Unwanted body hair is an aesthetic problem for both women and men. Excessive hair growth can be genetic, hormonal or caused by various medications. Since permanent solutions cannot be achieved with methods such as waxing, razor, thread, tweezers and chemical hair removal creams used today to get rid of unwanted hair, laser hair removal is a treatment that provides a lot of comfort.

Laser is based on the application of very high energy light in small focal points and the conversion of light energy into heat energy. The principle of laser epilation is to ensure that the cells called melanin located in the hair follicle are captured by the laser light and converted into heat, and then to destroy the hair follicle with this heat energy. For this purpose, different lasers are used, which are named differently according to their wavelengths.

What are the types of laser epilation?

There are 3 types of lasers used for epilation.

  • Alexandrite
  • Diod
  • Nd-YAG lazer

It is important to start laser epilation with the right laser type. Before the application, the dermatologist decides which laser method is suitable for the person by evaluating the skin and hair structure. With this evaluation, the expected success rate of epilation increases and the possibility of side effects decreases.

What should be taken into consideration before laser epilation?

Waxing, epilator, tweezing, or threading should not be done at least one month before laser epilation. In order for laser epilation to be effective, it must reach the root of the hair.

You should not tan or go to the solarium 1-1.5 months before laser epilation. All known diseases, especially skin diseases and medications used before laser epilation should be reported to the doctor.

What kind of preparations are made for laser epilation?

Before the laser hair removal procedure, the area is cleaned of deodorant and other cosmetics with a wet wipe. The hair in the area where the laser hair removal procedure will be performed is shortened with a shaver. In order to avoid wasting time in subsequent sessions after the first session, the person can also perform the shortening procedure 3 days in advance.

Is there any pain during laser epilation?

The possible pain during laser hair removal varies from person to person, but generally a slight needle-like feeling is felt. The cooling in the device protects the skin, reducing pain and side effects.

To which areas can laser epilation be applied? How long are the session intervals?

Laser epilation can be applied to hair on all body parts. Session intervals vary between 4-6 weeks for the face area and 8-10 weeks for other body parts.

Why are more than one session required for laser epilation? How many sessions are required for the application?

The hair on our body has different life stages such as formation, development and shedding. Hairs in different stages are found together in the same area. Laser application should be repeated at certain intervals to find the stage in which the hair is most sensitive to the laser. An average of 6 sessions of laser epilation provides a successful result. The average number of sessions is 10 for facial and hormonal hair growth. The number of sessions varies according to the person's genetic structure, age, hormonal status, skin color, application area, and hair color and thickness.

How effective is laser hair removal treatment? 

With laser epilation, there is a 70-90% reduction in hair. The remaining hair becomes thinner and lighter in color and does not bother the person.

What should be taken into consideration after laser epilation?

It is necessary to avoid irritating procedures (washing with very hot water, rubbing, etc.) and sunlight on the area where laser epilation has been applied.

Will there be any scars after laser hair removal treatment?

After laser hair removal treatment, there may be short-term redness and slight swelling, this is temporary. If it is done with an unsuitable dose for the person's skin color and with unsuitable devices, there is a risk of burns and subsequent stains on the skin. Therefore, it is very important that the application is done under the supervision of a doctor and with a device that has FDA approval..

Does laser hair removal damage internal organs? 

Laser beams, which have been used for various purposes in medicine and especially in dermatology since the 1960s, are extremely safe. Laser epilation applications received FDA approval in 1996. Since then, no harmful effects of epilation lasers have been shown. The effect of light in epilation lasers is limited to the skin and does not reach the internal organs. It does not cause cancer. It has no effect on lymph, sweat, oil, mammary glands, or reproductive organs.