Facts and myths about laser hair removal

How to get prepared for laser hair removal?

Before laser hair removal, it is required to have a consultation by a cosmetologist or a dermatologist, who will collect an anamnesis, find out the cause of excessive hair growth and choose treatment tactics. As a rule, before the procedure, it is recommended to avoid:

• hair removal by plucking, electroepilation, waxing and similar procedures
• staying in the sun for 3-7 days
• the use of blood thinning medications (in particular, acetylsalicylic acid).

A day before the procedure, it is necessary to remove the hair from the skin surface (with a machine tool, depilatory cream). Before performing laser hair removal on the face, it is necessary to remove makeup.

Why can’t laser hair removal be done in one session?

Several sessions of laser hair removal are necessary because hair loss and growth occur cyclically, and each hair follicle in the human skin sits at its own stage of development. Laser hair removal effectively influences follicles at the initial stage of hair growth.

How many sessions are necessary for laser hair removal?

The number of sessions usually varies from 5 to 7 for any area of the body, and for laser hair removal of the armpits, and for laser hair removal on hands. The largest number of sessions — 6 or more if necessary — requires laser hair removal of the bikini area.

The interval between the procedures is from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the area of hair removal. The duration of each procedure is from two minutes to half an hour, depending on the area of the body, hair color and skin type.

How does laser hair removal differ from electroepilation?

Laser and electroepilation differ in the way how the hair follicle is damaged. During laser hair removal, the follicles are affected by a highly concentrated beam of light. During electroepilation, the hair follicle is damaged by an electric current pulse. Electroepilation is quite painful method of hair removal, and in cae of incorrectly performed procedure, sicatrical tissue changes are possible, but it is effective in removing gray and red hair. The laser hair removal procedure makes it possible to remove hair on all skin phototypes, even not very dark, tanned. This method helps removing from light brown to dark color hair.

Why letting one’s hair grow before laser hair removal?

There is no need to let your grow hair before laser hair removal. However, it is recommended to avoid hair removal by plucking, electroepilation and wax for a month, since the influence on the hair follicle makes laser hair removal less effective. The day before the procedure, the laser exposure area should be shaved so that the hair burned by the laser does not damage skin.

Is it possible to reduce the pain with laser hair removal?

Modern lasers of the latest generation are equipped with a powerful skin cooling system, thanks to which there is no need for additional anesthesia so that laser hair removal can be done completely painlessly. At clinic VIRTUS, the procedure is performed by using an ultra-modern Xlase Plus laser from Biotec Italia, which is suitable even for people with very sensitive skin. The contact-cooled sapphire tip helps protecting the epidermis by cooling the skin throughout the procedure. A powerful laser beam allows you to impact hair follicles efficiently and quickly, without the risk of burns.

What to expect after laser hair removal?

After laser hair removal, the area of the treated skin may turn red and become covered with a rash for several hours or days. Discomfort can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the skin.

The hair does not fall out all at once, but gradually over the course of one to two weeks. Regrowing hair is usually lighter and thinner, and therefore less noticeable. Reports regarding laser hair removal demonstrate a high degree of satisfaction with the result: as a rule, the amount of hair decreases by 70-80 percent.

What should I do before and after laser hair removal?

Before laser hair removal, you need to consult a doctor (the procedure is within the competence of cosmetology and dermatology) and clearly follow his/her recommendations. As a rule, it is recommended to avoid sun-tanning before the procedure and not to epilate hair completely. After laser hair removal, sun-tanning is also contraindicated, along with rubbing and scrubbing should be excluded from skin care. It is better to stop using of cosmetics containing alcohol, glycolic acid and other skin irritating substances.

How long does the effect of laser hair removal last?

The effect of laser hair removal lasts on average for 3-5 years. In the future, you do not need to undergo a full course of laser hair removal again, 1-2 maintenance procedures per year are enough.

How long is sunbathing not allowed after laser hair removal?

After laser hair removal, it is recommended to refrain from staying in the sun and visiting solariums for 3-7 days, depending on the skin phototype. Also, regardless of the weather, daily use of sunscreen with SPF 30 is recommended.

In what way can laser hair removal be dangerous?

Laser hair removal may have side effects. The risk of side effects largely depends on compliance with the recommendations and competence of the doctor. Poorely performed laser hair removal procedure can lead to:

• skin pain and redness
• skin lightening or darkening
• burns
• bacterial infection
• graying of treated hair
• excessive hair growth near the treated areas of the body

Therefore, it is better to do laser hair removal in a medical institution with good reputation.