Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) of the hair follicle and converted into heat which destroys not only the hair but also the hair matrix and hair bulb at the base of the follicle.

When the hair is in the anagen phase (growing phase) the bulb is connected directly to the matrix of the hair follicle, while during the resting phase (telogen) there is a gap between the bulb and the matrix.

The heat generated by the laser is conducted directly to the base of the follicle if the hair is in the anagen phase causing the complete destruction of the hair follicle matrix. This is why laser hair removal is mostly effective during the anagen phase.

This also explains why many treatment sessions are necessary: since not all hair follicles are in the anagen phase contemporarily, more treatment sessions are necessary in order to target the all the hair during the anagen phase.

When is laser hair removal effective?

Hair has to be pigmented (brown or black). Blond, white and gray hair cannot be “seen” by lasers. The pigment has to be in the follicle so coloured hair will not respond to treatment.

Hair needs to be present in the hair follicle, this means that patients cannot wax for at least 1 month before laser treatment, but may shave.

Which areas of the body can be treated?

All areas can be treated but response is different. In our experience the best results are obtained on armpits and bikini line: hair becomes gradually less, thinner and lighter and the growth is slower. After an average of 6 treatments there is a reduction of 80-90% of the hair.

In areas such as face, legs and arms the hair becomes significantly thinner, lighter and less dense, but it is rare to see a complete disappearance.

Are there any risks?

In dark skin individuals where the color of the skin is similar to that of the hair, hypo or hyperpigmentation may occur. Usually these are temporary effects.

However, it is important to avoid laser treatment when one has a sun tan.

New lasers allow us to treat even darker skin individuals with low risk of side effects.

How many treatments are necessary?

If there is no underlying disease which targets hair growth, an average of 6 treatment sessions is usually necessary.

The interval between sessions varies from patient to patient and becomes longer as more treatments are performed. It is advisable to perform the subsequent treatment session once most of the hair has grown back.