Questions and answers about permanent hair removal

Definitive hair removal with a diode laser is a method of permanent hair removal that uses concentrated beams of light to destroy hair follicles. It works by focusing light energy on the melanin in the hair follicle, resulting in the destruction of the hair follicle. Over time, the body will remove the destroyed hair follicle and no new hair will grow in that spot.

A diode laser is a type of laser specifically designed for hair removal. It has a wavelength tailored to the melanin in the hair follicle, making it more effective at destroying the hair follicle than other lasers. This makes it one of the most popular methods for permanent hair removal.

It is important to note that permanent hair removal with a diode laser does not mean that there will never be hair growth again. Some hair growth may still occur after treatment, but this will usually be lighter, thinner and less visible than before. Multiple treatments are often required to achieve the desired results, and treatments should be performed by a qualified professional.

A diode laser works by focusing concentrated light energy on the melanin in the hair follicle, destroying the hair follicle and preventing new hair growth from occurring. The process of permanent hair removal with a diode laser consists of several steps:

1. The skin is cleansed and the area to be treated is shaved.
2. A cool gel is applied to the skin to protect the skin and make the laser work better.
3. The laser is set to the appropriate wavelength and the intensity is adjusted based on the patient’s skin tone and hair type.
4. The laser is focused on the area to be treated and the light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle.
5. The heat generated by the laser destroys the hair follicle, preventing new hair growth from occurring in that location.
6. After the treatment, the gel is removed and a soothing cream is applied to the skin.

It is important to note that multiple treatments are required to achieve the desired results, and treatments should be performed by a qualified professional.

Definitive hair removal with a diode laser is suitable for most people who have unwanted body hair. The treatment can be applied to different parts of the body, including the legs, arms, armpits, bikini line, back, chest and face. It is especially effective in people with light skin tone and dark hair, because the melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the light energy better and thus can be destroyed more easily.

People with darker skin tones or those with lighter, gray or red hair may not have as good results because the laser is less effective at absorbing light energy into the hair follicle. In some cases, treatment may still be possible for these individuals, but it may require more time and multiple sessions to achieve the same results.

Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as skin cancer or an active skin infection, are generally not recommended to undergo this treatment. It is important to talk to a qualified professional to determine if treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.

There are several benefits associated with permanent hair removal with a diode laser, including:

1. Long-lasting results: Unlike other hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, permanent hair removal with a diode laser offers long-lasting results. The hair follicle is destroyed, preventing new hair growth from occurring in the treated area.
2. Efficiency: Diode lasers can treat large areas of the body quickly. This allows treatments to be performed in a short period of time.
3. Comfortable: Diode lasers use cool technology to cool the surface of the skin during treatment, making the procedure more comfortable.
4. Safety: Diode lasers are safe and effective when used by qualified professionals. The treatment is non-invasive and generally causes little to no discomfort.
5. Cost-saving: Although the initial cost of the treatment is higher than that of traditional hair removal methods, the long-lasting results can save costs in the long run. By no longer having to wax, shave or epilate, you need to invest less in other hair removal methods and products.

It is important to note that results can vary depending on the individual situation and multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired result.

Although permanent hair removal with a diode laser is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and side effects that can occur. Here are some examples:

1. Skin irritation: During treatment, the skin may become irritated, red or slightly swollen. These symptoms usually disappear quickly after treatment.
2. Burns: In rare cases, the skin may burn during treatment, especially if the laser is used incorrectly. This risk is reduced when the treatment is performed by a qualified professional experienced in the use of diode lasers.
3. Hyperpigmentation: Some people may experience increased pigmentation on the skin in the treated areas. This is more common in people with darker skin tones. In most cases this is temporary and disappears on its own, but in some cases it can be permanent.
4. Hypopigmentation: In some people, the skin may lighten in the treated areas after treatment. This is also more common in people with darker skin tones. In most cases, this disappears over time, but in some cases it can be permanent.

It is important to consult a qualified professional before undergoing treatment to discuss the risks and side effects of treatment and to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.

Definitive hair removal with a diode laser can cause mild discomfort, but most people experience little to no pain during treatment. Diode lasers come with a cooling system that cools the top layer of the skin to reduce discomfort during treatment. However, some people may experience a slight burning or tingling sensation during the treatment.

The degree of pain may also depend on the sensitivity of your skin and the size and location of the treated area. In general, diode laser hair removal is considered less painful than other methods such as waxing, tweezing or electrolysis.

After treatment, your skin may be red or swollen for some time, but this usually disappears within a few hours. It is also possible for the treated skin to remain sensitive for some time.

It is important to consult a qualified professional before undergoing treatment so that you know what to expect and to determine if the treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.

The number of treatments required for permanent hair removal with a diode laser varies depending on several factors, such as the area being treated, the thickness and color of the hair and your individual hair growth. Generally, several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results.

In most cases, treatments are repeated every 4 to 6 weeks. It usually takes between 6 and 8 treatments to achieve optimal results. This is because the laser is only effective on hair in the growth phase and not on hair in the resting phase. Repeated treatments ensure that all hairs in the treated area are reached and removed at the right time.

After the completion of treatment sessions, follow-up treatment may be required to remove any remaining hair or control new hair growth. It is important to remember that although the results of diode laser hair removal are long-lasting, the hair may eventually grow back over time. Therefore, it is important to consider regular touch-up treatments to maintain results.

The duration of a treatment for permanent hair removal with a diode laser depends on the area to be treated. Generally, treatments for smaller areas, such as the armpits or upper lip, usually take no longer than 15-30 minutes. Treatments for larger areas, such as the legs or back, may take longer, up to 1-2 hours.

It is important to remember that the duration of the treatment may also depend on the density and thickness of the hair and the sensitivity of the skin. During the treatment, the specialist uses a handpiece to aim the laser at the skin and destroy the hair follicle. The handpiece is moved slowly over the treated area, carefully treating each part of the area.

Before you undergo treatment, the specialist will discuss with you what to expect and how long the treatment will take for the specific area you want to have treated.

The cost of permanent hair removal with a diode laser varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the area to be treated, the number of treatments required and the location of the clinic. Generally, the cost is higher for larger areas, such as the legs or back, and lower for smaller areas, such as the armpits or upper lip.

On average, the cost of a diode laser hair removal treatment can range from €50 to €300 per treatment, depending on the factors mentioned above. Keep in mind that you may need several treatments to achieve the desired results.

It is important to remember that the cost of permanent hair removal with a diode laser may be higher than other hair removal methods in the short term, but in the long run it can end up saving you money by freeing you from the need to regularly shave, wax or tweeze.

Yes, there are some precautions you should take before and after a diode laser permanent hair removal treatment. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Before treatment:

• Avoid sun or tanning bed exposure for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid using tanning products or self-tanners for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
• Shave the area to be treated 1-2 days before treatment to ensure that the laser can target the hair follicles and not the hairs protruding above the surface of the skin.
• Avoid using creams, lotions, deodorants or perfumes on the area to be treated on the day of treatment.

After treatment:

• Avoid sun or tanning bed exposure for at least 4 weeks after treatment.
• Avoid using hot showers, baths or saunas for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid using creams, lotions, deodorants or perfumes on the treated area for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid plucking, shaving or tweezing the treated area between treatments.
• Protect the treated area with high-factor sunscreen when going outside.

It is also important to follow your specialist’s instructions and discuss any questions or concerns before you begin treatment.