Laser hair removal is a permanent form of hair removal and works by using the pigment (melanin) that is present in the hair follicles. The melanin absorbs the light from the laser and converts it into heat (about 70 degrees). The result of the heat development is the permanent destruction of the hair root provided that these hairs are in the growth phase. Laser hair removal is not suitable for light and gray hairs because these hairs contain little to no melanin so absorption is hardly possible.

Indications

• Hirsutism (male hair pattern in a woman)
• Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth in places where there is already some natural hair growth)
• Cosmetically annoying hair growth

Before treatment

• Avoid exposure to the sun, sunbed and/or use of self-tanning products during the whole process 4 weeks before each treatment.
• If it is not possible to avoid sunlight, it is important to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher several times a day to prevent a change in skin colour.
• During the treatment process, shave the area to be treated yourself prior to the treatment. We ask you to do this carefully. This prevents unnecessary skin irritation. If you have not shaved (carefully), there is a chance that only a smaller area can be treated.
• During the intake interview a picture will be taken to better assess the end result.
• On the day of treatment: do not use make-up, creams or perfumes in the area to be treated.

• On the day of treatment we ask you to sign a treatment agreement.

The treatment

During the treatment, the patient and the practitioner wear glasses to protect the eyes. The flashes of light can be sensitive, depending on the area to be treated. The feeling feels like warm needles. However, no anaesthesia is needed and the treatment is generally well tolerated by patients. You may experience a pricking/burning sensation after the treatment. The skin can also be a little red and swollen. This will disappear within a few hours to a few days. After about 2 weeks a large part of the treated hairs will go. The hair which hair follicles have not yet been properly destroyed, grow back and are re-exposed during the next IPL treatment.

Number of treatments per patient

The number of treatments required will vary per patient. On average you have a desired effect after 6 to 8 treatments. You can assume about 80% hair reduction; a result of 100% is not feasible. However, the hair will never have the same density as before. It is also advised to undergo a fresh-up treatment once or twice a year. The treatments are performed with an interval of 6-12 weeks.

After the treatment

• There may be slight swelling and redness. This often disappears within a few hours until after a few days.
• It is very important that you are not exposed to the sun during the treatment period and 6 - 12 weeks after the last treatment, this also applies to sunbeds.
• Avoid direct sunlight until 6-12 weeks after the treatment until the next treatment to prevent changes in skin colour and use a protection factor of SPF 30 or higher.
• In case of redness or swelling, cool the skin with a cold compress.
• Avoid friction or pressure (caused by clothing) in the treated area. Wear loose-fitting clothing if the treated area is under the clothing.
• Avoid swimming pools, sports and hot baths/saunas as long as redness and irritation are present.