How the treatment works
The diode laser releases its energy into the melanin in the hair shaft; the heat that develops permanently damages the hair root. To do this, the device combines two wavelengths – 810 nanometres, which is strongly absorbed by the hair, and 940 nanometres, which penetrates more deeply. Integrated contact cooling protects the surface of the skin and makes the treatment easy to tolerate.
Only hairs in the active growth phase contain enough melanin to absorb sufficient energy. Since only some of the hairs are in this phase at any one time, several sessions four to eight weeks apart are needed – usually six to eight, depending on the area of the body.
What can be treated
Dark hair on lighter skin responds best. White, grey and very light blond hair cannot be treated, because the laser has no target structure. For darker skin types we work with adjusted settings in order to avoid pigment shifts. Treatable areas are the face, underarms, arms, bikini line and intimate area, legs, back, chest and abdomen.
Preparation and aftercare
- Shave 24 hours beforehand – but do not wax, pluck or epilate, the root has to be in place
- No intensive sun, no sunbed and no self-tanning products for four weeks before and after
- Redness around the hair follicles is normal and subsides within hours
- No sauna, no sport and no hot baths for 48 hours
- Treated hairs only fall out one to three weeks later
Laser hair removal for acne inversa
In acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa), laser hair removal is a sensible addition to drug therapy: if the hair follicles in the affected areas – usually the underarms, groin and buttocks – are specifically reduced, the inflammatory stimulus decreases. A meta-analysis by Shipman et al. (2024) covering ten studies shows a clear improvement in severity with good tolerability.
Why doctor-led?
Before the first session we establish whether there is a hormonal cause for increased hair growth – polycystic ovary syndrome, for example – whether any medication increases sensitivity to light, and which skin type is present. This assessment determines the settings and the safety of the treatment.
Fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small area (upper lip, chin, underarms) | from €110 |
| Medium area (lower legs, bikini line, forearms) | from €190 |
| Large area (full legs, back, chest) | from €290 |
Permanent hair removal is a self-pay service (IGeL). Where there is a medical indication – acne inversa, for example – the service is exempt from VAT; where the indication is aesthetic, the amounts are final prices including 19 % VAT.
Frequently asked questions
How much does laser hair removal cost?
How many sessions do I need?
Is the hair removal permanent?
Does the laser work on blond or grey hair?
Does the treatment hurt?
Does the laser help with acne inversa?
Does health insurance pay for it?
Source: S2k-Leitlinie "Lasertherapie der Haut" (German S2k guideline on laser therapy of the skin, DDG); S2k-Leitlinie "Acne inversa/Hidradenitis suppurativa" (German S2k guideline on acne inversa/hidradenitis suppurativa, DDG); Shipman WD et al., Efficacy of laser hair removal in hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Lasers Surg Med 2024;56:5)