Permanent hair removal
In the field of cosmetics and aesthetics, treatment with the so-called diode laser has established itself as a particularly promising method for permanent hair removal. Diode lasers operate at a wavelength of 800 to 810 nm (nanometers) and target the hair precisely. The focused light waves are transmitted from the hair to the hair root and follicles, where they are absorbed, causing them to be destroyed. As a result, the treated hair falls out within a few weeks. Hair growth is then no longer possible in those areas.
Quick facts
Type of treatment: minimally invasive (no surgery)
Treatment duration: 15–90 minutes
Anesthesia: none; anesthetic cream available upon request
Downtime: none
Results: visible within about two weeks
Duration of effect: permanent
Special features: particularly effective and gentle
Risks: redness, swelling, burning sensation
Cost: starting at € 39
How does the diode laser work?
Near-infrared (NIR) laser light is emitted through the special laser head. The melanin in the hair follicles absorbs this laser light. The resulting heat destroys the hair follicles. Numerous pulses are emitted by the laser in just one second. With each pulse, the laser targets the hair follicles, causing damage to them. The surrounding tissue remains unharmed. An integrated cooling system on the diode head also ensures that the epidermis is not damaged during this procedure.
For which skin types is this hair removal method suitable?
The diode laser can treat all skin types and hair colors. Even lighter hair, tanned skin, and darker skin types—which are often considered problematic in the context of permanent laser hair removal—are suitable. The optimal treatment parameters are determined and adjusted individually. Typically, the lowest possible fluences and pulse durations are selected to protect the skin (epidermis) as much as possible.
How many treatments are necessary?
Once hair or hair follicles have been destroyed, they generally do not regenerate. However, several sessions are still necessary to permanently remove nearly all unwanted hair in a given area. The reason for this is that hair goes through different phases. There are three distinct phases in total: the growth phase, the transitional phase, and the resting phase. Laser treatment only affects hairs that are in the growth phase. This accounts for about 20 to 30 percent of the target hairs per session. The next treatment session usually follows after four to eight weeks. It then targets other hairs that were previously in the resting phase. We generally recommend six to eight treatments for optimal results.
How do I prepare for hair removal?
Ideally, the skin should not be exposed to strong sunlight shortly before the treatment. Although the diode laser is effective even on tanned skin, UV radiation irritates the skin and can thus lead to unwanted side effects during treatment. Additional irritation should be avoided whenever possible. Furthermore, no other hair removal methods should be used beforehand. The hair should not be epilated, plucked, or waxed. This is because the diode laser can only target the desired areas if the corresponding hair follicles are present. If, however, they are removed through epilation, waxing, or other methods, the laser treatment is ineffective and the hair can grow back normally.
The hair should be shaved immediately before the laser treatment. Ideally, shave the hair at home the day before or two days before the treatment so that it does not interfere with the professional hair removal but is still long enough to absorb the laser light.
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What does the procedure with the diode laser involve?
At the start of the hair removal session, the experienced physician sets the device to the appropriate parameters. A gel is applied to cool the treatment areas. The gel also ensures that the diode head can be guided evenly across the skin during the procedure. The desired areas are treated one by one with the device head. Afterward, patients can leave the clinic immediately.
How long does the laser treatment take?
The duration of treatment with the diode laser depends on the size of the treatment area. Smaller areas (e.g., on the face) sometimes take no more than 15 minutes. Larger body areas, such as the legs or back, can take up to an hour and a half.
Which areas can be treated with the diode laser?
In principle, all areas of the body with unwanted hair growth can be treated with the diode laser. Common areas include the face, arms, underarms, chest, back, bikini line, and legs.
Questions and Answers
Patients experience laser hair removal differently. The treatment is often described as a slight stinging or pricking sensation. It is comparable to a rubber band snapping against the skin. All in all, the procedure is tolerable and not really painful. It is very easy to endure. However, it should be noted that pain sensitivity varies from person to person. Upon request, an anesthetic cream can be applied to sensitive areas beforehand.
The results of hair removal become apparent within two to three weeks. During this time, the treated hair gradually falls out on its own.
Even after hair removal, the treated areas of the body should be protected from direct sunlight or UV radiation as much as possible. In addition, staying well-hydrated supports skin health and helps maintain the skin’s optimal acid balance.
Laser hair removal is a particularly gentle and low-risk method. Only mild discomfort occurs. Redness and swelling may develop in the treated areas during and after the procedure. Minor blistering is also possible. These side effects are generally harmless and subside on their own after a short time. You can support the healing process by applying regular cooling. In rare cases, a slight scab or dark spots may appear on the skin. These, too, subside within a few days.
Important: To ensure the treatment is safe and low-risk, you should always entrust yourself to an experienced and specially trained practitioner. If the wrong laser or wavelength is selected during laser hair removal, burns or other complications may occur. In our practice, you will be consulted and treated exclusively by trained specialists!
In Germany, the so-called Medicines Act legally prohibits the publication of before-and-after pictures for permanent hair removal. Therefore, unfortunately, no files can be provided on this page. However, during a personal consultation, interested patients have the opportunity to view anonymized before-and-after photos of permanent hair removal.
During a personal consultation, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz will examine you for any contraindications that would preclude treatment. These include, among others:
- Pregnancy
- Minors
- Acute inflammation in the treatment area
- Skin diseases or infections
- Injuries in the treatment area
- Radiation/chemotherapy
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., metabolic disorders, circulatory problems, autoimmune diseases)
The cost of permanent hair removal varies depending on the treatment area, the size of the treatment sites, and the number of sessions required. During the consultation, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz can estimate approximately how many treatments are necessary to achieve the desired result. Based on this, she can also provide information about the expected price range for the hair removal method. In general, costs start at 39 euros.