Laser epilation

If a man doesn’t like to shave very often or if his profession requires frequent changing of clothes and hair growth is undesirable (sports, dancing, public performance, etc.), laser epilation is a convenient solution. The procedure is also recommended for men with increased hair growth and discomfort (such as excessive sweating). Medical indications for laser epilation for men include individual intolerance to shaving devices, recurrent folliculitis, a large number of ingrown hairs or a personal desire to epilate.

Laser epilation is a method of hair removal that uses a laser beam to destroy hair follicles without damaging the skin. It’s a fast and effective medical procedure with long-lasting results that reduces unwanted hair growth and helps with ingrown hairs.

 In which areas is laser epilation performed for men?

Laser epilation can be performed in all areas, for example:

• in the facial area around the beard, eyebrows, upper lip or chin, or the whole face
• on the neck
• on the back
• on the shoulders
• on the chest
• on the stomach
• in the armpits
• on the buttocks
• on the arms
• on the legs
• in the groin area

The lasers used in laser epilation work on the principle of selective photothermolysis. This means that the laser pulse absorbs the hair pigment, which results in the destruction of the hair follicle. The hairs then do not get enough nutrients, their growth slows down and they partially fall out after the first procedure. The procedure removes existing hair and prevents the formation and growth of new and ingrown hairs. Depending on the patient’s individual characteristics, hair regrowth is reduced by 80-99% after a course of 6-12 treatments, performed four to six weeks apart.

It is important to remember that during laser hair removal treatment, you can only shave or use a shaving or epilation cream. You must not wax or pluck hairs, as the hair must have a root, which is destroyed by the laser. Otherwise, the procedure will not produce the desired result.

What are the contraindications for laser epilation?

• Tanned skin – avoid sunbathing for at least three to four weeks before the procedure, including going to the solarium and using self-tan products
• Open wounds, active inflammation
• Active herpes
• Skin diseases in the acute phase
• A large number of birthmarks in the epilation area
• If you suffer from oncological diseases, diseases of the immune system, diabetes, epilepsy, HIV infection, prior consultation with your doctor and specialist is necessary
• The procedure is not performed during antibiotic treatment (at least 1 month must have passed since the end of the treatment)
• At least 6 months must have passed since taking photosensitizing drugs (isotretinoin, retinoid drugs).
• For those under 18 years of age, the procedure is performed only with the consent of a parent or guardian

Contraindications are relative, and the final decision about the procedure is made by a specialist during a personal examination and consultation immediately before the procedure.

How to prepare for the procedure?

• Shave the hair one day before the procedure in the area to be epilated (hair length must not exceed 1-2 mm on the day of the procedure).
• Avoid tanning for at least two weeks before the treatment, including visiting the solarium (risk of pigmentation).
• Avoid plucking hairs and waxing during the laser epilation treatment. At least four weeks must have passed since plucking and waxing.
• Avoid the use of cosmetics/creams in the epilation area on the day of the procedure.
• As the laser beam only works on hairs in the active growth phase, the procedure must be repeated at 4-6 week intervals. The procedure also needs to be repeated because one procedure alone is not enough to completely remove the hairs.

What should you take into consideration after the procedure?

• Redness of the skin may occur, which usually disappears within 2-4 hours.
• Avoid going to the sauna, hot bath or swimming pool for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid sunbathing for at least two weeks after the procedure, including visiting a solarium (risk of pigmentation).
• After the procedure, you can apply a soothing hypoallergenic cream (Bepathen or Panthenol) to the epilated area.