What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works on the principle that laser light of a specific wavelength is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair follicle, and the resulting heat damages the structures that produce the hair. The aim is a long-lasting reduction in unwanted hair.
Because hairs are in different growth phases and the laser is most effective on hairs in the active growth phase, more than one session is needed. Hormonal status, hair color and thickness, skin tone and the body area are the main factors that determine the result; the response varies from person to person.
The type of laser is chosen according to your skin tone and hair structure. Different wavelengths and settings are preferred for lighter and darker skin; the right choice matters both for effectiveness and for reducing the risk of burns and pigment changes.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People with dark, thick hair
- Those who experience ingrown hairs and irritation after waxing or shaving
- Those who want to reduce hair on areas such as the face, underarms, legs and bikini area
- People with increased hair growth due to hormonal causes (with evaluation of the underlying cause as well)
On white, gray, blond or red hair, the laser’s effect is quite limited because there is not enough pigment.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
- The area is shaved the day before the treatment; waxing, tweezing or epilators are not used.
- The laser type and settings are determined according to your skin tone and hair structure.
- Eye protection is put on and the laser is applied over the area with systematic pulses.
- After the procedure, a soothing cream and sunscreen are applied.
Session length varies with the size of the area; small areas such as the upper lip are completed in a few minutes, while large areas such as the full legs take longer. The treated hairs are expected to shed within 1–3 weeks after the procedure.
What to Pay Attention to Afterward
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot showers and intense exercise for the first 24–48 hours.
- Protect the treated area from the sun and do not use tanning beds.
- Do not wax or tweeze between sessions; shaving only is preferred.
- Do not use perfumed or irritating products for a few days.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Redness, small bumps around the hair follicles and a mild feeling of warmth are common and usually resolve within a few hours. Rarely, burns, scabbing, temporary lightening or darkening of the skin may develop; very rarely, paradoxical hair growth in the treated area has been reported.
The treatment is not performed, or is postponed, during pregnancy, on recently heavily tanned skin, if there is an active infection or cold sore in the treatment area, when taking photosensitizing medication and in some skin conditions. It is not performed over moles and tattoos.
Medications used before the sessions, especially antibiotics and acne medications that can cause photosensitivity, should be shared with the physician.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç considers it important, especially for women with increased facial and body hair, to investigate hormonal causes before laser hair removal. Realistic expectations are shared: laser hair removal may noticeably reduce hair, but maintenance sessions may be needed over time.
If a hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome is behind the increased hair growth, evaluating it and, if needed, referring you to the relevant specialty may also improve the response to laser hair removal. The skin’s condition is reassessed at every session and the settings are updated.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
In most areas, 6–8 sessions are planned; in areas where the hormonal influence is strong, such as the face, more sessions and later maintenance sessions may be needed. The interval between sessions varies from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the area.
It can be done with a suitable device and settings on areas not exposed to the sun, as long as there is no tan. On tanned skin the risk of burns and dark spots increases, so the treatment is generally postponed.
No. Because the laser targets the pigment in the hair root, its effect is reduced on hairs that have been pulled out from the root. Shaving only is recommended before the treatment and between sessions.
Most people describe a brief pricking and warm sensation, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The devices’ cooling systems improve comfort; on sensitive areas, a numbing cream can be applied if needed.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
