There are very few areas of our body that don’t have it: Body hair. Even in childhood, there is a soft downy hair on the skin, which becomes thicker and denser over the years. Only the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are exempt. Even though body hair performs an important protective function for us humans, it is often perceived as unpleasant in some places. In the intimate area, under the armpits and on the legs, the ideal of beauty is often smooth and hair-free skin. For men in particular, the chest and back are also areas where hair removal is desired. Modern laser therapy enables gentle and long-term hair removal.
The function of body hair
Our body hair fulfills important protective functions for the body. It was much more important to our early ancestors than it is today. It has therefore regressed in evolutionary terms. Nevertheless, it still protects against external influences such as UV radiation and cold. It is also a good defense barrier against parasites and pathogens. Body hair also helps to regulate temperature: the hair increases the surface area of the body, making it easier for sweat to be wicked away and cools through evaporation on the surface.
How can hair be removed in the long term?
If women or men find their body hair unsightly, there are various methods to reduce it. The hair can be shaved, waxed or pulled, among other things. However, these procedures do not lead to permanent or long-term results, as the hair grows back again and again. However, if you want your skin to be permanently hair-free, professional laser treatment is the best option. It ensures that the hair roots are destroyed and hair growth no longer takes place in the desired area.
How does laser therapy work?
Laser treatment is carried out at the Weißensee Skin Center using the LightSheer® laser from Lumenis. The laser system sends highly focused pulses directly to the hair roots. This energy is absorbed by the pigment melanin, which is found in the hair roots, and converted into heat. This rise in temperature destroys the hair roots and the hair falls out on its own over the next few days.
The skin surface remains intact during laser treatment. The energy only acts on the hair roots. This makes it a very gentle and low-risk treatment for long-term hair removal. The prerequisite for the most satisfactory and safe treatment is, of course, that it is carried out by an experienced expert. Since 2021, laser treatments may only be carried out by licensed doctors.
How many treatments are needed for an optimal result?
There is a specific hair cycle. This describes the growth phases of the hair follicle. This cycle comprises the growth phase of the hair (anagen phase), the transition phase (catagen phase), in which cell division comes to a standstill and the hair root keratinizes, and the resting phase (telogen phase), in which the hair falls out and the hair follicle regenerates. The hair matrix then forms a new hair and the cycle starts all over again.
Laser treatment can only target hair or hair follicles that are in the growth phase. In order to permanently remove all unwanted hair in an area, it may therefore be necessary to carry out the treatment several times in order to catch all unwanted hair in the growth phase.
Skin type and hair color also influence the number of treatments required. An assessment of how many treatment sessions are necessary is therefore only possible after a personal consultation. As a rule, we recommend six to ten treatments to our patients, but more sessions may be advisable.
What is important after laser treatment?
There are hardly any restrictions after the laser treatment. The treatment areas may be slightly reddened or swollen immediately after permanent hair removal. These irritations usually subside quickly. The area can be treated with a soothing lotion if desired. The skin areas should not be exposed to direct sunlight or UV radiation for at least four weeks. Work and sport are possible without any problems.
Do you have any questions about permanent hair removal?
Please feel free to arrange your individual appointment for a non-binding consultation with Dr. Kors. He will provide you with comprehensive information about the options, the procedure and the costs of laser treatment for permanent hair removal.
last update: 4.8.2022
