ALL ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Everything you need to know if you’re considering to proceed with a laser hair removal treatment!

What is laser?

The word “Laser” comes from the initials of the words “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. The Laser is a special beam of light radiation, which does not exist in natural conditions, but is produced only with special technological equipment. The laser light needs a source of energy (eg electricity) and a natural mean in order to be produced (eg crystal, gas, dye, etc.)

How does laser works for hair removal?

The light beam of the laser is absorbed exclusively by the melanin in the hair follicle and destroys it, without causing adverse reactions on the surrounding tissue. During the treatment, a device specially integrated in the machine “freezes” the area a few fractions of a second before the heated pulse of the laser. This feels like cold air, and it’s ideal for protecting the skin and even more the darker skin types.

Which machine do we use for hair removal?

We use the latest generation, FDA certified, medical laser from Candela, called Gentlelase Max Pro, with Alexandrite (crystal) laser and the Nd Yag laser, covering all skin colors and hair growth needs individually on any part of the face and body.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

Prices for your sessions are set by your therapist at your first consultation appointment. You can choose to have multiple courses of 4, 6 or even 8 treatments with a discounted price. The exact cost depends on the size of the anatomical area that you’re interested to have the treatment, the density of the hair growth, previous laser treatments and any other medical factor associated with hair growth, such as hormonal imbalances.

Does laser hurt?

The pain is tolerable, moderate, individualized and usually depends on the colour of the skin, the quality and quantity of hair growth. The sensation that you might feel during the treatment is a slight burning sensation which is instant and goes quickly. However, as the sessions go on through your laser course, the pain decreases as the density of the hair decreases and its texture changes. During the treatment, a device specially integrated in the machine “freezes” the area a few fractions of a second before the laser pulse. This device, known as the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), provides a reduced sensation of pain, as it acts to numb the area right before accepts the heat of laser light, while providing the ability to use higher amounts of energy to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

In which areas can I have laser?

It can be applied wherever unwanted hair growth occurs on the face (upper lip, cheeks, chin or forehead) but also on the body (arms, chest, back, abdomen, bikini area, legs, etc). Laser on bikini, underarms or legs are popular choices for women while the chest and back are areas that are most often chosen by men.

How long does a session last?

The duration of each session depends on the body areas where the laser will be applied. Indicatively, the session for laser hair removal on the face lasts about 10 minutes, in the bikini area around 20 minutes and on the legs around 1 hour. How many laser sessions are needed? Usually the sessions that best recommended are either 6 or 8 with a time between of 30-60 days for each session. The effectiveness of laser hair removal and consequently the number of sessions that will be required, depends on the sex, the hair quality, the skin colour, the anatomical area and the presence or absence of hormonal disorders. As hair growth stages vary in each body part, repetitive sessions are required at specific areas. The hairs that are most recognizable by the laser and therefore destroyed are those that are in the anagen phase (regenerative stage).

Is laser hair removal safe?

Nowadays, laser hair removal is the most appropriate treatment to get rid of unwanted hair growth in any hair area. It’s an easy, but yet effective and above all safe treatment as the laser is selectively absorbed by the hair melanin (its natural pigment), leaving the surrounding tissues intact. In the decades that laser hair removal has been used, there has been no report of causing swollen in lymph nodes. On the other hand, the use of alternative hair removal methods with temporary results such as wax, hair removal creams or razor very often cause unwanted skin damage such as irritations, local inflammation, allergic reactions, creation or worsening of varicose veins in the area of hair removal, eczema, etc. Regarding the protection of vision from the laser, during the treatment the attendees are protected by the use of special glasses that cover the eyes at the appropriate wavelength of the laser.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?

Related contraindications may be photosensitivity, a history of skin disorders, or even taking photosensitizing medications such as retinoids, pacemaker, superficial implants or other implants in the treatment area, current or hostory of skin cancer, severe concurrent conditions, pregnancy, nursing, history of diseases stimulated by heat or light, diabetes, active sores, eczema or proriasis on the treatment area or even tattoos, and a history of epilepsy. Also for face laser if you have deep chemical peels within the last 3 months and for any areas if you had needle epilation, waxing or tweezing within the last 6 weeks prior to your treatment, even excessively tanned skin from sun, sunbeds or tanning creams within the last 2 weeks. In any case, your therapist during the consultation appointment examines your medical history prior to any treatment. Side effects can be considered local irritation that subsides within a few hours or swelling of the hair follicle (edema) which can last from a few hours to 1-2 days.

What should I do before my laser hair removal treatment?

Allow the hairs in the area to grow a little so that they are slightly visible to the naked eye in your initial consultation appointment. Once you have booked your each single treatment 48 to 24 hours prior your appointment is recommended to shave the treated area. It is recommended to avoid any hair removal method that intervenes in the hair follicle (waxing, electric and household hair removal devices, hair removal creams, thread, tweezers). Any of these mentioned methods disrupts the hair growth cycle or does not allow the effective recognition of hair growth by laser. The area to be treated should be clean of any cream, especially if it contains colour (such as make-up) Avoid intense sun exposure (tanning) for at least 4-6 weeks before treatment. A treatment on freshly tanned skin is avoided, either due to complications or reduced efficiency in permanent hair destruction. Do not use any other method of artificial tanning (tanning beds, self-tanning products, etc.) for at least 2-4 weeks before the session for the same reasons. Irritant cosmetic products or other invasive skin treatment methods (chemical peels, dermabrasion, other invasive lasers, etc.) are not allowed unless the safe period of 2-3 weeks has passed.

What is the aftercare for a laser hair removal treatment?

Immediately after treatment, erythema (redness) and swelling may remain in each hair follicle, which may last from a few hours to 1-2 days. The sensation of slight burning or itching, that weakens in a short time, is normal after the application of the laser. If desired, topical soothing skin care such as aloe vera gel and cold compresses or ice packs may be applied following treatment. The use of makeup products are allowed only after the redness subsides and as long as the skin isn’t irritated. You should avoid excessive sun exposure for the next 24-48 hours, and use sunscreen with SPF30 + daily in any treated area to be exposed to the sun. Avoid as well any exposure to hot areas (hot bath, sauna, etc.) but also any mechanical friction in the treated areas for at least the next 24 hours and the same applies for chlorinated pool. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. After underarms are treated you can use a powder instead of a deodorant for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation.

Which are the differences between laser and IPL hair removal?

The difference between the laser technology and IPL is not only the results but mainly the wavelength the devices use to treat. IPL hair removal uses a number of different light wavelengths. Only a few of these wavelengths will be ideal for hair removal, but some will not. Thus, while IPL lasers may be cheaper per session, their results aren’t as good, as a percentage of your treatment will be ineffective, leading to more treatments and costs in a longer term. Unlike IPL, Alexandrite or NdYAG laser uses a single, precise wavelength of light, targeting melanin in the hair follicle specifically, so there is no any doubt about the results. It’s this wavelength that leads to a more effective treatment than IPL hair removal and consequently fewer treatments in the future. Also it’s worth noting that for truly effective hair reduction, it may take one or two sessions per year as a top up after your chosen course in order to maintain your results.