Laser Hair Removal
Reducing unwanted hair through targeted laser technology for smoother skin and long lasting results.
Hair growth differs from person to person. Genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, age, hair colour, and skin type determine where and how densely hair grows, and how it responds to treatment. Laser hair removal allows for a targeted and long-term reduction of unwanted hair, by treating hair follicles during certain growth phases. Since not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time, several sessions are necessary. At Clinic Selnau in Zürich, treatment is individually tailored to skin type, hair structure, and body area.
Our Approach
Laser hair removal does not mean treating every skin with the same settings.
Hair thickness, pigmentation, and density differ by body area. At the same time, skin type and natural skin pigmentation influence how the laser energy is absorbed. These factors determine which treatment parameters make sense.
For this reason, treatment begins with an assessment of skin and hair. The aim is not to use as much energy as possible in one session. It is about a controlled, gradual reduction of hair growth, while protecting the surrounding skin as much as possible.
Effective laser hair removal does not need maximum energy. What matters is bringing the right energy to the right target structure at the right time.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
In laser hair removal, the pigment of the hair serves as the target structure.
The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and converted into heat. This energy reaches the hair follicle and can affect the structures responsible there for new hair growth. For this process to be effective, the hair needs to contain sufficient pigment and be in a suitable phase of its growth cycle.
This is exactly why a treatment series is necessary.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in different phases.
At any given time, only a portion of the hairs in a body area are in an active growth phase. Laser energy can effectively reach, in particular, those hairs that are in a suitable growth phase at the time of treatment. Other hair follicles only become relevant at later sessions.
Treatment intervals, therefore, are guided by the natural hair growth cycle of the respective body area. Several sessions are not necessary because the treatment does not work. They are necessary because hair grows in different cycles.
Which Body Areas Can Be Treated?
Laser hair removal is possible on many areas of the face and body. Depending on skin and hair characteristics, these include, for example:
- Face
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Neck
- Underarms
- Arms
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Back
- Bikini area
- Intimate area
- Thighs
- Lower legs
- Legs
Not every area is treated identically. Facial hair, for example, can differ significantly from hair on the legs or back in thickness, growth, and hormonal influence. Treatment parameters and intervals are adjusted accordingly.
Skin Type & Hair Colour
For laser hair removal, the relationship between hair pigment and skin pigment plays an important role.
Darker, pigmented hair generally offers laser energy a clearer target structure than very light hair. Grey, white, or very light hair contains little or no melanin and can, therefore, respond only to a limited extent, or not at all, to classic laser-based hair removal.
At the same time, the skin's natural pigmentation needs to be considered. For more pigmented skin types, the skin's melanin, too, can absorb part of the laser energy. Treatment parameters, therefore, need to be particularly carefully adapted to skin and hair type.
Why Can't All Hair Always Be Permanently Removed?
Laser hair removal should be understood as long-term hair reduction.
A significant and lasting reduction in hair growth can be achieved. Complete and permanent removal of every individual hair, however, cannot be guaranteed. Individual hair follicles can become active again long-term. Hormonal changes, age, and individual biological factors, too, can influence hair growth.
Hair that grows back later can differ from the original hair growth in density and thickness. For some patients, occasional refresher treatments can therefore make sense.
How Many Treatments Are Necessary?
The necessary number of sessions is individual. It depends, among other things, on:
- Treatment area
- Hair density
- Hair thickness
- Hair colour
- Skin type
- Individual hair growth cycle
- Hormonal influences
- Previous hair removal methods
Since only a portion of existing hair can be optimally treated during one session, appointments take place at appropriate intervals. These intervals differ by body area and can change somewhat over the course of the treatment series. The treatment plan is therefore adapted according to individual response.
Preparing for Treatment
For the laser energy to reach the hair follicle, the follicle needs to be preserved before treatment.
Methods that remove the hair along with the root, such as waxing, epilating, or plucking, can therefore impair the effectiveness of a subsequent laser treatment. Shaving, by contrast, is generally fine, since the hair follicle remains in the skin.
Sun exposure and tanning, too, need to be considered. The specific preparation is determined depending on skin type, body area, and the laser system used.
Sun & Laser Hair Removal
Tanned skin contains more melanin.
As a result, the skin, as well as the hair, can absorb more laser energy. This can influence the possible treatment parameters and increase the risk of unwanted skin reactions. Intensive sun exposure and active tanning should therefore be avoided before and after treatment, according to individual recommendations. For exposed body areas, consistent sun protection is especially important.
The Treatment
During treatment, laser pulses are systematically applied over the desired body area.
How the treatment feels depends on body area, hair density, and individual sensitivity. Duration is mainly determined by the size of the treatment area. Smaller areas can be treated correspondingly faster than larger areas such as the back or legs. Settings are adapted to skin type, hair structure, and the response to previous sessions.
After Treatment
Following laser hair removal, temporary redness or mild swelling can occur around the hair follicles.
The skin can feel warm or sensitive for a short time. These reactions generally subside gradually.
The treated hairs do not disappear immediately during the session. They can initially remain visible and then gradually shed over the following days and weeks. Between sessions, hair growth can therefore appear irregular.
Laser Hair Removal & Medical Cosmetics
Laser hair removal and medical cosmetics address different aspects of the skin.
Laser hair removal is specifically targeted at the hair follicle. Medical cosmetics focuses more on skin quality, hydration, the skin barrier, and other superficial skin needs. Both areas can, where needed, be part of an overarching skin concept. Timing, however, should allow the skin sufficient recovery between the respective treatments.
Other Laser Treatments
Not every laser treats the same structure.
Within skin & laser, technology is selected according to which target within the skin needs to be reached. With pigmentation & pigment spots, natural skin pigment is the focus. Redness & vascular laser targets selected vascular structures. With scars & acne scars, as well as laser skin resurfacing, skin texture and controlled regeneration are the primary concern. Artificially introduced pigments, in turn, require their own treatment concept with tattoo & PMU removal.
The fact that different treatments use a laser does not mean they work the same way. The target structure within the skin determines the technology.
Long-Term Results
Laser hair removal can significantly and long-term reduce unwanted hair growth.
The body, however, continues to change. Hormonal influences, ageing processes, and individual factors can later trigger new hair growth or change existing growth patterns. If needed, individual refresher treatments can be performed following completion of the original treatment series.
The aim, therefore, is not the promise of permanently completely hair-free skin. It is a significant and long-term reduction in unwanted hair growth.
Consultation
During your personal consultation at Clinic Selnau in Zürich, we assess skin type, hair colour, hair thickness, hair density, and the desired treatment area.
We clarify whether laser hair removal is suitable for your skin and hair characteristics, and what reduction can realistically be expected. On this basis, we create an individual treatment plan with suitable treatment intervals and an estimate of the necessary sessions.
Where other skin changes also exist, treatments from skin & laser or medical cosmetics can be separately assessed and sensibly coordinated.
We discuss preparation, sun exposure, possible skin reactions, aftercare, and the limitations of laser hair removal.
The aim is not the least possible hair after a single session. It is a controlled and long-term reduction, tailored to your skin, your hair, and the respective body area.