Laser hair removal

What You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective methods for removing unwanted body or facial hair. The procedure has no age or gender restrictions and can remove all hair types except light or gray hair, which lacks sufficient melanin.

How does it work, and how long does the result last? Unlike other methods, laser hair removal targets the hair follicle rather than just removing visible hair. The effect is achieved through heat: the laser beam heats the melanin, and the follicle is destroyed by the thermal energy. After the procedure, the hair shaft falls out, and over time, either a thin, weak hair may grow back, or growth may stop completely.

What You Need to Know About the Safety of the Procedure

Despite the consistent popularity of this type of hair removal, there are many myths surrounding it that the specialists at LeoDerm Clinic are debunking:

1. Skin Damage. Laser hair removal is completely safe. It does not cause burns, irritation, or lead to scarring. Modern laser equipment allows treatment of even very delicate areas and can be used on hypersensitive skin.
2. Vessel Damage. The effective penetration depth of the laser beam is only a few millimeters. During the procedure, subcutaneous tissues and blood vessels are not heated or damaged.
   Laser hair removal has no systemic impact on the body.

Indications and Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal for both women and men allows the removal of hair with various structures, except for vellus (fine) hair. Due to its gentle effect, the procedure can be used on the face and body, including:

• intimate areas — partially or fully;
• legs — calves, thighs, buttocks, toes;
• armpits;
• abdomen;
• arms, forearms, and hands;
• back and neck;
• chest;
• face, ears.

Laser Hair Removal Can Be Effective for Certain Conditions Associated with Pathological Hair Growth in Various Areas. Laser hair removal is recommended for women in the following cases:

• Hirsutism — a condition characterized by excessive hair growth on the face and body in a male pattern;
• Heterogonia — hair growth on the chin and area above the upper lip (beard and mustache) and in intimate areas in a male pattern;
• Heterotopia — hair growth in atypical areas of the body (chest, buttocks, lower back).

For men, hair removal sessions are recommended for hypertrichosis: excessive hair growth or hair growth in atypical areas of the face or body.
The number of sessions needed depends on the hormonal background.

Hair removal sessions are an optimal laser hair removal option for people who experience irritation and inflammation after shaving, sugaring, or waxing.

Despite the Safety of the Method, There Are Contraindications to Laser Hair Removal:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• acute colds and infectious diseases;
• blood disorders and clotting issues;
• malignant tumors;
• varicose veins;
• diabetes.

Laser hair removal is not performed on areas with scars, burns, wounds, inflammation, or other dermatological issues. The procedure must also be avoided by clients with pacemakers, permanent makeup, and recent fillers or facelift surgeries. Hair growing from a mole should never be removed with a laser, although hair around the mole can be removed with protection over the area. To avoid unwanted complications from laser exposure, the cosmetologist always takes a medical history before the procedure to identify any risk factors.

What Equipment Is Used for Hair Removal at LeoDerm?

Laser hair removal at the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv is performed using various devices. The specific device suited for each client depends on hair type, skin phototype, and the area being treated. Leoderm specialists use equipment from the renowned German manufacturer Asclepion Laser Technologies:

• Asclepion Monolith;
• Asclepion MeDioStar Next;
• Asclepion MeDioStar Next Pro.

The systems are based on advanced diode technology with variable pulse lengths of 810 and 940 nm and feature an improved cooling system. Advantages of these devices include:

• faster hair removal, reducing the duration of the laser hair removal procedure;
• minimized pain and discomfort;
• no risk of tissue overheating or damage.

Asclepion Devices for Laser Hair Removal Offer a Dual Effect:

• Radiation with an 810 nm wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, heating and destroying the hair root;
• Radiation with a 940 nm wavelength is absorbed by hemoglobin and coagulates the blood vessels, thus cutting off the blood supply to the follicle.

Asclepion diode laser systems feature an improved settings system, which allows for excellent results even in challenging cases—such as patients with excessively dense and coarse body hair or excessive hair growth. A key advantage of laser hair removal with Asclepion devices is their ability to treat delicate areas and hard-to-reach spots, such as the ear auricles or nostrils.

Preparation for Laser Hair Removal

The effectiveness of the procedure depends not only on the specialist but also significantly on proper preparation for laser hair removal. Preparation is essential regardless of hair type or body area, and it is required before every laser hair removal session—whether it’s the first or a follow-up session, regardless of how many hairs remain.

Cosmetologists at LeoDerm Clinic Share How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal:

1. Two weeks before the laser hair removal procedure, it is necessary to avoid tanning. This applies to both natural sunlight exposure and artificial tanning (solarium). In the summer, when the sun is most active, it’s recommended to stay in the shade, protect the body with clothing, and use high-SPF sunscreen. This caution is due to the increase in melanin levels from UV exposure, which interacts with the laser radiation. This can lead to unwanted tissue heating during laser hair removal.
2. Throughout the laser hair removal course, patience is key, and it’s important to avoid all hair removal methods such as sugaring, waxing, using a depilator, or plucking individual hairs with tweezers. However, it is recommended to shave the areas to be treated the day before the procedure.
3. Directly before laser hair removal, avoid using cosmetic products. Do not apply creams, lotions, ointments, deodorants, or perform exfoliation or peeling treatments on the skin.

Before the procedure, inspect the skin for any rashes, irritation, inflammation, wounds, or other issues.

How Does a Session Proceed and How Long Does It Last?

Before the session begins, the cosmetologist examines the skin, assesses its phototype, and evaluates follicle condition. During this examination, they inquire about the client’s health to identify any possible contraindications and estimate the time needed for the session.

The procedure follows this sequence:

1. Mode Selection. Asclepion devices have a unique, highly precise setting system based on four criteria:

• area — face or body;
• skin type — from phototype I to VI;
• hair density — low, medium, high;
• hair thickness — thin, medium, thick.

2. A special gel is applied to facilitate laser radiation.

3. Laser Treatment. The duration depends on the area size and hair characteristics, with an average session lasting from 20 to 40 minutes.
After the laser hair removal, the doctor disinfects the treated areas and applies a soothing cream to prevent irritation.

Results of Laser Hair Removal. Recommended Number of Sessions

During the first procedure, the cosmetologist can remove up to 30% of visible hairs. To achieve complete hair removal, it is necessary to undergo a course consisting of 6 to 15 sessions. The number of laser hair removal sessions needed depends on hair type, gender, age, and health condition. Additionally, there is no single schedule for patients; each plan is tailored individually, taking into account the hair growth cycle.
What Is the Hair Growth Cycle and How Does It Affect the Effectiveness of the Procedure?
Each hair on the body and head has its own independent growth cycle and goes through three stages:

1. Anagen — the active division and growth phase. In this stage, about 20-30% of hairs are present, and they are particularly sensitive to laser radiation due to their high melanin content.
2. Catagen — a phase of slowed growth and reduced melanin synthesis. During this stage, the effectiveness of the procedure is low.
3. Telogen — the growth stops, and natural shedding occurs. Hairs in this stage are not affected by the laser at all.

Therefore, the schedule is designed to ensure that as many hairs as possible are in the anagen phase during the procedure. Since the growth cycle is individual for each hair, it is impossible to remove all hair in just 2-3 sessions. Thus, the hair growth cycle also affects how long the complete course will last.

Post-Procedure Care

Is a rehabilitation period necessary, and how long does it last? To avoid unwanted reactions such as inflammation or irritation, it is important to follow the specialist’s recommendations throughout the course. Doctors at LeoDerm Clinic explain what should not be done after laser hair removal:

• avoid excessive sweating and overheating for the first 24 hours after the session — refrain from workouts, saunas, and baths;
• do not apply deodorants, cosmetic, or medicinal products that have not been approved by the cosmetologist;
• protect the skin from ultraviolet rays for two weeks — avoid tanning outdoors or in a solarium, use sunscreen, and cover the body with clothing;
• do not remove hair in a salon or at home; only shaving is allowed.

If you are concerned about excessive hair growth due to health issues, or if you simply want to maintain smooth skin, schedule a consultation at LeoDerm in Lviv right now. The specialist will answer common questions—how much time is needed for one area and how many sessions are required for a complete course in your specific case.