TL;DR:
- What it is: Laser hair removal uses concentrated laser light to target melanin in hair, damaging follicles and inhibiting growth. The VECTUS laser offers precision and customization.
- Body areas treated: Legs, underarms, chin, bikini area, back, chest, shoulders, and small hard-to-reach areas.
- Pre-treatment prep: Avoid tanning (4 weeks), plucking/waxing (1 month), shave the area beforehand, and skip lotions/creams on treatment day.
- Sessions needed: 4–8 treatments every 4–6 weeks; follow up with annual booster sessions.
- Contraindications: Avoid if pregnant, nursing, have cancer, active skin conditions, epilepsy, pacemaker, or photosensitizing therapies. Light hair may not respond.
- Temporary precautions: Stop tanning, exfoliants, retinoids, light-sensitizing meds/herbs, or antibiotics. Wait after illness, surgery, vaccinations (2–6 weeks).
- Post-treatment care: Avoid sun, SPF 50 required, skip hot baths/saunas/exercise; use soothing products (aloe, panthenol). Results show in days.
- Reviews: Positive feedback highlights smooth, irritation-free skin and painless treatments with the VECTUS laser.
Laser hair removal is a modern method of hair removal. However, before you decide to undergo the procedure, it is worth knowing the contraindications that can affect its course and final results. From our article you will learn who should be careful and when it is better to give up this form of hair removal to avoid complications.
What does laser hair removal consist of?
In-salon laser hair removal is an innovative method of hair removal that uses a concentrated beam of laser light that penetrates deep into the skin. This light is absorbed by melanin, a pigment present in hair, leading to damage to the hair follicle and inhibiting further growth. Laser hair removal treatments are a way to have smooth skin without the need for frequent shaving or waxing. At our OT.CO Clinic aesthetic medicine clinic, we use the advanced VECTUS laser, which, thanks to its precision, allows the treatment to be customized to the individual patient's needs, ensuring results and comfort.
What areas of the body can be depilated with laser?
An extremely versatile treatment that allows you to remove hair from almost any area of the body is laser hair removal. Warsaw is a city where you can have almost any part of your body treated in our beauty salon. One of the most popular areas is the legs – both calves and thighs – which allows for smooth skin without regular shaving. Underarm depilation is another popular option, especially appreciated by people who want to reduce not only hair, but also the problem of excessive sweating. Laser depilation of the chin in women helps get rid of small, troublesome hairs. Laser is also excellent for the bikini area, where it precisely removes hair, providing comfort on a daily basis and during vacations. Laser hair removal in men involves the back, chest or shoulder area, allowing you to enjoy smooth skin and a well-groomed look. Whether you want to remove hair from large areas of the body or small, hard-to-reach areas, laser hair removal is a solution that offers precision and results. It's worth mentioning that the treatment is tailored to individual skin and hair needs, making it suitable for different skin types.
What are the recommendations before performing a laser hair removal procedure?
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is important to properly prepare the skin to ensure the comfort of the procedure and minimize the risk of irritation. The principles of laser hair removal focus on:
- avoiding intense tanning, whether in the sun or in a tanning bed, for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. Tanned skin may be more susceptible to irritation, and the laser will have a harder time capturing hair follicles;
- limiting, a month before the procedure, hair removal by mechanical methods such as wax, tweezers and depilatories. depilating the hair along with the follicle will weaken the effect of the laser, which targets precisely the hair follicles;
- preparing the skin the day before the procedure by shaving the selected area with a razor so that the laser can effectively reach the hair follicle. Longer hair can lead to excessive heating of the skin and discomfort;
- avoiding lotions, creams or other cosmetics on the depilated area on the day of the procedure. The skin should be clean and dry to avoid reactions to cosmetic ingredients in combination with the laser action.
By following these recommendations, laser hair removal will translate into better results and greater comfort during the procedure.
How often does a laser hair removal treatment need to be repeated?
Many people are curious, how long does laser hair removal last? Laser hair removal is a way to permanently remove hair, but a series of treatments is necessary to enjoy the full effect. Usually 4 to 8 sessions are recommended at intervals of 4-6 weeks, depending on individual characteristics such as hair thickness, hair color and the area of the body being depilated. Why do you need several treatments for laser hair removal? Hair grows in cycles, and the laser works on those that are in the growth phase. Since not all hairs grow at the same time, it is necessary to remove them systematically to hit all hair follicles. Once the series is completed, you can expect long-lasting results, but to maintain perfectly smooth skin, it is recommended to perform so-called "booster treatments" every 6-12 months. This allows you to enjoy hair-free skin for many years.
Laser depilation – when not to do the procedure?
Laser hair removal is a proven procedure, but like any aesthetic medicine method, it is not suitable for everyone. There are several contraindications that can rule out the possibility of laser hair removal. The procedure is not performed in people suffering from cancer and in those who use hormonal therapies containing photosensitizing hormones. The laser will also not work on light-colored hair, as it lacks the melanin necessary for the laser to work. Therefore, laser hair removal in blondes may not work. People with photodermatoses, blistering skin diseases, vitiligo, psoriasis or marbled skin should avoid laser hair removal due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms. Additional contraindications include epilepsy and having a pacemaker. It is also worth exercising caution if your skin tends to develop hyperpigmentation or scarring. The procedure is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, for the safety of mother and child. It is always a good idea to consult a specialist before undergoing laser hair removal, who will tell you what you can't before laser hair removal.
What are the temporal limitations of performing laser hair removal?
In addition to permanent contraindications, there are also many temporary reasons why laser hair removal should be postponed. For example, if you used hair removal methods by plucking before the procedure , you must wait at least 4 weeks. Similarly, preparations containing vitamin A, retinoids and vitamin C, as well as cosmetics that exfoliate the skin should be discontinued with the procedure. If you are on oral retinoid therapy, a 6-month break is necessary before proceeding with laser hair removal. It is also important to discontinue light-sensitizing medications and herbs, such as St. John's wort, calendula or certain herbal teas, for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment. The procedure should not be performed during colds, active inflammation, or skin infections. Laser hair removal after surgery or recent operations will also not be performed – the treated area must be completely healed. If vaccinations have been performed, a two-week waiting period is recommended, as well as after a completed antibiotic treatment. Tanned skin, both from the sun and self-tanners, also requires a break – 4 to 6 weeks for natural tans, and the treatment can be performed only after the self-tanner effect has completely disappeared. Laser hair removal treatments are best postponed until after the vacations. Following these recommendations will help you carry out laser hair removal, minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring optimal results.
What are the recommendations after laser hair removal treatment?
Performed laser hair removal treatments require that you take proper care of your skin and ensure its regeneration. Immediately after the session, the skin may be slightly irritated and red, so we recommend using gentle, soothing cosmetics, such as gels with aloe vera or creams with panthenol to help soothe the skin. Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after treatment, and if you go outside, always use a cream with a high SPF 50 sunscreen. Skin after laser hair removal is more sensitive to UV rays, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation. Recommendations after laser hair removal also include avoiding hot baths, saunas, swimming pools and intense exercise so as not to irritate the skin. The use of exfoliating cosmetics or scrubs is also inadvisable. Hair that has been treated may fall out for a few days after the session – a natural process that demonstrates the effects of the treatment. For better results, follow the recommended intervals between sessions and take care of your skin according to the guidelines of a specialist from our aesthetic medicine clinic.
What are the opinions about laser hair removal?
Our patients' reviews of laser hair removal at the OT.CO Clinic in Warsaw are extremely positive. Patients often emphasize that the procedure not only met their expectations, but also transformed their daily comfort. Many point out that after just a few sessions, they noticed a significant reduction in hair, and their skin became smooth and free of irritation that previously appeared after traditional depilation methods, such as shaving or waxing. read more Laser hair removal treatments at OT.CO Clinic are virtually painless thanks to modern equipment – the VECTUS laser. The treatment is comfortable, and our specialists make sure that every visit is pleasant. No need for constant hair removal and the comfort of smooth skin every day – these are just some of the reasons why patients opt for laser hair removal treatments.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal offers a game-changing solution for smooth skin with lasting results. It’s precise, customizable, and eliminates the hassle of shaving or waxing. To succeed, proper preparation, realistic expectations, and following specialist advice are crucial. While not suitable for everyone, it remains a safe, effective option for many. With the right care before, during, and after sessions, you can minimize risks and maximize benefits. If smooth, stress-free skin sounds ideal, this treatment could be your answer. Always consult a specialist to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.
