Permanent Hair Removal — Laser Epilation

Laser hair removal at Petra Clinic uses selective photothermolysis: laser energy at the appropriate wavelength is absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle, heating the follicle to a temperature that damages its growth cells while leaving surrounding skin unaffected. Results are long-lasting — clinical studies show 60–90% permanent reduction after a full course — with treated hairs shedding over two to three weeks after each session. Because only hairs in the active growth phase (anagen) can be effectively treated, a minimum of five sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart is needed per area. Petra Clinic treats the full body including face, underarms, bikini and intimate areas, legs, arms and back. Preparation requires shaving 12–24 hours before each session and avoiding waxing or plucking for four weeks prior.

Petra Clinic's laser hair removal programme uses the principle of selective photothermolysis, first described in 1983 and now the clinical standard for permanent hair reduction. The treatment laser emits at a wavelength absorbed preferentially by eumelanin — the brown-black pigment in the hair shaft and follicle — rather than by water or haemoglobin. When the pulse reaches the melanin-rich follicular papilla and bulge region, rapid energy deposition heats these structures to 65–70°C, denaturing the stem cells responsible for hair regrowth without conducting significant heat to the overlying epidermis, which is simultaneously cooled by a contact cooling tip. Permanent follicle damage occurs most reliably during the anagen (active growth) phase, when the hair shaft maintains direct contact with the follicular bulb. Because only 15–25% of follicles across any given body area are in anagen simultaneously, multiple sessions are necessary to intercept each follicle during its anagen window. Petra Clinic's protocol recommends a minimum of five treatments per area at 4–8 week intervals; facial hair, which has shorter anagen cycles, typically requires more sessions. After each session treated hairs shed progressively over two to three weeks; the interval before the next session allows the next cohort of follicles to enter anagen. Preparation is strict: the treatment area must be shaved 12–24 hours before the session to ensure the laser energy reaches the follicle rather than being absorbed by hair above the skin. Waxing, threading and epilator use must stop four weeks before and during the treatment course, as these remove the follicle temporarily and prevent targeting. Following each session sun exposure is to be avoided for two weeks and broad-spectrum SPF50 applied daily to treated skin. Maintaining the treatment course without gaps produces the most complete reduction; annual maintenance sessions after the initial course may be required for hormone-influenced areas such as the face and bikini line.