Permanent hair removal in Munich – with medical advice

In laser hair removal, focused light of a specific wavelength hits the skin. The dark pigment in the hair, melanin, absorbs the energy and converts it into heat. This heat is conducted down to the hair root. The aim is to weaken the root so that it produces no new hair, or only a finer hair. Specialists call this selective photothermolysis: the light acts specifically where there is pigment, and the surrounding skin is meant to be spared as far as possible. This only works if the device and settings suit skin type and hair. That is why a careful medical assessment of skin and hair comes first in every treatment.

In medicine, permanent hair removal means that hair growth is reduced markedly and over a long period. It does not mean that no hair will ever grow again. After a complete series of treatments, individual, mostly finer and lighter hairs may remain, and some hair roots become active again after years. Hormonal changes, for example during the menopause or with PCOS, can also stimulate new hairs. Individual top-up sessions are then possible. Knowing this beforehand helps you put the result in perspective. That is why in the consultation we talk openly about what you can realistically expect for your skin and hair – without promises, but with an honest assessment.

Hair grows in cycles. In the growth phase, the anagen phase, the hair is firmly attached to the root and well pigmented – only then does the laser reach the root effectively. At the same time, only some of the hairs are ever in this phase; the rest are resting or just falling out. That is why several sessions at intervals of a few weeks are needed, so that as many hairs as possible are gradually hit in their growth phase. How many sessions you need depends on body area, hair density, hair colour and hormone levels. You will get an initial assessment in the consultation; as we go along, we adjust the plan.

Dark hair on light skin is well suited: the contrast means the light reaches mainly the hair and less the skin. With darker skin, the skin also absorbs more light; particular caution is needed here to avoid burns or pigment spots. Whether treatment is possible on darker skin depends on the device and the settings – we clarify this in the consultation. Very light, red, grey or white hair contains hardly any melanin, so the laser can barely reach it. Tanned skin is more sensitive. Please therefore avoid sun, sunbeds and self-tanning products before and after the sessions.

When women grow hair where it is otherwise typical in men – for example on the chin, upper lip, chest or abdomen – specialists speak of hirsutism. One possible cause is an excess of male hormones (androgens), for example in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often accompanied by cycle disorders, blemished skin or an unfulfilled wish for a child. The menopause, certain medications or diseases of the adrenal glands can also change hair growth. The laser treats only the visible hair, not its cause. As a gynaecology practice, we can investigate the cause through conversation, ultrasound and hormone analysis and treat it if needed – so that hair removal and therapy go together.

Before treatment, hair should not be removed with the root – so no epilating, waxing or plucking in the weeks beforehand, because the laser needs the hair root. Shaving is allowed and is usually wanted before the session. Avoid sun, sunbeds and self-tanning products before and afterwards, and use a high sun protection factor afterwards. After treatment the skin may be red, slightly swollen or warm, similar to mild sunburn; this usually subsides soon. In individual cases blisters, crusts or pigment changes occur. Please tell us if you take medication that increases sensitivity to light, such as certain antibiotics or St John's wort.