What is Laser Hair Removal? What You Need to Know About It

Laser hair removal is an alternative cosmetic procedure that people who are dissatisfied with methods like shaving, waxing, or other hair removal techniques may choose. It is one of the most commonly performed procedures in cosmetic treatments and is generally carried out by firing high-energy beams at the hair follicle. The pigment within the follicle absorbs these beams, causing the hair follicle to be damaged.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic method that uses high-energy concentrated beams of light to eliminate unwanted hair. During the procedure, the melanin pigment, which is brown or black in color and located inside the hair follicle, absorbs these beams. After being absorbed, the high-energy light is converted into heat energy, which causes damage to the tube-like structures of the hair follicle. As a result, the production of new hair in the follicle is delayed or stopped.

Areas Where Laser Hair Removal Can Be Applied:

Back
Shoulders
Arms
Chest
Bikini area
Legs
Neck
Upper lip
Chin

What Types of Laser Hair Removal Are There?

Laser hair removal types are generally classified based on the wavelength of the light emitted. The choice of which laser to use depends on the color of the skin and hair in the area to be treated. For individuals with darker skin, Ndand diode lasers are preferred, while IPL treatments may yield better results for those with lighter skin tones.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that works by directing concentrated light at the hair follicle responsible for hair growth and development. The melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the light, and the hair is destroyed by the heat effect. The more melanin pigment there is—meaning the darker the hair—the more effective the laser hair removal result will be. Individuals with light skin and dark hair are considered ideal candidates for laser hair removal.

For individuals with darker skin, special types of lasers may be needed to target the dark hair follicles. If the hair color is lighter and the follicle has insufficient pigment, the effect of the laser light may be weaker, which can result in less effective outcomes.

Laser Hair Removal Session Duration and Intervals

The duration and intervals of laser hair removal sessions can vary depending on the body area being treated and the hair density. The intervals are determined by how quickly the hair in the treated area grows back. In areas where hair grows faster, such as the upper lip, cosmetic procedures can be repeated every 4-8 weeks. In areas where hair grows more slowly, like the back, the session intervals can be extended to 12-16 weeks.

How Many Sessions Does Laser Hair Removal Take?

Even after the first session of laser hair removal, individuals may notice a reduction in hair growth. However, it is important to note that after 2-8 sessions, there may be an increase in hair density in the treated area. This is generally due to different hair follicles responding differently to the laser light. In many individuals, an initial reduction of up to 25% in hair density can be observed. After 3-8 subsequent sessions, permanent hair loss is typically achieved.

Precautions Before and After Laser Hair Removal

Before undergoing laser hair removal, doctors may recommend various precautions to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent unwanted side effects:

Avoiding sun exposure a few days before the procedure
Preventing skin irritation
Not performing other hair removal methods, such as waxing

Also, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that may increase bleeding during the procedure is important, under the guidance of your doctor. After the procedure, similar precautions should be followed. These generally include:

Waiting at least 4-6 weeks between sessions
Avoiding tanning
Not using cosmetics that promote tanning
Avoiding perfumes or cosmetics with aromatic chemicals on the treated area
Not applying deodorant to areas such as the underarms after treatment

By avoiding incorrect practices and following the advice of your doctor, you can apply cold compresses or prescribed creams to the treated areas for relief.

Factors Affecting the Success of Laser Hair Removal

The most fundamental factor affecting the success of laser hair removal is the individual's hair growth cycle. In some people, this cycle is much faster, which can influence how effectively they respond to laser hair removal. In addition to the hair's growth cycle, physical characteristics also play a role in determining the success of laser hair removal.

Skin Color and Laser Hair Removal
The best results from laser hair removal are typically achieved by individuals with light skin and dark hair. The higher level of pigment and the lighter surrounding skin make it easier for the laser light to target the hair follicle.

Who Can Undergo Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. No specific side effects that could negatively affect a person's health in the future have been identified. However, some individuals may experience minor side effects after the procedure.

The most important group that should avoid laser hair removal are pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can stimulate unwanted hair growth in various areas of the body. Although this increase in hair growth may be cosmetically undesirable, it is important to note that it tends to decrease naturally after pregnancy.

Are There Any Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Redness, color changes, and swelling are common temporary side effects after laser hair removal. To prevent such unwanted effects, doctors carefully assess the individual's skin and hair characteristics before deciding on the most suitable type of laser.

Are There Any Risks of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that generally causes mild discomfort. However, in certain cases, the following issues may arise, and it is recommended to seek medical advice if they occur:

Increased swelling
Development of burns or blisters
Persistent pain in the skin despite using prescribed creams
Development of sores or increased pigmentation changes in the treated area
Signs of infection, such as increased heat, redness, or discharge

Are the Results of Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal typically leads to permanent results in terms of hair follicle destruction. However, it is important to note that hair growth may occur again in the treated area after some time. Generally, after an appropriate number of sessions, hair growth in the treated area is halted. In some cases, this process can lead to permanent hair reduction in the area. Any regrowth of hair is usually lighter in color and less noticeable than the previous hair.

Laser hair removal is an effective procedure for eliminating unwanted hair. To determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment or whether your expectations will be met, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals for expert guidance.

Last Updated Date: 10 May 2023

Publication Date: 10 May 2023

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