The Desire for Permanent Hair Removal
Flawless, smooth skin is considered desirable today. For many women, removing unwanted hair—especially in the underarm, leg, and bikini areas—is part of maintaining a well-groomed appearance.
But even isolated facial hairs are considered by many women to be extremely bothersome and unattractive.
For this reason, (temporary) hair removal through epilation or depilation is a matter of course for many people. Due to time constraints, permanent hair removal is often performed at the same time.
Some men also wish to have their facial hair permanently removed to save themselves the hassle of shaving. Removing underarm, shoulder, and back hair is also a concern for some men.
Modern aesthetic medicine now offers ways to fulfill this desire, at least for a while.
Effectiveness of Permanent Hair Removal Treatments
A treatment is considered effective if, after multiple sessions, there is an improvement in both the quality and quantity of hair growth.
Good results are usually achieved after multiple treatments with a laser or intense pulsed light (IPL). This is because the hair that regrows after treatment is finer than before.
The number of hairs per square centimeter is also lower after treatment than before. Both the quality and quantity of hair growth change.
The more treatments performed, the more noticeable the improvement in both quality and quantity.
Thanks to the various treatment options available, the doctor can remove unwanted hair with minimal effort.
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Hair Removal Methods for Permanent Hair Removal
By definition, hair removal is considered permanent if the treated area remains hair-free for more than three months. The methods listed below aim to destroy the hair follicle.
The long-term success of hair removal depends on:
- Destruction of the entire hair unit
- Hair matrix
- Hair papilla
The isolated destruction of either of these two components can still result in the growth of a new hair.
Permanent hair removal methods are only effective during the hair’s growth phase. Since not all hairs are in the growth phase at the same time, multiple treatments (5 to 7 sessions spaced 6 weeks apart) are recommended.
Electrolysis: In this procedure, the practitioner inserts a very fine steel probe into each hair follicle. The electrical energy delivered through the probe damages the hair growth cells.
Laser hair removal:
Long-pulsed diode, Nd:YAG, ruby, and alexandrite lasers are used. The doctor scans the area with the laser head. A topical anesthetic cream is applied beforehand.
The laser operates at a single wavelength and is therefore very precisely directed at its target structure. Modern devices have integrated surface cooling to protect the upper layer of skin.
IPL Treatment: The flash lamps are high-energy pulsed light systems (IPL / intense pulsed light). Technical specifications include a broad wavelength spectrum of 680–980 nm and a light energy of 10–45 J/cm².
The doctor applies a gel to the skin to scan the area with the treatment head.
The pulse duration and pulse sequence can be individually adjusted depending on skin type and hair color, similar to laser treatment.
After treatment with laser or IPL technology, the following side effects may occur:
- Localized redness
- Swelling and/or
- Scab formation
These side effects subside within a few days. You should avoid direct sunlight during the first few days.
Risks of Permanent Hair Removal
Since permanent hair removal procedures are more expensive, some people turn to more affordable beauty salons. However, the flash lamps used there emit significantly less energy.
The result may be that the hair follicles are only damaged and not permanently destroyed. The hair may regrow in a finer form.
The downside: A medical scanner can no longer detect the damaged hair follicles due to the weakened hair pigment. Permanent hair removal is then impossible.
