Laser (Alexandrite & Nd:YAG Laser)

Laser hair removal involves heating the hair roots in unwanted areas with laser light to damage the hair root. The energy absorbed by the hair root is converted into heat, destroying the hair's root cells so that the hair cannot grow back. The laser beam, applied to the skin within milliseconds, passes through without damaging the skin cells and is absorbed by the colour pigments in the hair root. All hair removal lasers delay hair growth and make the hairs grow back weaker and fewer. For permanent hair removal, the hair-producing part of the hair root, called the papilla, must be destroyed, and only an effective laser hair removal device that reaches this depth can achieve this. During treatment, the growth phases of the hair – anagen, catagen and telogen – are important. The fact that hairs are in different phases during laser hair removal is why a permanent, definitive result is obtained after an average of 4-6 sessions. The duration and dose of laser application vary according to the person's skin tone and structural characteristics.

Today there are many different procedures under the name of laser hair removal. When choosing the device or procedure for lasers used for hair removal, skin and hair colour are assessed. Laser hair removal works on the principle of burning and destroying the roots of unwanted hairs with laser light. It has been used in our country (Turkey) since 1990, and in recent years, with advances in technology, it has become both cheaper and a less painful treatment method.

Laser hair removal is a type of hair removal performed with laser devices, and the alexandrite laser is one of these laser types. The alexandrite laser has a strong affinity for melanin, the substance that gives colour to our hair and skin. For this reason, it is the hair removal laser preferred for people with fair skin and black hair. The reason it cannot be used on dark skin is that it also binds to the melanin in the skin and so may damage the skin. A doctor's assessment is needed before alexandrite laser hair removal. The area to be treated is trimmed with a shaver; shaving so that the hairs are visible 1-2 mm above the surface is enough. If you want to shave with a razor at home, the best time is 3-4 days before, as the growth over these 3-4 days will be sufficient. Hair removal with alexandrite lasers is mostly done while cooling the area with an air-blowing cooling system. During the procedure the hairs vaporise and disappear. There may be mild swelling and redness in the area, especially at the hair roots. This appearance is normal. Applying a moisturising cream to the area once or twice a day is enough.

Hair growth consists of three phases. The laser method is designed to act on the hair during its growth (anagen) phase. For this reason, only hairs in this phase can be destroyed. By repeating the treatment several times, all unwanted hair can be removed.

With a large amount of concentrated laser light, a depth of 1-5 millimetres into the skin is reached.
The laser targets the melanin in hair roots in the growth phase.
The hair absorbs the light, which is converted into heat there, destroying the hair follicle without harming the surrounding tissues in any way.
The hair follicle, and ultimately the regrowth of the hair, is prevented.

The treated area may turn slightly pink and red. This will settle within a few minutes or hours. Thanks to the application of ice, the skin usually returns to normal. During this period, sunbathing should be avoided and sunscreen should be used on areas exposed to the sun.

Before the first session, removing unwanted hair by waxing, tweezing or creams should be avoided, and for a more successful treatment the area should not be shaved. About 3-10 days after treatment, hairs appear on the skin surface. Most of these have been treated and are "falling" hairs that have almost lost their ability to grow. The hair follicles need to clear the hairs remaining under the skin. Waxing, tweezing or bleaching creams should not be used between treatments.