Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. During the treament, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. 6-8 laser hair removal sessions are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types in Athems, in Crete, in Kos, In Chania, in Heraklion, in Rethymnon, in Aghios Nikolaos, in Ierapetra, in Sitia.

Why it's done. Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair anywhere but usually at legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. 

How you prepare. Before laser hair removal, we review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures. We also discuss risks, benefits and expectations.It's very critical:

Staying out of the sun. Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.

Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. 

Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.

Shaving treatment area. Trimming and shaving is recommended 1-3 days before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

Laser types for hair removal. They include Alexandrite Laser (755 nm of Candela) which are best for lighter hair and Mediterranean skin types. The triple energy Diode Laser (810 nm of Alma) are safer in darker skin, while the Nd/YAG Laser (1064 nm of Candela) have better penetration, less epidermal damage and relatively less melanin absorption. 

The electrolysis is another type of hair removal technique which also disrupts hair growth. The process works by inserting an epilator device into the skin. It uses shortwave radio frequencies in hair follicles to stop new hair from growing. This damages your hair follicles to prevent growth and causes existing hairs to fall out and is ideal for facial hair 

All the above types of hair removal have amazing results when they are combined with eflornithine cream (Vaniqa): this medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted hair mainly on the face and under the chin but generally on all body. It blocks a certain natural substance that is needed for hair growth in the skin. This effect slows hair growth and may also make the hair finer and lighter when is used twice a day for 3-4 moths after hair removal. 

What you can expect. Laser hair removal usually requires 6-8 treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in 4-8 weeks. For each treatment you'll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. 

During the procedure. Depending the laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you'll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel. Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.

After the procedure. You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area. After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don't use a tanning bed for six weeks or. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.

Results. Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. Take a look at www.myplasticsurgery.gr/en/cosmetic-procedures-greece/skin-cosmetic/alexandrite-laser-hair-removal/