areas of the body – legs, back, etc.

The type of laser and the experience of the specialist performing the procedure can also reduce or increase the duration of laser hair removal.

The laser hair removal procedure is performed in a room specially designed for laser procedures and takes place in 10 steps:

1. Results, skin reaction and satisfaction with the previous procedure are discussed.
2. A form is filled out by the patient to make sure that they have not been exposed to the sun, tanning bed, or taken any medications to increase their skin’s photosensitivity.
3. Check that the area to be treated is smooth shaven or has the required hair length as required by the laser system as well as tanned
4. The area to be treated is cleaned and disinfected
5. The patient lies down and puts on safety goggles, which are mandatory for everyone in the room
6. The parameters of the laser system are set, taking into account the skin complexion and data from the previous procedure – parameters used, skin reaction, satisfaction with the result
7. The laser treats the desired area step by step, and the specialist carefully monitors the skin’s reaction during laser hair removal
8. In case the skin is more sensitive, a soothing cream is applied, and for the facial areas – a sunscreen with maximum protection factor SPF 50+ is mandatory
9. The parameters of the procedure are recorded
10. The laser is cleaned and disinfected before the procedure

No! Laser hair removal does not require recovery time. Occasionally, immediately after laser hair removal, it is possible to experience slight redness, burning or slight swelling in the treated area, which subsides in a few minutes to 1-2 hours, in rare cases more if the skin is more sensitive, which does not require specific treatment.

Apart from this, most people return to their daily activities immediately after laser hair removal.

Skin care after a laser hair removal procedure is extremely important. About a week after the procedure, it is advisable not to expose the treated area to strong and prolonged sunlight or solarium.

It is mandatory to apply a photoprotective cream with a maximum protection factor of SPF 50+ to the areas exposed to direct sunlight for 2 weeks after the procedure. This eliminates the risk of pigmentation after the laser hair removal procedure.

The results of laser hair removal are individual for each patient. The colour and thickness of the hair, the area treated, the type of laser and the skin type all affect the results of laser hair removal.

Most often, you can expect a maximum of 20-25% hair reduction after the first treatment – the treated in-growth phase hairs are killed and usually fall out between 7 and 20 days after the procedure.

In addition to hair reduction, a significant slowing of hair growth is also noticed.

Hair growth is significantly slowed between treatments, and with each successive treatment, hair growth decreases. Treating the hair between treatments is not recommended, but if it is done it should be by shaving, depilatory cream or other method that reduces the length of the hair to skin level. The application of methods that remove hair with the hair follicle – waxing, epilator, plucking with tweezers, etc. – is excluded.

As procedures progress and hair growth slows, removal will only be necessary prior to the actual laser hair removal procedure due to the hair length requirements of laser systems.

Laser hair removal, compared to all other methods, is the only one that offers a LASTING solution for removing unwanted hair, but not guaranteed in all patients and 100%. Factors such as age, hair color and thickness, skin type, hormonal balance, medication intake, etc. influence the final result and the number of treatments required.

Most patients achieve permanent hair reduction or even disappearance, which can last 1-5 years if 1-2 maintenance treatments are performed per year.

In addition to guaranteeing the achieved result, maintenance treatments affect the new fine hairs that, due to the physiology of hair growth, appear to replace the old ones.

Although price is essential when choosing a laser hair removal clinic/centre, it should not be the leading factor!

This is the place to mention the dubious laser and photoepilation outlets with misleading advertisements about “quality equipment”, “low prices” and “good specialists” that mislead people leaving them with wrong impressions and unrealistic expectations that compromise the laser hair removal procedure.

The most important thing is to be satisfied with the quality of service and the effect of the procedure.

In this regard, trust a clinic/center with a tradition in performing laser hair removal and specialists with medical training who have proven their competence.