PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL

What is permanent hair removal and how does it work?

Permanent hair removal at Dr Duve describes the treatment of different areas of the skin to remove unwanted hair. This application is done by laser; high-energy light pulses target the hair follicles. The pigment melanin is located there, which absorbs the laser light and transmits it to the surrounding tissue. There it is converted into heat energy. This in turn destroys the hair root so that new hair growth is no longer possible. Existing body hair falls out.

Important to know: permanent hair removal by laser can only be carried out in the so-called active growth phase. Only then is the melanin concentration high enough. About 30% of the body hair is always in the growth phase, meaning a third of the hair roots can be destroyed per session. During the follow-up treatment after a few weeks, other hairs will be in the growth phase and are then sensitive to the laser light.

For whom is the treatment (not) suitable?

For permanent hair removal with laser light, the right laser device is used for every skin and hair type. However, you should know that not every hair can be removed by laser treatment. Laser treatment works best on dark hair. The problem with white, grey or light blonde hair is the missing melanin pigment, which makes it impossible or only partially possible to absorb the light. The hair should also have a certain thickness – thin hair can hardly be detected by the laser beam.

The skin colour is also decisive: with very dark skin, the laser light does not penetrate to the hair root. Instead, the absorption already takes place at the skin surface, which can result in burns. This does not mean that dark skin types cannot be treated. However, the laser energy must be reduced significantly, making more sessions than usual necessary.

There are also some situations and/or cases where laser hair removal should not be performed. These include:

• taking light-sensitising medicines, which include St John’s Wort or antibiotics, for example,
• wounds and skin infections,
• dark moles and tattoos, or
• skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis or skin cancer in the area to be treated.

If you are unsure, consult your attending physician. We also have a detailed consultation with our patients in advance and, where appropriate, advise against treatment.

Which zones/areas can be treated?

Generally, hair removal with a laser can be applied wherever there is annoying hair. Typical treatment areas are the:

• Face,
• Bikini line,
• Legs,
• Arms,
• Underarm area,
• Chest,
• Abdomen,
• Back.

Depending on the part of the body, you can expect the treatment to take between ten minutes and an hour.

How does the treatment work?

Right before the treatment, the corresponding area is cooled. If you are very sensitive to pain, additional pain-relieving measures can be applied. The respective body area is then treated with a laser device. You will only feel a slight tingling sensation thanks to the cooling. The thicker and darker the hair is, the more intense this feeling.

What should be considered before the treatment?

Some points should be taken into consideration before the laser treatment. For example, it is important to avoid going to tanning studios and sunbathing for about three to four weeks before the treatment. If the skin is tanned, the laser beam has no chance of reaching the hair roots. At least two weeks before the treatment appointment, you must not pluck, epilate or wax your hair. The use of a depilatory cream is also taboo then. On the day of hair removal, the body area to be treated should be shaved: the hair should be no longer than 0.5 millimetres.

What should I consider after the treatment?

After the treatment, you should refrain from sunbathing and going to tanning studios for three to four weeks to avoid the risk of developing pigmentation disorders. At the same time, you should protect the skin with sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. How many sessions are needed for permanently smooth skin? Depending on the area of the body and the type of hair, different numbers of sessions need to be performed to permanently remove all body hair. The hormonal system and medication are also key factors. On average, between three and ten treatments are necessary. The sessions should be at least four, preferably eight weeks apart.

How many sessions are needed for permanently smooth skin?

Depending on the area of the body and the type of hair, different numbers of sessions need to be performed to permanently remove all body hair. The hormonal system and medication are also key factors. On average, between three and ten treatments are necessary. The sessions should be at least four, preferably eight weeks apart.

When will the result be visible?

Depending on how many treatments we recommend for our patients, the first visible results can be seen after about three to four sessions. If this is not the case, it should be considered whether it would not be better to change the laser treatment or even discontinue it completely. In a detailed consultation before the start of the treatment, we will be able to give you an idea of the success you can expect.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of permanent hair removal depends on the area of the body to be treated, the type of hair and the number of sessions. It also depends on which laser we use.

What side effects can occur?

In general, permanent laser hair removal involves few risks. With Dr Duve and his team, you are in very good hands, so you don’t have to worry about severe side effects. Slight swelling and redness immediately after the treatment are quite normal. They should disappear again after a short time.

Is the result of permanent hair removal really permanent?

One thing is certain: if the treatment is carried out over a sufficiently long period of time, laser hair removal is the safest and most effective procedure. However, there is no absolute guarantee that the hair will not grow back anywhere. This is due to the high number of inactive hair follicles that are found in the human skin. Certain factors can stimulate the growth of hair in these areas. For example, it can be triggered through ageing, menopause or hormonal changes such as pregnancy.