Your doctor has determined that you have a medical indication for laser hair removal. This brochure provides information about what laser hair removal entails for you. Please read this information carefully.WHAT IS A HAIR REMOVAL LASER?A laser is a device that emits a very large amount of light in a fraction of a second. It's called a hair removal laser when this light is primarily absorbed by the pigment in the hair. At the AMC, we use two types of lasers to treat excessive hair growth: the long-pulsed NdYAG laser (MYDON laser) and the Alexandrite laser (Gentle laser).
HOW DOES HAIR REMOVAL LASER WORK?The hair removal laser emits a concentrated beam of light of a specific wavelength, which penetrates the superficial skin. The pigment in the hair follicles is suddenly heated, permanently damaging them. By selecting the appropriate settings (wavelength and energy), we ensure that only the hair and hair follicles are damaged, and not the pigment in the superficial skin.CAN EVERYONE BE TREATED?The thicker and darker the hair, the better the treatment results. Laser treatment is not effective for hair that is too thin and/or light, and there is a risk of increased hair growth in the treated area. Blonde, gray, or red hair cannot be effectively treated with the laser. These hairs can be treated with electrolysis. Ask your skin therapist about this. People with dark skin have a lot of superficial pigment. This increases the risk of laser damage, which can cause light or dark spots. We also often see that the treatment is less effective. The long-pulsed NdYag laser (MYDON) is the safest and most effective laser for people with dark skin. People with light skin experience better and faster results with the Alexandrite laser (Gentle Laser).WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?The goal is to reduce hair growth and associated medical complaints (such as inflammation and dark spots caused by ingrown hairs). By the end of the treatment, hair growth will have decreased by approximately 50-60%.IS IT PAINFUL?The treatment is certainly not painless. The pain experienced varies from patient to patient. Some experience it as small pinpricks, while others experience more intense pain and a burning sensation.HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?The number of treatments depends on the skin type, hair color, hair density, and the location of the hair. Because only hairs in the growth phase are sensitive to the laser, multiple treatments are necessary. Each treatment permanently removes approximately 10 to 20 percent of the hair. A reasonably good result can usually be achieved with 3 to 6 treatments. However, the darker the skin and the lighter the hair, the more treatments are needed. Further improvement is generally unlikely after 6 to 8 treatments. Therefore, we limit the number of treatments to 8 for individuals with dark skin types (NdYAG/MYDON laser) and 7 for individuals with light skin types (Alexandrite/Gentle laser). The interval between treatments is usually 6 to 9 weeks. This depends on the area being treated.HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT LAST?The duration of a single treatment depends on the area being treated. A facial treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. Larger areas may require more time.WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST CONSULTATION WITH THE SKIN THERAPIST?During your first consultation with the skin therapist, the treatment process will be explained. The most important points are outlined in this brochure. Initial photographs will be taken to better assess the treatment's effect. A trial treatment will be performed during the first consultation. This trial treatment is important for determining the correct laser settings. During the trial treatment, a small area will be treated using different laser settings. After approximately two months, the settings that produced the best results will be assessed. The full treatment can then begin.HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION?For proper advice and an overview of your hair pattern, it is essential that you do not pluck your hair (electrically, tweezers, waxing, epilator, or threading) for 6 weeks prior to your first consultation. You may shave or trim your hair during this period. You may also not shave or trim your hair for 7 days before your first consultation. If you do, you will NOT be able to receive treatment.
How should you prepare for the treatments? Plucking hair (electrically, tweezers, waxing, epilator, or threading) is strictly prohibited during laser hair removal. Plucking causes the hair follicles to be (temporarily) empty, making the treatment ineffective. During laser hair removal, you will shave the area to be treated yourself beforehand. We request that you do this carefully. This ensures less skin irritation after the treatment. There is no time scheduled during the treatment to remove hair from the skin. If you have not shaved (carefully), there is a chance that only a smaller area can be treated.NB!Before the trial treatment, treatment 3 and 7 with the Gentle Laser, and treatment 8 with the MYDON laser, you may not shave or cut your hair. You will then allow the hair to grow for the last 7 days before these treatments. This allows for initial, intermediate, and final photos to be taken. The skin therapist will indicate when this will take place. You should also ensure that the area is free of cosmetic products.HOW DOES THE TREATMENT PROCEDURE WORK?
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The skin therapist will ask you questions about the reaction after the previous treatment. |
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The skin therapist determines the laser settings. |
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The area to be treated is disinfected. |
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A gel is applied to the area to be treated. This gel provides cooling and allows the laser to glide smoothly over the skin. |
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The area is treated with the laser. |
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If necessary, the area may be cooled with a cool pack or wet cloths. |
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If applicable, please make a follow-up appointment at the counter. |
PRECAUTIONS DURING TREATMENTSLaser light is harmful to the eyes. Therefore, you must wear protective goggles during the treatments. These goggles will be provided by the skin therapist during the treatment.PROTECTION FROM SUNLIGHT BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENTSIf the skin is tanned at the time of laser treatment, the treatment is less effective and there is a risk of developing light spots. If you expose yourself to the sun unprotected after laser treatment, noticeable dark discoloration may develop. These can persist for months or even years. Therefore, you should carefully protect the treated area from the sun from six weeks before treatment until three months afterward. If you use sunscreen, it should have an adequate SPF (SPF 30 or higher). You should reapply this cream every two hours, but not immediately before treatment. It is sometimes advisable to have laser treatment performed outside the summer season.POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS
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Immediately after the treatment, you may experience brief redness, mild swelling, and small bumps on the skin. This is harmless and will disappear on its own. |
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The hairs that absorb a lot of energy during the treatment will fall off immediately and lie charred on the skin. This may look like small scabs, and you may also notice a scorched smell. You can simply wash these hairs off. |
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Pimples may temporarily appear in the treated area. |
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After a few weeks, the hair in the treated area may appear to grow faster. In reality, the hairs are gradually loosening and being shed. |
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If you are being treated in an area where you also have cold sores, these may be made worse by the laser treatment. |
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During the treatment process, light or dark spots may appear. These usually fade after a few months to a year. Sometimes, however, these spots don't disappear completely. This side effect is more common in people with darker skin types and in people who haven't sufficiently avoided the sun. |
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Serious side effects are very rare. However, blisters and scabs cannot be completely ruled out. With the new generation of lasers, the risk of these side effects and small scars is very small. You should always report any complaints, irritation, or changes to your skin to your skin therapist immediately! |
MEDICINE USE AND CHANGES IN MEDICINE USEDuring your first consultation, you will be asked about your current medication use. If you are starting new medications, such as antibiotics, you must always notify us by phone beforehand, even if you are only taking them temporarily. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to (laser) light.STATEMENT OF CONSENTBefore starting the hair removal laser treatment, you will sign a consent form. |
