Laser hair removal
Table of contents:
Are you looking for a long-term solution against excessive hair growth? At o2 Clinic we offer the safest and most complete hair removal method thanks to the Definitive Plus laser device. Using three different wavelengths - unlike other laser devices - any type of hair can be treated at any time of the year, even melanated skin (not tanned by the sun). Dark hairs as well as light and thin hairs can be treated and eliminated quickly and efficiently.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser light of the the Definitive Plus laser device penetrates the hair follicle lying in the skin using the present melanin and damages it so that the hair does not grow back or slows down future hair growth, ultimately leading to a long-lasting and sometimes even permanent hair reduction result.
The same applies to laser depilation as to electrolysis depilation: the hair is only removed when it is in the right stage of the growth cycle. This consists of the growth phase, the transitional phase and the resting phase. The treatment is most effective during the growth phase. The beautician cannot change the growth cycle, so treatments must be repeated to treat hairs that were not in the right phase.
Each pulse of the laser takes only a fraction of a second, but can target several hairs at once. Each pulse can cover an area the size of a 1 euro coin. The big advantage is that it is relatively painless.
Which areas can be treated using laser?
Thanks to the wide range of wavelengths, our laser offers an efficient and long-lasting solution for every part of the body: between the eyebrows, upper lip, cheeks, armpits, arms, legs, beard, pubic area and back.
When will you see results?
The number of treatments required for long-term hair removal differs from person to person and depends on:
- The area to be treated.
- The pigment of your skin.
- The colour of your hair.
At o2 Clinic, we see this treatment as a way to permanently reduce and temporarily remove your hair. With a bit of luck, some of your dark hairs will be permanently removed.
Advantages of semi-permanent hair removal using laser
- Professional and painless semipermanent hair removal
- Reduction of hair growth by 30 to 50% after only 1 or 2 sessions
- Short treatment time
- No anaesthesia required
- Maximum treatment comfort thanks to the cooling head
- Optimal results
- Suitable for all skin types, including tanned skin
- Skin types I-VI, any type of hair colour and thickness can be treated
Which results can you expect?
Clinically proven: more than 95% of our patients report hair reduction over 80% after 6 to 8 treatments. The hair becomes finer, lighter, fewer and grows more slowly. After 1 or 2 sessions, hair reduction over 30% to 50% is reported in all cases.
When do we not recommend laser hair removal?
We do not recommend laser treatment in the following cases:
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Fever
- Sunburn
- Epilepsy
- Certain medications (roaccutane, isotretoin/vitamin A cream, antidepressants, St. John's wort, antibiotics)
- Pacemaker
- Autoimmune diseases
How many sessions will you need?
As mentioned before, this varies from person to person. On average, three to seven treatments are required to achieve the desired result. A treatment session lasts between 15 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the treatment area.
Five to six treatments, with at least 28 days in between to allow the skin to recover, are usually sufficient for small areas of skin such as your face, underarms or bikini line. Larger areas such as legs, chest and back require a more intensive treatment with six weeks rest in between each session.
Your laser hair removal in four steps
1Book your consultation first if needed
If you are not sure whether you are a suitable candidate, you can book an initial consultation. During your initial consultation, a patch test may be performed if there is any doubt about your skin type. Our specialists use the results of this test to adjust the laser settings to your skin so that the treatment can be performed safely.
You will also receive further details of the process, what to expect, how many sessions you may need, etc. Please do not remove any facial or body hair beforehand to make it easier for them to draw up your personal treatment plan.
2Book your first treatment
When you come in for your actual treatment, be sure to shave the area that has to be treated the day before. We do this to optimally use the time of your session and to avoid burnt hairs and smells.
3Your next treatments
After the first treatment, you will know what is going to happen and how many treatments you will likely have. Before your treatments you should keep in mind the following:
- Do not epilate or wax in the three months prior to or during your treatment.
- Shaving, bleaching or trimming the hair isn’t a problem.
- Avoid exposure to the sun for two weeks before your treatment. Exposure to the sun makes the treatment less effective and increases the chance of subsequent complications (more pigment in the skin).
4What happens after your treatments?
On the day of your laser treatment, your skin may be red and swollen. This varies from one person to another and it is temporary. The treated skin surface may be painful. This pain does not last longer than two days. The hair starts to fall out during the days following your laser treatment. After your laser hair removal, you should definitely remember the following:
- Your skin may become lighter or darker, which is usually temporary.
- In rare cases, treatment may lead to the formation of crusts, blisters, scars or a change in the skin structure.
- In some exceptional cases, treated hair may turn grey or hair may start to grow excessively in the area that has been treated.
- Do not expose your skin to the sun for 1 week after your treatment.
We are doing our very best to keep this information up-to-date. In case you see anything that no longer seems accurate, or in case you have a question, please fill out the form below!