Laser Hair Removal

What laser hair removal is and how it works

Light energy is absorbed by the hair pigment, melanin, and turns into heat that damages the follicle, so it stops growing hair or grows a finer one. Only hairs in the active growth phase respond, which is why a course of sessions is needed.

Melior Clinics uses two technologies. The RL Secret diode laser works at a single wavelength of 808 nm and cools the skin during treatment. ELOS Plus Motif combines a broad-spectrum light pulse (IPL) with bipolar radiofrequency (RF). The right method depends on skin tone, hair colour and thickness and the area, and is chosen at the consultation.

Laser hair removal at Melior Clinics

• Diode laser hair removal for women – face, underarms, arms, legs, bikini
• Diode laser hair removal for men – back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, neck
• ELOS Plus Motif laser hair removal for women
• ELOS Plus Motif laser hair removal for men
• Prices by area are listed in the price list

What the treatment involves

The first visit includes a consultation about skin and hair type, medication and recent sun exposure. The area is shaved 1–2 days before, leaving about 1–2 mm of hair; the face usually needs no shaving. Waxing, plucking and epilators are avoided for 3–4 weeks before and throughout the course, as the laser needs the hair in the follicle.

Session length depends on the size of the area; an ELOS session, for example, takes 30–150 minutes. Anaesthesia is not usually needed, and the diode laser has a cooling system. With the diode laser, 6–8 sessions 4–6 weeks apart are usually recommended; with ELOS the number depends on the area, for example 3–4 for the underarms and 6–12 for the bikini area.

When the treatment is not suitable

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• tanned or self-tanned skin, recent sunbeds or peels;
• light-sensitising medicines (such as some antibiotics) or light allergy;
• acute skin inflammation, active herpes or infection in the area;
• tattoos in the treatment area (they are skipped or covered);
• oncological disease;
• for ELOS, also metal implants, a pacemaker and clotting disorders.

The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the treatment

Mild redness, warmth and slight swelling around the follicles are common and usually settle within a few hours. Treated hairs fall out over 2–3 weeks. The usual recommendations are:

• no alcohol-based products (including deodorant) or strenuous exercise for 24 hours;
• no sauna or pool for 3 days;
• no sunbathing or sunbeds for 2–3 weeks, and SPF 30–50 in the sun;
• only shaving between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Most patients describe warmth or mild prickling, which can be stronger in sensitive areas such as the bikini line.

How many sessions are needed?

Usually 6–8 with the diode laser and 3–12 with ELOS, 4–8 weeks apart. Interrupting the course can weaken the effect, as each session reaches only hairs in the growth phase.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Hair growth is reduced long term, but some follicles may reactivate later, for example with hormonal changes. Regrowing hairs are often finer and lighter; a yearly maintenance session is sometimes needed.

Can I have laser hair removal in summer or during pregnancy?

In summer, yes, if the skin is not tanned: sun and sunbeds are avoided for 2–3 weeks on either side of each session. The treatment is not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board (Terviseamet) licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.