Laser hair removal - Paris 16th

The principle of depilatory lasers is to destroy the hair by targeting its root and burning it permanently (photothermolysis). The light energy produced by the laser is absorbed by melanin, the hair's black pigment, and is then transformed into heat at this target, and transmitted along the hair shaft to the back of the hair follicle.

This process uses heat to destroy the hair's deep germinative structures, so that it can no longer selectively grow back, without damaging other skin structures. Hair removal is definitive: a destroyed hair cannot regenerate.

This mode of action of laser hair removal has two consequences :

• the hair shaft must be in contact with the hair bulb, which only targets hairs in the anagen phase, i.e. the growth phase. They are then sensitive to the effect of laser treatment, which is no longer the case when the hair is in the involution phase (catagen phase before shedding) or at rest (telogen phase). That's why it's essential to repeat sessions, spacing them out, to burn all the hairs throughout the entire hair cycle, as they return to the growth phase.
• Laser hair removal works on dark, melanin-rich hair, but not on light, white or red hair.

Dr. Santini always checks your hair to analyze the effect of the laser.

Throughout the session, both patient and doctor wear protective eyewear.

Dr. Santini's medical and dermatological knowledge is a real plus when it comes to setting up the protocol, so as to avoid unnecessary sessions. The number of sessions depends not only on hair density, but also on the length of the hair cycle, which varies from one area of the body to another.

On average, 5 to 10 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart are usually required. However, this figure may be higher or lower, depending on the area to be treated and the extent of hair growth. A doctor's art is to re-evaluate the protocol according to the regrowth observed, with sessions often closer together at the outset.

Each session should be spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart for the face and 6 to 8 weeks apart for the body. It's important to respect this interval to give the hair time to grow back and maximize the effect of laser hair removal.

During the initial consultation, Dr Christelle Santini will assess the number of sessions required and provide you with an estimate, so that you can make an informed decision. If necessary, she will re-evaluate the spacing between each laser appointment, to ensure optimal treatment comfort and efficacy.

Laser action is particularly effective on white skin with black hairs. In fact, a dark, melanin-rich hair is rapidly destroyed by the laser, whereas a very light, blond or white hair cannot be.

All these factors are assessed during the medical consultation with Dr. Santini. She will then be able to decide whether or not laser hair removal is feasible.

You should also be aware that hair removal from fine hair (down) or darker skin types requires precautions, both in the protocol and in the choice of medical laser.

There are different types of depilatory lasers, depending on your skin tone. The two most common are :

1. The Alexandrite laser
2. The Nd:YAG laser.

For lighter skin tones (phototypes 1 to 4), we recommend an Alexandrite laser. For darker skin tones (phototypes 5 and 6, dark and tanned skins), an Nd: YAG laser should be used.

Dr Christelle Santini is equipped with both technologies, which she can adapt and alternate if necessary, for an optimal permanent hair removal treatment adapted to your skin tone.

Choosing an aesthetic doctor for laser hair removal brings real added value:

• use of a real medical laser, powerful and safe;
• perfect knowledge of hair physiology according to area and patient;
• clinical examination to optimize the duration of sessions and their intervals, so as to avoid unnecessary sessions.

This medical eye is very important, because the laser can have a deleterious effect on certain lesions, such as a pre-cancerous mole. That's why laser hair removal remains a medical procedure, in which Dr. Santini takes every precaution to protect your skin and your health.

Laser hair removal offers many advantages over conventional methods:

• it's more practical, with an almost definitive look;
• it's more comfortable and less painful;
• it's more aesthetic, with pimple-free hair removal and no ingrown hairs, which enhances the sensuality of the touch on smooth, unblemished skin.
  smooth, beardless skin;
• it's healthier, with no chemicals to rub into the skin regularly.

It's essential to moisturize your skin after the session with a good moisturizing cream. Exposure to the sun is forbidden. Sunscreen should be used on sunny days, in sunny climates.

Compliance with the rules and precautions is essential to ensure a safe treatment. It is generally advisable to shave the day before the session, but not to wax. Patients taking medication should inform Dr. Santini, as photosensitizing products should be avoided.

On the big day, topical creams should not be applied to the treatment area, as they may interfere with the laser's effectiveness. As explained above, ideally the area should not be tanned, so that the laser can deliver its optimum power.

The results are considered "long-lasting", and are often referred to as near-permanent hair removal. In fact, the treatment destroys 90% of hairs, with a reduction in density and diameter on the remaining 10%. This is why annual maintenance is often recommended.

Results are often better in women than in men, as male hair is stimulated by androgens until andropause.

During a laser hair removal session, patients experience a tingling sensation. The treatment is not painful, but rather uncomfortable. For the most sensitive, it is possible to apply an anesthetic cream 1 hour before the session.

Dr. Santini has chosen premium laser hair removal technology, with an automatic skin cooling system, to reduce the sensation of pain during the session and make it more comfortable. At the end of the session, she applies a soothing, restorative cream to the treated area to soothe the sensation of heat and minor irritation.

Laser hair removal has certain relative or absolute contraindications:

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding, as a precautionary measure.
• Hair too light or white.
• Photosensitizing treatments (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, etc.): inform your doctor.
• Venous insufficiency or heavy legs.
• Tattooed area (risk of tattoo removal).

The risks associated with laser hair removal are minimal. Side effects are more common. The most common is burning, potentially followed by skin depigmentation. This is particularly likely when the patient's skin is tanned or pigmented.

Post-treatment, skin redness, small bruises, blisters or slight inflammation may also be observed. These effects are nonetheless transient and harmless, just like sunburn.

Some patients may experience paradoxical hair stimulation and regrowth, particularly on downy hair. This side effect is rare and very localized (in front of the ears, on the neck, and mainly in Mediterranean-type patients). Dr. Santini then adapts the power of the laser shots for hair removal.

Session prices are set by Dr. Santini. They may vary according to various criteria: extent of hairiness, surface area of the area to be treated...

To find out more about laser hair removal rates, you can consult the page on aesthetic medicine rates, or request an appointment for a personalized consultation. A customized estimate will then be drawn up for you, including a provisional number of sessions.

Coverage by the Assurance Maladie is only possible in the case of biological hormonal anomalies proven by a blood sample.

In most cases, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure. As such, it is not covered by Social Security or complementary health insurance. In the long run, however, laser hair removal will save you money compared to other hair removal methods (manual or electric razors, waxing, etc.), with a cleaner, gentler result.