While wet shaving leaves a hair-free zone for around 24 hours, removing it with wax can lead to the desired success even over two weeks. Repeating these procedures is not only time-consuming but also costly in the long run.
It is therefore understandable that there is a desire for permanent and definitive hair removal. Even before the era of laser therapy, dermatologists and beauticians were able to use needle epilation to achieve permanent hair removal.
Today, hair removal laser has given this therapeutic option a niche place. Gray or white hair contains no pigment and is not recognized as a target organ by the laser. Here, needle epilation is still the first choice therapy. Whether thermal with high frequency, thermolytic with high frequency and direct current or additionally pulsed, the thin needle inserted into the hair shaft can effectively destroy the hair-forming zone. The skill, artistry of the therapist and the existing growth phase of the hair determine the frequency and success of the epilation sessions.
Hair removal lasers have revolutionized permanent hair removal. Due to the fact that American women in particular have always found it indelicate when armpit hair was visible or hair protruded beyond the bikini area, the first hair removal lasers were able to trigger a real hair removal boom. No more shaving, forever smooth skin, the dream came true. But the hair removal lasers also kept their word in reality. The particular advantage is that in the long term this therapy is not only the most cost-effective form of hair removal, but also saves those affected a lot of time.
Of the different laser or flash lamp devices, the long-pulsed diode and alexandrite laser, as well as the flash lamp, have proven to be particularly advantageous.
The laser or flash lamp permanently destroys the hair-forming zone. Ideally, this can be done in the first session. However, experience shows that 3 – 5 treatment cycles are usually required.
In contrast to needle epilation, which only affects one hair at a time, a laser pulse can treat a large number of hairs. Depending on the number of hairs, the sensitivity of the body region and the individual’s sensitivity to pain, laser therapy is perceived as more or less unpleasant or painful.
The patient can expect a high level of care from their dermatologist during the examination and consultation. Therapy should be as effective and free of side effects as possible.
Very rare side effects such as burns, scarring and pigment damage must be prevented. The specificity of the skin pigment type as well as any existing or previous medication are taken into account in the decision-making process. The physical examination should include photo documentation.
Furthermore, it may be necessary to use hormone tests to clarify whether there may be pathological hair growth that should be treated differently.
If all factors are sufficiently taken into account, nothing stands in the way of the success of permanent hair removal.
Further topics on health and medicine