Laser hair removal

Permanent hair removal in Zurich

Laser hair removal has established itself as an effective method for permanently removing unwanted hair. With the help of laser beams, the hair roots are destroyed and hair regrowth is prevented.

After a series of treatments, around 80% of the hair in the treatment area can be permanently removed. Of course, it is practical to no longer have to shave your armpits, but laser treatment often also has a medical aspect: it can prevent inflammation and infections.

Read on to find out more about permanent laser hair removal at our clinic in Zurich.

Firat Aslanel, physician
Firat Aslanel, physician
How it works

Laser hair removal mode of action

Laser hair removal with the Clarity laser offers a safe and effective solution for permanent hair removal.

This procedure uses concentrated laser beams that penetrate the skin and heat the color pigments in the hair. This damages the hair in the growth phase, which is still firmly attached to the hair root. This process also damages the surrounding cells that supply the hair root.

The result is a dead hair root from which no new hair can grow. Dark hair absorbs the laser light better and therefore responds better to the treatment than blonde, red or white hair. Diode lasers can also be used for hair removal.

With the Clarity laser, we can treat a wide range of body parts safely and gently. For example, we offer the following:

  • Facial hair removal
  • Hair removal on the upper lip
  • Hair removal in the armpits
  • Arm hair removal
  • Leg hair removal
  • Hair removal in the bikini area
  • Hair removal on the chest and back

Women who have developed an unwanted "lady beard", especially during the menopause, find this technique particularly useful. However, people who have had a lot of hair on their skin since childhood or who frequently suffer from inflammation in certain hairy areas can also benefit from laser hair removal.

It is important to note that laser hair removal requires several sessions to reach all hair follicles during their growth phase. The number of sessions required depends on the area treated and the individual hair density.

Treatment options

Laser hair removal treatment options

The treatment options for permanent hair removal vary depending on the underlying problems and needs of the patient.

Aesthetic indications

Some people opt for laser hair removal for personal or aesthetic reasons, e.g:

  • Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis): This affects both men and women and can affect different areas of the body, including the face, underarms, back, legs and bikini line.
  • Discomfort caused by conventional hair removal methods: Some people opt for laser hair removal to reduce the inconvenience and time associated with regular shaving, waxing or plucking.

Medical indications

  • Hirsutism: This is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth on the face and body of women following the pattern of male pattern hair growth. Hirsutism can be a result of hormonal imbalances and can lead to considerable psychosocial stress.
  • Hair-related skin problems: Some people may experience repeated inflammation or infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis). In these cases, laser hair removal can help to reduce inflammation and prevent future problems.
  • Acne inversa: This is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses and fistulas, particularly in areas where hair follicles are located, such as the armpits or groin area. Laser hair removal can help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent recurrence of the disease.

It is important to note that laser hair removal can be covered by health insurance companies for some of these indications, in particular hormonal disorders or inflammatory hair organ diseases such as acne inversa. Please bring all relevant medical documents and findings from previous examinations and treatments with you to the consultation to clarify whether reimbursement is possible.

Procedure

Laser hair removal procedure

Laser hair removal requires careful preparation and a special procedure to achieve optimal results.

In preparation for the treatment, the skin should be carefully shaved and the hair should not have been epilated or plucked for at least three weeks beforehand. You should also avoid the sun for two weeks before the treatment. We will clarify this in an initial consultation with one of our specialists.

On the day of treatment, the skin should be clean and free of make-up, lotions or creams. The duration of treatment varies depending on the size of the area to be treated. It can be between 10 and 80 minutes. Most people describe the treatment as slightly uncomfortable, similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin.

After treatment, it is important to take good care of the skin and protect it from the sun. Direct sunlight should be avoided and the skin must be consistently protected with a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 to avoid the rare but possible hyper- or hypopigmentation.

Frequently asked questions

Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions do I need?

A successful laser hair removal achieves 50-80% of hair in 3-4 sessions. This goal should be monitored with good photo documentation. If necessary, further medical clarification is required or the dose is adjusted.

How long should I wait between treatments?

The face can be treated every four weeks, while on the body eight to twelve weeks apart is recommended.

Does the laser pose any risk to my health?

Pregnant women should not be lasered, especially in the abdominal and intimate areas. Otherwise, birthmarks should be strictly avoided. Tattoos would also burn under the laser light. In general, you need a good device.

Is it painful? Is an anesthetic cream applied?

If the hair is caught sufficiently during laser epilation, you will feel it in the form of a warm prick. The skin is cooled with cold air during the entire treatment, so the treatment is only slightly painful. Unfortunately, anesthetic creams do not penetrate deep enough into the skin to alleviate this pain, which reflects the effect. Anesthetizing the epidermis is dangerous because a possible burn is not felt in time.
Further information

Further information

Publications
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Adjuvant therapy with laser and botulinum toxin A.
Nienstedt, R./Karwath, M./Navarini, A./Rümmelein, B. / Leading Opinions Dermatology & Plastic Surgery 2021; 3: 6-8.
Article
Hair in the ears
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Beard for women
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Explained: Laser hair removal in the genital area
Dr. med. C. Bettina Rümmelein

Further information

Publications
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Adjuvant therapy with laser and botulinum toxin A.
Nienstedt, R./Karwath, M./Navarini, A./Rümmelein, B. / Leading Opinions Dermatology & Plastic Surgery 2021; 3: 6-8.
Article
Hair in the ears
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Beard for women
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Explained: Laser hair removal in the genital area
Dr. med. C. Bettina Rümmelein