If you are considering laser hair removal, you are probably wondering whether you will forever forget about razors, wax and ingrown hairs afterwards. The answer has two parts: laser hair removal permanently reduces the number of hairs, and those that remain are thinner, lighter and barely noticeable. In this text, we explain what that means in practice, why a series of treatments is necessary ...
If you are thinking about laser hair removal, you are probably wondering whether you will forever forget about razors, wax and ingrown hairs afterwards. The answer has two parts: laser hair removal permanently reduces the number of hairs, and those that remain are thinner, lighter and barely noticeable. In this text, we explain what that means in practice, why a series of treatments is necessary and when maintenance is required.
What does “permanent” mean in laser hair removal
Specialist literature speaks of a permanent reduction in hair growth. After completing a series of treatments, the majority of hair in the treated area no longer grows, and any that remains is thinner, lighter and grows more slowly. For most people, this means that shaving becomes infrequent, and ingrown hairs and irritation much less common.
Why a series of treatments is necessary
The laser works via the pigment: the light is absorbed by the hair melanin and damages the follicle with heat. It only works on hairs that are in the active growth phase, and at any given time only a portion of the hairs are in that phase. Therefore, the treatments are repeated, at around 6 weeks for the face and 6 to 8 weeks for the body, until the laser has also targeted the hairs that have started growing in the meantime. The number of treatments depends on the area, skin type and colour, and the thickness and density of the hairs, and is estimated during a consultation.
Is maintenance required
Most of the time it is. Following the course of treatments, the result is maintained with a session once a year for the body, and once to twice a year for the face. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or certain medication, can reactivate hair follicles that were previously dormant, in which case maintenance is needed more frequently.
Which hairs does the laser work on
Laser works best on darker and thicker hair. With red and very light hair, the result is weaker, and the laser does not work on grey and white hair because there is no pigment in them. At the consultation, we openly state what you can expect from the treatment.
What does the treatment look like
We perform laser hair removal using Lumenis LightSheer Desire and Alma Soprano Titanium medical lasers. Both feature a skin-cooling system, so you will feel a mild tingling and warmth during the treatment. The treatment is quick: underarms take about a minute, arms about two minutes, and one leg about seven minutes. After the treatment, the skin may be slightly red for a few hours.
The treatment is not performed on tanned skin, so it is a good idea for the course of treatments to begin in autumn or winter, so that you have smooth skin by summer.
Before the first treatment
Four weeks before the treatment, do not wax or pluck the hairs, and shave them the day before the treatment. Read all about the preparation, step by step, in the text preparation for laser hair removal, and more about the treatment itself on the page laser hair removal.
Price and booking
Prices by region and package can be found in laser hair removal price list.
Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, in Belgrade. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 9:00 to 21:00. Appointments can be booked by phone on 064 237 0707, and we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
The text was professionally reviewed by Dr Miloš Živković.
Dr Ivica Jeremić
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