What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure where unwanted hair follicles on the body are destroyed using laser beams. This procedure, which offers a permanent and effective solution, is preferred by many women and men alike. The laser beam, reaching the hair follicles without damaging the skin, converts into heat, thereby damaging the roots and the blood vessels nourishing them. The laser beam does not harm the surrounding tissue in any way; it only focuses on the targeted roots.

Who is Laser Hair Removal Suitable For?

Although laser hair removal is predominantly preferred by women, in recent years, men who wish to permanently get rid of unwanted hair in areas such as the back, neck, chest, and above the beard have also turned to this treatment.

Laser hair removal can be safely performed on anyone who has reached the age of 12 and entered puberty. The crucial criterion for achieving results from the treatment is that the individual's hair follicles are dark in color; otherwise, the laser hair removal device cannot detect these follicles, resulting in unsuccessful treatment.

How is Laser Hair Removal Done?

Twenty-four hours before laser hair removal application, the hairs in the areas to be treated should be shaved using a razor. It should be emphasized that methods such as waxing or tweezing, which stimulate the hair follicles, should not be used. These methods can damage the hair follicles, causing them to lose their structure, and as a result, the epilation device cannot target these follicles effectively. Only the hairs on the surface should be removed using the razor method for the laser to fully affect the hair follicle.

On the appointment day, patients are taken to a special room. They are provided with goggles to protect their eyes from harmful laser lights. Then, gel is applied to the application area, and the appropriate device is used based on the patient's skin type and the thickness of the hair follicles.

The session duration varies depending on the treated area. For example, the mustache area takes 1 minute, the entire face takes 8-10 minutes, the armpits take 5 minutes, and the entire leg takes 30-45 minutes. After the session, cream is applied to the treated area, and the procedure ends.

Which Devices are Used in Laser Hair Removal?

• Alexandrite Laser: The Alexandrite laser, with a wavelength of 755 nm, is ideal for individuals with fair skin and dark, thick hair follicles. It is not a highly painful application due to its high cooling system. When applied to the correct skin and hair color, its success rate is very high.
• ND-Yag Laser: The ND-Yag laser, which can be used on all skin colors, is successful in light-colored and fine hairs. It has a wavelength of 1064 nm, so its effective area is deep and wide. It is slightly more painful compared to other laser hair removal devices.
• Diode Laser: This machine, which has a wavelength of 808 nm, is more effective on fine hair follicles. It is applied with a cooling gel as it directly contacts the skin during the shot. The biggest advantage of this laser device is its ability to be adjusted according to all skin types and colors, and its effectiveness in ingrown hairs.

Which Areas Can Laser Hair Removal Be Applied to?

Laser hair removal can be applied to all facial and body areas except for the inner ear and around the eyes.

How Many Sessions Does Laser Hair Removal Require to Show Results?

The number of sessions required to achieve effective results varies depending on the device used, the condition of the individual's hair follicles, genetic and hormonal factors, and most importantly, the treated area. While 4-6 sessions are usually sufficient for areas such as the armpits and genital region, 6-8 sessions are required for the legs, and 10 sessions may be necessary for areas such as the arms, face, chin, mustache, and the back and neck in men. There is a 3-5 week interval between sessions.

What Is the Recovery Time After Laser Hair Removal?

You can resume your daily life immediately after laser hair removal. After the application with Alexandrite laser hair removal devices, you may continue to feel mild pain in the application area for 1-2 hours. This pain will disappear on its own. There will be no smooth appearance like waxing immediately after laser hair removal. The shedding of burned hair follicles takes about 1-2 weeks.

No pain is felt during the application with diode laser hair removal devices with ice caps.

What Should Be Considered After Laser Hair Removal?

After all laser hair removal applications, the treated area should be protected from contact with water for 4-5 hours.

If laser hair removal is to be applied to exposed areas of the body such as the face, arms, and legs using Alexandrite wavelength devices, it is not recommended to do so in the summer months. Even if the application is done in the winter months, sunscreen should not be neglected when going out. Especially since the facial area is more sensitive and always exposed, it is very important to protect it from sunlight.

Using moisturizing, repairing, and care creams prevents skin discoloration and provides a smoother appearance. Other points to consider are not wetting the treated area for 4-5 hours, not applying makeup to the face for 1 week, and not using spray deodorant for a few days to prevent irritation of the armpits.

Is Laser Hair Removal Harmful?

Laser hair removal is a safe procedure that has been performed worldwide for years. It has no harmful effects on health.

Is the Effect of Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment up to 80-90% as long as there is no hormonal imbalance. The biggest advantage of this procedure is that no hair grows back in the hair follicles destroyed by the laser beam. Therefore, the effect of laser hair removal is permanent.

However, in individuals with excessive hair growth, this condition may be due to genetic factors or hormonal factors. If the latter is the case, necessary medication should be administered first, and then laser hair removal should be performed.

What laser hair removal device do you use in your clinic?

At Empclinics, we use the BUZ CAP TRI LASER TESSA device in our field. Our device automatically adjusts the wavelength and shot joule value according to the skin type and the area to be applied, directly targeting the hair follicle without causing any damage to pigmentation or the skin surface. Its high success rate is due to its ability to be used comfortably in all seasons and all areas. Thanks to its ice-cooled head, it provides cooling up to -8°C during the application, preventing pain or burning sensation.