Laser depilation

Laser hair removal in Arcadia Clinic Krakow

Arcadia Clinic services can be used by anyone who wants to permanently remove unwanted hair. Our qualified team will carry out the laser hair removal process safely and non-invasively, guaranteeing the best results. The treatment we offer is performed on a professional and modern epilation device.

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How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal treatment is based on the use of a laser beam which, by penetrating deep into the skin, destroys the hair matrix. The laser works only on cells in their growth phase, i.e. the anagen phase . In the case of leg hair, the anagen phase lasts up to 12 weeks. Hence, it is impossible to remove unwanted hair in a single visit. Therefore, a series of several laser hair removal treatments is required to achieve the desired results. The number of treatments is determined by the hair growth phase and is selected individually for each patient.

Depilation versus epilation - what's the difference?

Depending on the epilation method chosen, unwanted hair disappears for a shorter or longer period of time. Mechanical methods such as epilation with a disposable razor, home epilator or wax are sometimes not enough – we are looking for a treatment that gets rid of excess hair for a long time. If this is the case, a safe laser hair removal treatment is the way to go. People who are interested in laser hair removal often come across the term “laser epilation” and wonder, what is the difference between epilation and hair removal?

Depilation is a non-permanent method of removing hair from our body. It is done in a mechanical way, removing only the hair without disturbing its matrix. Depilation often leads to irritated skin and the effect of so-called ‘strawberry legs’ covered with small red dots, which look unsightly and can be painful. At-home epilation is expensive, due to the purchase of the necessary accessories: razors, gels, shaving foams, waxes or epilators. In order to achieve smooth skin, epilation must be repeated regularly, which can often be a nuisance, especially for those with hard and thick hair.

Epilation is the permanent removal of hair follicles using a laser. Under the influence of the laser beam, epilation destroys the only living part of the hair – the hair follicle together with the matrix, thanks to which the hair is removed permanently and will not grow back in this place. Deciding on epilation treatment, we are sure that we have dealt with excessive hair for a long time. Laser epilation is an effective and very comfortable solution, as we do not have to deal with the problem of ingrown hairs and irritated body skin.

Types of laser hair removal

Two types of laser hair removal are most commonly seen in aesthetic medicine practices. Depending on the colour of the hair and the condition of the skin, the treatment is tailored to the patient for best results.

IPL depilation

IPL hair removal is also called photodepilation, because technically no laser beam is used during this treatment. The IPL hair removal apparatus emits a light beam which only acts on the pigment in our hair – it heats it up so that the entire root is destroyed without the risk of damaging the surrounding skin. This method of hair removal is less effective than the classic laser, which is why it is best suited to light-coloured hair.

Laser hair removal offers the possibility of effectively and quickly epilating all surfaces on the body. The laser energy beam penetrates the skin and is absorbed by melanin. It is then converted into heat, which leads to damage of the hair matrix. The damage to the hair matrix prevents the hair from growing again. The hair is completely removed and there is no irritation on the body. As with photodepilation, laser hair removal only works on hair in the active growth phase, so the patient must use a series of treatments to achieve the best results.

What does a laser hair removal treatment look like?

During a laser hair removal treatment, a head equipped with a laser diode with an optical power of 400 W and a light length of 808 nm is applied to the treatment area. The device cools the treatment area to a level of 1°C, making the entire process comfortable.

The laser beam reaches the hair bulb, where it is absorbed by melanin. During this process, mechanical energy is created that irreversibly destroys the bulb. The beam emitted by the laser is completely safe and only penetrates up to 2 mm into the skin. The laser’s action is completely non-invasive to the rest of the body.

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Laser hair removal – which areas can we epilate?

Laser hair removal can be used to epilate the following areas on the body:

– bikini area,

– face,

– legs,

– hands,

– chest,

– neck.

Laser hair removal – for whom?

Laser hair removal is suitable for both men and women. It is especially recommended to people in whom traditional methods of hair removal fail and irritation occurs. The laser hair removal treatment effectively removes excessive hair, leaving the skin smooth for a very long time.

Laser hair removal is also recommended for people struggling with folliculitis. It is the most effective method of getting rid of folliculitis, as it completely eliminates the cause of the problem, i.e. the hair follicles.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Laser hair removal is not a pleasant procedure, but discomfort can be significantly reduced. To this end, a professional device cools the treatment area to a temperature of 1°C, making the treatment more comfortable.

An important determinant of pain during the treatment is the type of body part on which hair removal takes place. This is related to the anatomy: skin thickness and innervation. Depilation of the bikini, armpits and upper lip will hurt more than areas with thicker skin, such as the legs.

For women, the pain during laser hair removal can be determined by the day of the menstrual cycle. There are days when women feel pain more and are more sensitive to it, hence epilation hurts more.

Laser hair removal - does skin or hair colour matter?

Laser hair removal works best for people with fair skin and dark hair. This is because the pigment contrast makes it easier for the laser to irritate the roots and weaken them. The colour of the skin or hair also plays a role in the pain experienced during a laser hair removal treatment. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment, melanin, which is found in the hair and skin. People with darker skin and dark hair may find the treatment more uncomfortable.

However, it is important to remember that laser technology has now developed strongly and manufacturers, as well as aesthetic practitioners, are trying to minimise pain during the procedure.

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?

Avoid sunbathing and the use of self-tanners before your laser hair removal treatment. During sunbathing, the level of melanin in the skin increases, so that the laser beam will capture not only the hair but also the pigment in the skin. The laser beam will scatter, which will weaken the effectiveness of the treatment and make the whole process less comfortable.

Also refrain from waxing and sugar paste epilation, as these techniques can deform and weaken the hair roots. 4 weeks before your laser hair removal treatment, you should stop taking photosensitising medicines and those containing vitamins A and C in their composition. To reduce pain during the treatment, remember to moisturise your skin properly, but come to the treatment with cleansed skin, free of any lotions and moisturising creams. Immediately before laser hair removal, get rid of your hair with a razor.

Side effects of laser hair removal

The natural symptom occurring immediately after treatment is redness and a slight burning sensation of the skin. This is a completely normal phenomenon that does not need to be worried about. Often, to avoid serious post-treatment consequences, a laser test is carried out to assess the skin’s reaction to the laser light and to determine the patient’s pain threshold. With this information, the specialist can plan the treatment accordingly and prepare the ideal parameters for the device.

In order to minimise the risk of side effects of laser hair removal, the most important rule is to follow the cosmetologist’s recommendations. Hot baths, tanning beds and sunbathing should be avoided for the first few weeks. For several weeks after the treatment, the skin is very sensitive, so it is advisable to take special care of it so that it is not irritated and injured.

Laser hair removal treatment in Arcadia Clinic Krakow

The Arcadia Clinic aesthetic medicine and cosmetology salon in Krakow offers an effective laser hair removal treatment. During a free consultation, the specialist will carry out a detailed interview regarding health, skin condition and propose an individual number of treatments guaranteeing effective and permanent removal of excessive hair.

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