Hair removal with laser

The laser energy penetrates the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. This energy is absorbed by the melanin of the hair follicle, which destroys the structure of the hair root. The hair falls out and the number of hairs decreases after each session.

The number of treatments depends very much on the skin type, hair structure, hair color and body region. The darker the hair and the lighter the skin, the better the effect of the laser, as greater energy can be used. As a guideline, we usually recommend 4 to 12 sessions depending on the body region.

Our hair goes through several phases as it grows. The laser destroys only the hair roots that are currently in the growth phase. In the case of a lower leg, this is approximately 10-20% of the hair. Therefore, depending on the area of the body, there should be 4-8 weeks between each session.

No intensive sunbathing – the lighter the skin, the more efficiently the laser acts on the target chromophore (the melanin in the hair root). No plucking, waxing, hair bleaching for 14 days before the treatment so that the laser can act directly on the hair root. The hair does not have to be visible – the remaining hair directs the laser light to the root. The day before the treatment you can take a photo of the affected area and then shave. If possible, do not apply deodorant, makeup, etc.

A clear contraindication are drugs that cause photosensitivity, such as antibiotics. Please do not sunbathe after treatment, otherwise pigment shifts may occur (additional pigments are formed). After treatment, please always apply a strong sunscreen (SPF 50+) and completely avoid direct UV light if possible.

The individual perception of pain depends on many factors: Color and thickness of hair, age, gender, ethnicity, hormonal status, pregnancy, medications, treatment zone, etc. The pain can be described as a slight tingling to a fine prick. Our latest generation laser systems have a very sophisticated cooling system integrated (either contact cooling in the case of diode laser or cryo-cooling in the case of Alexandrite/Nd:YAG laser), which greatly reduces any pain.

Generally, it can be said that the lighter the hair, the less melanin there is in the hair root, the less effective the laser. The basic requirement is therefore that there is still pigment in the hair roots so that the laser can work. The darker the skin type, the more carefully (less energy) must be used to avoid burns on the skin surface. Blonde, red, white hair is extremely difficult to laser, but especially in those cases our Alexandrite/Nd:YAG has often proven itself.

We have been engaged in laser hair removal for 15 years and have already tested many devices. Laser technology has developed greatly in recent years and is now very sophisticated. There are some renowned manufacturers who build very good devices for doctors offices. These devices are priced in a much higher category than devices that are often used in the cosmetic field and do not have medical approval. The devices in the cosmetic field often have a much weaker power output and in terms of safety they do not meet the strict requirements as the devices with medical approval. We have many patients who have come to us after multiple unsuccessful treatments in other institutes or even with burns and who were then very positively surprised by the significantly better result of our devices.

It depends on the period over which you consider the two methods and how often you shave. According to our calculation, laser hair removal is much cheaper: for 50 years (from 15 to 65 years) you shave 300 days a year, blade replacement every 3 days, so a total of 100 blades per year at 3 euros each, gives 300 euros per year for razor blades. 300 times 50 years gives 15,000 euros in costs for razor blades (not including shaving cream and your time, not discounted).

Even zones that were previously considered rather problematic or less effective can be treated with our lasers without any problems. The intimate area is often included in this category, although many women and men would like to have silky smooth skin here as well. Especially  ingrown hair are very often a nuisance in the intimate area.

Very long lasting! Over the years, a maximum of 10-20% of the hair roots regenerate, meaning you only need to retouch after a few years. We recently had a patient  treated with a 1st generation laser 15 years ago. She has only come back for “re-lasing” now. Even the lasers with medical approval at that time were very efficient, but much more painful.