Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the technological advances used to permanently or long-term eliminate unwanted hair. This effect of laser hair removal was first approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 1997 and has been widely used worldwide since then. Effective results in laser hair removal are achieved in people with fair skin and dark hair. In laser hair removal application, the laser system, energy, wavelength, etc. to be selected vary for each patient, area and skin type. In this way, the treatment is aimed to be completed in a short time by working at a power that will affect the hair roots but not harm the skin.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser systems work on the principle of selective thermal damage. In laser hair removal, the laser light targets the melanin pigment that gives color to the hair roots. Within milliseconds, the laser light applied to the skin passes through skin cells without damaging them and is absorbed by the color pigments in the hair root. The transmitted energy turns into heat and destroys the hair root, and the hair root's ability to produce hair is lost or restricted. To prevent the overheated hair shaft from damaging surrounding tissues, the skin is cooled with cold air during the procedure.

How many sessions are needed?

Laser light affects hair roots in the growth phase. Since not all hair roots are in the growth phase at the same time, a reduction of 10-25% is expected after each session, and laser hair removal consists of sessions repeated at certain intervals. Generally, session intervals for laser hair removal on body areas are 6-8 weeks, and on the face 4-6 weeks. Treatment is completed in an average of 5-8 sessions in individuals with suitable skin structure. Due to changes in hair color and growth cycles, the number of laser hair removal sessions varies from person to person, and even between different body areas of the same person. After repeated sessions, if the skin and hair structure is suitable, 70-90% of the hairs in the treated area in women and 60-80% in men are permanently removed. The remaining hairs are fine, light-colored and of little cosmetic importance.

How long does a session last?

Although session duration varies according to the characteristics of the devices used, it averages 5-6 minutes for the face and 45 minutes to 1 hour for the legs.

What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

After the application, redness and slight swelling of the hair roots may occur. This effect disappears within a short time. Rarely, crusting or light or dark color changes in the treated area may occur. Laser hair removal is generally not a painful procedure. To reduce the sensation of discomfort felt during the procedure, cold air is applied.

What lasers are used for hair removal?

Alexandrite, diode and Nd:YAG lasers are used, and there are many brands. The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) system, although not a laser, is also used for hair removal. Continuous development and change is seen in laser hair removal technology. In recent times, the Alexandrite laser is the one most commonly preferred both by the public and by physicians.

What conditions require attention before laser hair removal?

Hair distribution on the body is influenced by age, race, medications, hormonal disorders and the regional characteristics of the body. For this reason, the person is first evaluated, the cause of hair growth is investigated, and tests and examinations are performed when necessary. Before the procedure, it is determined whether the skin type and hair color are suitable for treatment, which laser will be used and the appropriate dose. It is evaluated whether there is any disease or medication use that would prevent laser treatment. Areas to receive laser hair removal must not be tanned from the sun or a solarium and should be close to the person's natural skin tone during the session. Hairs in the areas to receive laser hair removal must not have been removed at the root (by waxing, tweezers, epilator, threading, etc.), bleached or dyed within 1 month. Long hairs are trimmed 1-2 days before the session. If a skin exfoliating product (peeling) is used (such as retinoic acid, glycolic acid), it should be stopped 1 week in advance and this should be reported. The area to be treated with laser must be clean, and there should be no makeup products, deodorant or the like on the skin.

What should be considered during and after laser hair removal?

• Protective goggles must always be used during the procedure.
• After the procedure, it is recommended not to take a very hot shower and not to irritate the treated area.
• Protection from the sun and avoiding solariums is required for about 1 month.
• Treated hairs fall out within 1-3 weeks. Hairs that emerge between sessions can be trimmed with methods such as a razor or scissors.