Hair growth
Laser hair removal and electrolysis, by a doctor
At the Asnières-sur-Seine clinic, hair removal is not an isolated procedure: when hair growth is excessive, we also look for where it comes from. Laser and electrolysis are both performed on site, and often used together.
Laser or electrolysis?
Laser acts on the melanin in the hair: it is very effective on dark hair and makes it possible to treat large areas quickly, such as the legs, underarms or bikini line. It has no effect at all, however, on a hair without pigment.
Electrolysis destroys the follicle one hair at a time, whatever its colour. It is therefore indicated for white, blond, red or resistant hairs, and for finishing small areas such as the chin or the lip contour.
The two techniques do not compete: it is common to treat the bulk with laser, then finish with electrolysis on the hairs the laser cannot see. The choice is made after examining the area, the hair type and your skin phototype.
Why consult a doctor
Hair growth that appears or worsens is not always a simple family trait. It can reveal an excess of androgens — PCOS, an androgen-related disorder, the effect of a treatment. In that case, removing the hair without looking for the cause means treating the sign while leaving the mechanism in place.
The doctor assesses the extent of hair growth, looks for associated signs (acne, irregular cycles, hair loss) and prescribes a hormonal work-up if necessary. Treating the cause then makes hair removal more lasting.
The consultation is also when contraindications are checked, settings are adapted to your skin and the framework is set: the likely number of sessions, the interval between them, and the precautions before and after.
How the sessions work
Sessions are several weeks apart in order to follow the hair growth cycle: only follicles in the active phase respond to treatment, which is why a full cycle requires several sessions.
The area must be shaved the day before, not waxed or tweezed in the preceding weeks, and protected from the sun both before and after. Recovery is usually straightforward: transient redness is common in the hours that follow.
The number of sessions depends on the area, the density, the colour of the hair and the cause of the hair growth. It is estimated during the consultation and never promised in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
We speak of long-lasting rather than permanent hair removal. Most treated hairs do not grow back, but an active hormonal background can reactivate follicles: spaced maintenance sessions are then needed.
Does it hurt?
The sensation is often described as a warm elastic band snapping. It varies with the area and with each person's threshold. Settings and the device's cooling system are adjusted to keep it bearable.
Can darker skin be treated?
Yes, provided the device and the settings are suited to the phototype. That is precisely the value of a prior medical assessment: it determines what can be done without risk to your skin.
Book an appointment
Consultation at the clinic, 10 rue Vladimir Kramnik, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine. For a first appointment, choose “first consultation”.
Book an appointment onThe information on this page is general in nature and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from one person to another. For aesthetic procedures, a written quote is provided and a cooling-off period is observed.