Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Şehriyar Nazari Clinic · September 28, 2026

Important Note!

“Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method when performed by qualified specialists. Recently, in some aesthetic centers or clinics, laser hair removal is being performed by unauthorized individuals or physicians, leading to serious side effects or ineffective treatment due to incorrect parameters. In September 2008, the Ministry of Health issued a circular emphasizing that the physician in charge of centers performing laser treatments must be a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This circular prohibited laser treatments in beauty centers and clinics operating without these specialists and initiated inspections. All aesthetic centers not managed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will be closed by the end of 2009. We recommend that you take this into consideration to ensure effective and safe treatment and to prevent your treatment from being interrupted.”

To quickly eliminate unwanted hair, our expert staff offers solutions tailored to your skin type in a hygienic environment. For fast and effective treatment, an economical and perfect solution, we are at your service with the state-of-the-art American FDA-approved Arion® (Alexandrite laser).

Long Pulsed Alexandrite Laser

Permanent hair removal is now easier than ever with the latest FDA and CE approved LONG PULSED ALEXANDRITE laser systems.

Alexandrite laser systems use a wavelength of 755 nm. Light at this wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin, the black pigment in hair, and converted into heat. Laser hair removal devices apply light energy from a certain distance using a handheld device. Each pulse scans an area of approximately 1.5 cm². After a pulse, the hair follicle heats up to 65-70 degrees Celsius and is destroyed. This prevents the hair follicle from producing new hair. The aim of laser hair removal is to selectively heat the hair follicle, burning and damaging the cells within it. This energy absorbed by the hair follicle is converted into heat, destroying the follicle. This allows for more effective hair removal without damaging the skin. Darker and thicker hairs retain heat better, making them more suitable for treatment. Individuals with dark hair and light skin can achieve results faster with minimal side effects.

Gel, contact cooling, and gas cooling systems are inadequate and impractical methods in practice. Effective cooling is an indispensable condition for the procedure. Air cooling is performed simultaneously with laser hair removal using a special device. Thanks to this effective cooling performed simultaneously, your skin is protected and the sensation of pain is minimized.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Used in medicine for over 40 years, lasers today constitute the most effective treatment option in various fields, from eye surgery to dental fillings. Pain is not felt during the procedure because cooling air is supplied. The energy produced by the laser is a wavelength of light. This light reaches the hair follicle without damaging the skin and leaves no residue in the body. For example, X-rays leave residue in the body like radiation and can pose risks if received in large amounts over a certain period. However, laser light leaves no residue in the body; furthermore, it has no carcinogenic effects. The safety and effectiveness of laser hair removal were approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, and it is used in various developed countries, from the USA to the UK, and from the Netherlands to Australia.

What are the advantages of laser hair removal over traditional methods?

First of all, its effect is incomparably more powerful than any other method. It is painless and perceived by the person as just a light flick. Large areas can be treated in a short time. For example, the upper lip can be cleaned in 2-3 minutes, and both armpits in 10-15 minutes; no special care is required. You can shower and apply makeup, and perfume before and after the treatment.

Which areas can be treated with laser hair removal? Which areas cannot be treated?

The treatment can be applied to almost all areas of the body. Hair distribution and quantity differ between men and women. While excessive hair growth is primarily a problem for women, it can also be bothersome for men in areas such as between the eyebrows, above the cheekbones, back, neck, chest, and nape. Each shot destroys 25-30 hair follicles, significantly shortening the treatment time.

How long does one laser hair removal session last?

Treatment times vary depending on the area being treated. On average, the upper lip and chin area can be completed in 1-5 minutes, while the entire leg takes 45 minutes.

How many treatment sessions are sufficient? What should the intervals between sessions be?

Depending on the area, 30-70% of hair follicles are in the resting phase. During treatment, it is important that the hairs are in their growth phases – anagen, catagen, or telogen. Hairs being in different phases at the time of application means that the result is not completed in a single session. The treatment only destroys the roots of the growing hairs (anagen phase) in the treated area.

Hair follicles in the resting phase are not affected by lasers. Therefore, repeated treatments are required after 1-2 months, depending on the area. Applications are performed at intervals of 1-2 months on average. In most cases, 6-7 sessions are sufficient to achieve definitive results, but this can vary depending on skin type and hair characteristics. The number of sessions is higher for the face; patients with hormonal imbalances, in particular, are resistant to treatment and hormone therapy should be adjusted in conjunction with laser applications. Session intervals are approximately 4-6 weeks for the face and 8-10 weeks for the body, and the intervals gradually lengthen.

Is there a risk of discoloration or burns during laser hair removal?

If the procedure is performed under optimal conditions, no skin damage will occur. Lasers without a cooling system always carry a high risk of burns and scarring. Lasers with a cooling system prevent the skin from overheating, thus reducing the risk of burns. Redness and slight swelling around the hair follicles may occur after laser hair removal. This reaction usually disappears within 1-2 hours, but sometimes it may last up to 1-2 days. The treated area should not be exposed to sunlight or sunbathing for 2-3 weeks. There is a risk of adverse effects in dark or tanned skin. Therefore, in individuals with dark skin, a test shot is performed before laser treatment, and the area is evaluated for any reaction after 24-48 hours.

In sensitive or dark-skinned individuals, or with high-energy treatments, superficial crusting and, rarely, discoloration may occur. This crusting usually resolves within days, and the skin returns to normal. In almost all cases, the skin fully recovers within 4-6 months.

Taking skin tone into account when selecting the appropriate energy and pulse duration is key to a successful and side-effect-free treatment.

Is it suitable for all skin tones?

In laser hair removal, the dosage is selected according to skin type. This ensures that the treatment is performed at a level of power that will target the hair follicles without damaging the skin, aiming to complete the treatment as quickly as possible. Since everyone's body structure, hormonal levels, and skin type are different, the time required to see results varies from person to person. The ideal candidates for laser hair removal are those with light skin and dark hair. However, with state-of-the-art Alexandrite devices, treatments can be performed on all skin tones, including those with dark skin. It can be done in all seasons, provided you avoid tanning.

What are the contraindications for laser hair removal?

Laser treatment is not suitable for individuals with pacemakers, epilepsy, pregnant women, or those with yellow, white, or vellus hair. It is necessary to be free from tanning or sunbathing before and after the treatment.

Preparation for treatment

Hair removal procedures such as waxing, threading, or plucking should be avoided for at least one month prior to the treatment, and sunbathing and tanning should also be avoided for at least one month prior. Shaving the area properly three days before the treatment is sufficient. In rare cases, local anesthesia may be necessary for patients with a low pain threshold. In these cases, Emla® cream, which has a local anesthetic effect, is applied to the treatment area 1-2 hours before the procedure and covered with plastic wrap.