How it works

The ideal case is fair skin with dark, black hairs because most of the laser energy is absorbed by the dark hair, while fair skin absorbs very little energy. Fewer sessions are needed and the results are better in a shorter period of time. 

The ARION II Alexandrite Laser with which our office is equipped is a 4th generation laser with the ability to parameterize the pulse frequency, so that the treatment can be safely performed on darker skin. People with darker skin can also have laser treatment, but the results are not as quickly visible, more sessions are necessary and clearly the operator is required to have more experience, as dark skin absorbs a large amount of energy. The same applies to sun-tanned skin. People with very dark skin are probably not suitable candidates for Laser. For the same reason, Laser hair removal is avoided if the skin is already tanned. 

Darker colored hairs absorb more energy and disappear faster. Very dark hairs react best to laser. Lighter colored hairs are more difficult to treat, take several sessions and the results are not always predictable. Blond and red hair absorbs the energy less than darker hair. For very blond and white hairs, laser is not a solution because they do not absorb the laser energy.

Laser hair removal can be safely applied to all parts of the body or face, such as cheeks, upper lip, chin, neck, armpits, arms, legs, bikini, back, abdomen and sensitive areas such as breasts, nipples, ears and nose.

• The number of hair removal sessions required to achieve long-lasting radical results depends on several factors, such as skin phototype, hair hardness and color, body area and any hormonal disorders (e.g. polycystic ovaries). Although we may already see results after one session, normally several sessions are required. In large part, this is because Laser hair removal is effective ONLY on hairs that are in the anagen phase, however, not all hairs are in that same phase at a given time, but only a percentage of around 15% according to international references:  

• Hair life shows circularity. The hairs go through a phase of growth (anagen phase), then they stabilize (catagen phase) and finally enter a "withering" phase (telogen phase). Only hairs in the anagen phase are sensitive to laser energy and are permanently destroyed, while the rest fall off, but grow back after a certain period of time. For this reason, repeated sessions are required until all hairs are in the specific phase of their life. This anagen phase lasts about 3 weeks and begins when the hair "grows back" from its follicle. If this phase passes and the hair enters its catagen phase (i.e. the stabilization phase), it will "fall off" after the hair removal session, however, without permanent damage. Therefore, in order to have the best and fastest possible result from the Alexandrite Laser hair removal treatment, we should make an appointment for the next session within a maximum of 3 weeks from the time we see hair growing in the area.

• After each treatment, the hairs that remain are thinner, weaker and grow at a slower rate. In general, 6-10 sessions are needed for the face, one every 4-6 weeks, while the rest of the body requires 4-8 sessions, one every 4-8 weeks. However, there are cases where hair removal can be completed in fewer, or even more sessions. Sometimes, manly in the early phases of the treatment, hair may appear more quickly, so we repeat sessions more frequently. 
• Gender also plays an important role, as men usually require twice as much time due to the increased concentration of androgens.

Studies have shown that permanent hair reduction is achieved after each treatment and the FDA has approved specific types of lasers for permanent hair reduction. Laser results are cumulative, this means the more sessions the more permanent the results. Nonetheless, it cannot be predicted exactly how many treatments a person will need because each case is unique and the results vary. After the treatment is completed, a few thin hairs may occasionally reappear, and maintenance may be needed once a year.

The cost of each hair removal session depends on the surface covered by the treatment area. The cost is calculated on a per session basis. An initial 4 sessions are suggested to partly show us the result we can expect. An office visit is necessary to determine the price depending on the area of unwanted hair growth. It is generally true that it is economically beneficial/ advantageous to combine several areas per session, rather than arrange separate sessions. You can find out here about our Clinic' s exceptionally appealing prices for Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal.

Photolysis machines, IPL, can have some effect on hair removal. However, these machines cannot be classified as lasers, but as equivalents; "laser equivalents", using the same principle of selective photothermolysis to achieve hair removal, although not with the same efficiency.

Before the first Laser hair removal application, a consultation and discussion is mandatory, during which the necessary medical history will be taken and you will be given recommendations and instructions.  See also the rest of the instructions to be considered before any Alexandrite Laser hair removal treatment

Immediately after the session you may experience mild redness with slight swelling, but it settles quickly. Usually, a special soothing cream is applied after the treatment to reduce redness and irritation.

Avoid exposure to the sun (sunscreen is recommended) and sources of intense heat for the first few days after the session..