Medical laser hair removal

Medical laser hair removal rests on a beam of light absorbed by melanin, the pigment contained in the hair; the light energy is converted there into heat, at the level of the hair and of the follicle, with the aim of reducing regrowth on the treated area. Only hairs in the growth phase remain sensitive at the time of the pass, and for this reason I favour a course of care organised over several spaced-out sessions, the number and rhythm of which, specific to each situation, are specified in consultation.

Prepared with care, the area is shaved before the session, the root left in place but the hair removed from the surface of the skin; hair removal with wax, tweezers or thread is to be discontinued during the period beforehand, according to the instructions given in consultation. Protective goggles are worn during the pass, the handpiece being applied to the area in successive passes. A sensation of tingling or of heat may be felt, and cooling measures may then be employed, the duration of the procedure depending on the extent of the area treated.

The laser may be considered on extensive surfaces of the body as well as on small areas of the face, its response depending on the phototype, on the colour and on the thickness of the hair; white, red or very fair hairs, which are low in pigment, react little or not at all to it. Certain situations lead to postponing the session, or indeed to not carrying it out, in particular skin recently exposed to the sun or tanned, the taking of photosensitising treatments, a lesion or a skin infection on the area, a pregnancy or certain medical history; and hair growth related to a hormonal disorder may warrant a prior work-up.

After the session, after-effects may occur, such as redness, swelling around the hair follicle openings or a sensation of heat, which most often subside spontaneously. Other effects, less frequent, remain possible, such as a change in pigmentation, the formation of crusts or a burn, in particular when the instructions on sun exposure are not followed; sun avoidance and photoprotection of the area concerned are therefore among the instructions, both before and after the session. My aim is to accompany each patient with measure and discernment, without ever making promises or rushing the procedure: a prior consultation is mandatory, because it allows the skin and the hair to be assessed, the course of the procedure and the risks to be set out, and a determination to be made as to whether the procedure is indicated. It may not be.