The duration of a treatment session depends on the size of the area to be treated. Treatment of the upper lip takes about ten minutes. For treatment of the legs, you should expect to spend about one hour per session.

The life cycle of a hair is divided into three phases: growth phase, transition phase, and resting phase. Only hairs that are in the anagen phase (growth phase) can be treated, which is approximately 20 to 30 percent of all hairs. After about six to eight weeks, another part of the hair roots becomes active and can now be treated. For this reason, several treatments are necessary for permanent hair removal.

With modern Alexandrite, YAG, and diode lasers and IPL Ellipse systems, our medical and laser center offers a wide range of treatment options for all hair and skin types. After a preliminary consultation and thorough examination, we can select the right treatment method for you and create your individual treatment plan. Most northern and southern European types can be treated with the Alexandrite laser. For darker skin types with very deep-rooted hair, we recommend treatment with the YAG laser, which has been specially developed for dark skin types. In general, the ideal conditions for all treatment methods are light skin and dark hair. Very blonde or gray hair cannot be removed with laser or IPL methods because the hair lacks the pigment melanin. For lighter hair or very dark skin, we recommend a trial treatment to test the effectiveness of the procedure and the reaction of the skin and hair.

Long-term studies conducted over several years (see also Studies/Download) prove the permanence of hair removal with both IPL and laser technology. The studies also show that laser hair removal is significantly more effective than IPL. Hair density is reduced after just one treatment. Approximately six to eight sessions are required for good results. The number of hairs decreases after each treatment. The response to laser treatment varies from person to person and cannot be predicted exactly. Dark, relatively thick hair is best suited for laser treatment. We have been performing these treatments for more than ten years now with very good results and to the satisfaction of our customers and patients.

The Alexandrite laser has proven to be very effective for hair removal. The laser emits light at a specific wavelength (755 nm). The light pulses penetrate the upper layer of skin and are transported via the melanin in the hair to the hair root, which is then destroyed. A hair root treated in this way is no longer able to produce new hair. The skin is gently cooled during laser treatment by the integrated cooling system (DCD – Dynamic Cool Device). Laser therapy is particularly effective on dark hair, as it contains sufficient amounts of the pigment melanin.

Both the Alexandrite laser procedure and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology destroy the hair follicle. Unlike lasers, flash lamps generate short, intense pulses of light with a wavelength of 645–950 nm. A cooling gel is applied to the previously shaved hair before treatment. As with laser technology, the energy is transported to the hair follicle via the hairline. There, a thermal reaction causes the nutrient cells of the hair root to be destroyed. A hair root treated in this way is no longer able to produce new hair.

In principle, IPL, FPL, CPL, and devices that use radiofrequency therapy are lasers. However, genuine lasers, such as the Alexandrite, diode, and YAG lasers, are approved for professional use in medical centers, dermatology practices, university hospitals, and certified medical facilities. IPL (FPL, CPL), and RFT devices may also be operated by cosmeticians. Almost every IPL manufacturer, but also almost every user, entices customers with the claim that they use the latest and most advanced system. These claims are problematic because the average customer can hardly distinguish which system achieves the desired effect for which treatments with which quality standards. To be on the safe side, clinical studies on the system used should be available, conducted by dermatologists or university hospitals. There are actually only two technologies for permanent hair removal, namely the laser and IPL methods. With IPL systems, there are significant differences in quality between the individual devices. A distinction can mainly be made between cosmetic and medical IPL systems, which differ primarily in terms of effectiveness and treatment quality.

At Laderma, we use both lasers and IPL for our treatments in order to offer you the most effective method tailored precisely to your skin and hair type. As part of the quality standards of Laderma aesthetic centers and the medical and laser center, the holistic treatment concept plays a crucial role. Only after a thorough examination and analysis of the desired body area is the individual treatment procedure determined.

You should avoid intense sunbathing and solarium visits for approximately three to four weeks prior to treatment. This also applies to the period after treatment. At least 14 days prior to treatment, you should not epilate, wax, or pluck the hair on the area of the body to be treated. You should also refrain from using depilatory creams, bleaching, or lightening the hair. Please shave the area to be treated one day before the treatment. For facial treatments, make-up must be removed and the skin thoroughly cleansed before the treatment. To maintain a good acid balance in the skin, it is important that you drink enough fluids regularly. Please make sure you drink 1½ to 2 liters of water, fruit juice, herbal or fruit tea every day.

Our methods can be used to treat all areas of the body. The procedures are equally suitable for treatments on the legs, intimate areas, back, and face.

The laser and light pulses hitting the skin can be felt as a slight tingling or prickling sensation. Under certain circumstances, the treatment can also be painful. If you have any concerns, we will be happy to apply a test pulse to your skin during the consultation so that you can get an idea of what it feels like.

Treatments with our IPL or laser systems during the summer months are safe, provided that the rules of conduct that should be followed when sunbathing are observed: Sunburn should be avoided by using a sunscreen with a protection factor appropriate for your skin type. By taking this simple precaution, IPL and laser treatments can easily be combined with your other summer activities. If your vacation plans require you to interrupt your treatment for a longer period of time (longer than the usual treatment breaks of four to eight weeks), this is possible. In this case, please consult with our practice team.

Hair removal clinics are popping up like mushrooms. If you are not familiar with the subject, it is difficult to distinguish good providers from bad ones. Here are the ten most important tips:

1. Ask about the training of the person performing the treatment. Medical training and extensive experience are essential.

2. Don't trust marketing claims such as: “We have third (fourth, fifth) generation IPL!” There is only a difference between the first and second generations of IPL. This is technical and only affects the water cooling of the applicator in the second generation.

3. A detailed consultation is essential. The practitioner should provide you with comprehensive information about the treatment and technology. Be sure to ask all your questions—a good practitioner will be happy to take the time to answer them.

4. A thorough preliminary examination is very important. An accurate diagnosis of the hair and skin on the area of the body to be treated is crucial for the long-term success of permanent hair removal.

5. Ask to see and have the treatment system explained to you. A good practitioner will take the time to explain everything to you in detail. 6. Is the equipment ISO-certified? Take a look at the system. Be wary of tabletop machines without adequate cooling. The use of techniques and equipment that have been tested and are safe for the patient's health is a basic prerequisite for successful treatment.

7. Is the treatment environment hygienic and professionally equipped?

8. What promises are you being given? You should always be wary of exaggerated, promotional advertising and inflated prices, and never be tempted solely by cheap offers.

9. Be wary of offers for multiple treatments of the treatment areas. When using a good treatment system, it is not necessary to treat the areas multiple times during a single session.

10. Is it possible to speak with patients who have already been treated? A competent practitioner will be willing to either put you in touch with a previous patient or allow you to view documentation of past treatments.

Treatment is possible during pregnancy in areas that do not come into contact with the baby, such as the face, forearms, and lower legs. We cannot offer treatment of the intimate area, stomach, back, and thighs during pregnancy.

In principle, this is possible, except on the chest, as the risk of infection cannot be ruled out.

In principle, laser hair removal is also possible with silicone implants, except on the chest, as the laser generates heat.

Permanent hair removal does not cause any damage, as the Alexandrite laser only works on the uppermost layer of skin. This layer of skin is constantly being renewed by the body. During a consultation, our medically trained staff will explain the entire treatment process to you in detail. The measures you should take before and after the treatment will also be discussed in detail.

Laser treatment with medical lasers is not carcinogenic, as category four lasers, such as those we use, do not produce carcinogenic rays.

The cost of permanent laser hair removal depends on the area being treated. For example, the upper lip and bikini line are less expensive than leg hair removal.

In individual cases, statutory health insurance will also cover permanent hair removal, but this must be clarified with your health insurance provider. Private health insurance providers are generally more willing to cover epilation.