Permanent hair removal: frequently asked questions

The duration of a treatment session depends on the size of the body region to be treated. One treatment of the upper lip takes about ten minutes. For the treatment of the legs you have to calculate about one hour per session.

The life cycle of a hair is divided into three phases: Growth phase, transition period and resting phase. Only hairs that are in the anagen phase (growth phase) can be treated, i.e. approximately 20 to 30 percent of all hairs. After about six to eight weeks, another part of your hair roots becomes active and can now be treated. For this reason, several treatments are necessary for permanent hair removal of as much hair as possible.

With the modern Alexandrite laser, YAG and diode lasers and the IPL ellipse systems, we have a variety of treatment options for all hair and skin types available at the Medical and Laser Center. After prior consultation and thorough examination, we can select the right treatment procedure for you in each case and create your individual treatment concept. Most northern and southern European types can be treated with the alexandrite laser. For darker skin types with very deep-seated hair, we recommend treatment with the YAG laser, which was developed specifically for dark skin types. In general, the ideal conditions for all treatment procedures are fair skin and dark hair. Very blond or gray hair cannot be removed with the laser and IPL methods because the hair lacks the pigment melanin. For lighter hair or very dark skin, we recommend a trial treatment to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedures, as well as the reaction of the skin and hair.

Long-term studies over several years (see also under Studies/Download) prove the durability of hair removal with both IPL and laser technology. The studies also show that the laser provides significantly more effective hair removal than the procedure with IPL. Already after one treatment the hair density decreases. For a good result, about six to eight sessions are needed. After each treatment, the number of hairs decreases. The response to laser treatment varies from individual to individual and cannot be predicted exactly. Dark, relatively thick hair is best suited for laser treatment. For more than ten years now, we have been performing the treatments with very good success and to the satisfaction of our clients and patients.

For hair removal, the alexandrite laser has proven to be very effective. The laser emits light of a special wavelength (755 nm). In the process, the light pulses penetrate the upper layer of the skin and are transported via the hair’s melanin to the hair root, which is thereby destroyed. A hair root treated in this way is no longer able to produce new hair. With laser technology, the skin is gently cooled by the integrated cooling system (DCD – Dynamic Cool Device). Laser therapy is most effective on dark hair, as it contains sufficient amounts of the pigment melanin.

Both the Alexandrite laser procedure and the IPL (Intensed Pulsed Light) technology, destroy the hair follicle. In contrast to the laser, the flash lamp generates short, intensely pulsed light pulses with a wavelength of 645 – 950 nm. A cooling gel is applied to the previously shaved hairline before the treatment. As with laser technology, the energy is transported to the hair follicle via the hairline. There, due to a thermal reaction, the nutrient cells of the hair root are obliterated. A hair root treated in this way is no longer able to produce new hair.

In principle, IPL, FPL, CPL and devices that use radiofrequency therapy are lasers. However, real lasers, such as the alexandrite, diode and YAG lasers are approved for professional use in medical centers, dermatology offices and university clinics, i.e. certified medical facilities. IPL (FPL, CPL) and RFT devices may also be operated by cosmetologists. Almost every IPL manufacturer, but also almost every user lures with the claim of using the latest and most modern system. These statements are problematic because the normal customer can hardly distinguish which system achieves the desired effect for which treatments with which quality claim. To be sure, clinical studies on the system used should be available and have been conducted by dermatologists or university hospitals. In fact, only two technologies exist to permanently remove hair, namely the laser and IPL methods. With IPL systems, there are large differences in quality between the individual devices. Mainly, one can differentiate between cosmetic and medical IPL systems, which differ mainly in effectiveness and treatment quality.

At Laderma, we use both lasers and IPL for our treatments to provide you with the most effective method, tailored to your exact skin and hair type. Within the quality standards of the Laderma Aesthetic Centers and the Medical and Laser Center, the holistic treatment concept plays a decisive role. Only after a thorough assessment and analysis of the desired body area, the individual treatment procedure is determined.

You should avoid intensive sunbathing and going to the solarium for about three to four weeks before the treatment. This also applies accordingly to the time after the treatment. At least 14 days before the treatment, do not epilate, wax or pluck the hair on the part of the body to be treated. Also, you should not use depilatory creams, bleach or bleach the hair. Please shave, one day before the treatment, the planned treatment area. During a facial treatment, makeup must be removed and the skin must be thoroughly cleansed before the treatment. For a good acid balance of the skin, it is important that you regularly consume sufficient fluids. Please make sure that you drink 1½ to 2 liters of water, fruit juice, herbal or fruit tea daily.

With our methods all body regions can be treated. The procedures are equally suitable for treatments on the legs, intimate area, back and face.

The laser and light pulses hitting the skin are felt as a slight tingling or pricking sensation. Under certain circumstances, the treatment can also be painful. If you have any concerns, we will be happy to give you a test shot on your skin during your consultation so you can get an idea.

Treatments with our IPL or laser systems during the summer months are harmless, provided that rules of conduct are observed, which should be followed anyway when sunbathing: Sunburn should be avoided by using a sunscreen with a protection factor appropriate to the skin type. By taking this simple precaution, IPL and laser treatments can easily be combined with your other summer activities. If vacation plans necessitate an interruption of treatment for a longer period (longer than the usual treatment breaks of four to eight weeks), this is possible. In this case, please consult with our practice team.

Hair removal institutes are sprouting like mushrooms. If you are not able to deal with the matter in depth, it is in principle difficult to distinguish good providers from bad ones. The ten most important tips: 1.Ask about the training of the person treating you. Medical training and a wealth of experience are essential. 2.Don’t rely on marketing arguments such as, “We have third (fourth, fifth) generation IPL!” There exists a difference only between the first and the second IPL generation. This is due to technical reasons and only affects the water cooling of the applicator in the second generation. A detailed consultation is the be-all and end-all. The practitioner should provide you with comprehensive information about the treatment and technique. In any case, ask all your questions – a good practitioner will be happy to take the time to do so. 4.thorough preliminary examination is very important. An accurate diagnosis of hair and skin on the body area to be treated, is crucial for the long-term success of permanent hair removal. 5.Have the treatment system shown and explained to you. A good practitioner will take the time to explain everything to you in detail. 6.are the devices ISO certified? Take a look at the system. Be careful with tabletop machines without adequate cooling. The use of techniques and equipment that are proven and harmless to the patient’s health is a basic requirement for successful treatment. 7.is the treatment environment hygienic and professionally equipped? 8.What promises are made to you? You should always view exaggerated, boastful advertising and inflated prices with caution and never be lured in exclusively by low-priced offers. 9.beware of offered multiple treatments of the treatment zones. When using a good treatment system, multiple treatment of the zones during one session is not necessary. 10.Is there an opportunity to talk to patients who have already been treated? A good practitioner will be able to put you in touch with a patient they have treated, or at least show you documentation of previous treatments.

The treatment is possible during pregnancy in the areas that are not in contact with the child such as the face, forearms and lower legs. We cannot offer treatment of the intimate zone, abdomen, back and thighs during pregnancy.

In principle, this is possible, except on the breast, as the risk of infection cannot be ruled out.

In principle, hair removal with the laser is also possible with silicone implants, except on the breast, as the laser causes heat to develop.

With permanent hair removal, you are not expected to suffer any damage, as the alexandrite laser only works in the uppermost layer of the skin. This layer of skin is constantly renewed by the body. In a consultation with us, our medically trained staff will explain the entire treatment to you in detail. We will also talk in detail about the measures you should follow before and after the treatment.

Laser treatment with medical lasers is not carcinogenic because category four lasers, like the ones we use, do not produce carcinogenic radiation.

The cost of permanent laser hair removal depends on the area to be treated. For example, an upper lip and bikini line are cheaper in price than depilation of the legs.

In individual cases, the statutory health insurance also covers permanent hair removal, but this must be clarified by you with your health insurance. Private health insurance companies are usually more willing to cover epilation.