Procedure
Laser Hair Removal
Concentrated light is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle and converted to heat, reducing the follicle's ability to produce hair. Because only actively growing hairs respond, several sessions are needed.
Procedure facts
- Downtime
- Redness and mild swelling for a few hours to a few days
Overview
Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair growth using concentrated beams of light. The light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle, and converted to heat, which damages the follicle and reduces its ability to produce hair.
Only actively growing hairs can be effectively targeted, which is why a course of sessions is needed rather than a single treatment. The number of sessions varies with the area treated and with individual factors.
It works most reliably where there is contrast between fair skin and dark, coarse hair. Newer systems allow a wider range of skin tones to be treated — the device we use is the Soprano ICE Platinum.
Areas commonly treated
- Face, including the upper lip, chin and cheeks
- Neck
- Underarms
- Arms, upper or lower
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Back and shoulders
- Bikini line
- Legs, upper or lower
What a session involves
- The treatment area is cleansed, and both the patient and the practitioner wear protective eyewear.
- The laser is applied to the area in short bursts. Patients commonly describe the sensation as a rubber band flicked against the skin.
- A soothing cream is applied afterwards. Redness and mild swelling are common and usually settle within a few hours or days.
Before you book
Suitability depends on skin type, hair colour and medical history. Whether laser hair removal is appropriate for you, and how many sessions are likely to be needed, is established at assessment rather than assumed.
Risks and considerations
Laser hair removal is non-surgical, and most people notice only temporary redness and a mild warmth around the treated hairs, like mild sunburn, settling within hours to a day or two. Less common effects include blistering and a temporary lightening or darkening of the skin, which is more likely on tanned or darker skin and usually recovers. Permanent changes in skin colour and scarring are rare when the settings are matched to the skin type, which is why the skin type is assessed and the settings chosen for it before treatment begins. Sun exposure is avoided before and after treatment. Several sessions are needed, and lasting hair reduction rather than total permanent removal is the realistic aim; this is explained before starting.
Questions patients ask
How many sessions are needed?
Several. Hair grows in cycles and only follicles in their active growth phase respond to treatment, so repeated sessions are needed to reach them all. The number depends on the area treated and on individual factors, and is discussed at assessment rather than fixed in advance.
Who is it most effective for?
It works best where there is contrast between fair skin and dark, coarse hair, because the laser targets pigment in the follicle. Newer systems allow a wider range of skin tones to be treated safely. Suitability depends on skin type, hair colour and medical history and is assessed before treatment.
What does a session feel like?
Most patients describe a mild sensation, often compared to a rubber band flicked against the skin. Protective eyewear is worn by both the patient and the practitioner and the area is cleansed beforehand.
What is the right age for laser hair removal?
Usually after 18, once hormone levels have settled and the follicles are in a stable growth phase. There is no strict age limit.
What should I be careful about before a session?
Sun exposure should be avoided before the session. The practitioner assesses your medical history and skin type and explains how many sessions will be needed.
Where it is performed
- Surgery in Cyprus
- The Surgery Center 3i, Strovolos
Where yours takes place is agreed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.