Laser Hair Removal in Bursa
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the heating of the hair follicle with laser light that targets the melanin pigment in the hair root. The light energy turns into heat in the pigment and reduces the function of the cells that produce hair. Only hairs in the active growth phase (anagen) are sufficiently affected by this heat; since some of the hairs in each area are in different phases, more than one session is needed.
The device used is a medical device, and because of risks such as skin damage and eye injury, the procedure should be carried out under a physician's responsibility. Laser types frequently used in clinical practice are diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers; each has a different wavelength and is chosen according to skin type. Which method is suitable is assessed at the examination.
The result is a long-term reduction in the number and thickness of hairs. After the sessions are completed, some hairs may remain finer or lighter; if new hair growth appears over time, a touch-up session may be needed.
Why do skin type and hair type matter?
Laser light can affect both the hair and the surrounding skin. For this reason, skin type (Fitzpatrick classification, I–VI) and hair color determine the suitable laser type and settings.
- Light skin, dark and thick hair: this is usually where the effect of the laser is most visible.
- Olive and dark skin: because the pigment in the skin also absorbs energy, the risk of burns and color change increases; longer-wavelength lasers (e.g. Nd:YAG) and more cautious settings are preferred.
- White, gray, blond, red and very fine (vellus) hair: these do not carry enough pigment, so their response to laser is limited; in these hairs laser hair removal often does not meet expectations.
- Tanned or recently sun-exposed skin: the procedure is postponed because the risk is higher.
Hormonal hair growth: the cause is investigated first
In women, male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism) in areas such as the chin, upper lip, neck, between the breasts and around the navel may be due to a hormonal cause. One of the most common causes is polycystic ovary syndrome; irregular periods, acne and weight change may accompany it. In this case, a gynecological examination and, if needed, hormone tests are planned before laser hair removal. New hair growth is more common after laser treatments performed without treating the underlying hormonal cause.
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not performed on?
It is considered for adults with unwanted hair whose skin and hair type are suitable for laser and whose expectations are realistic. The procedure is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Pregnancy (usually postponed until after birth because safety data are limited),
- Breastfeeding (not applied to the breast area; other areas are discussed after a physician's evaluation),
- Tanned skin, sunburn or tanning bed use in recent weeks,
- Active infection, open wound, eczema or a cold sore (herpes) flare in the treatment area,
- Medications that increase light sensitivity (some antibiotics, some acne medications) and isotretinoin use in recent months,
- Tattoos and tattooed makeup (eyebrows, lip line) areas, moles that have not been evaluated,
- Tendency to keloids or raised scars, a history of light-triggered epilepsy.
Tell the physician about all the medications and cream treatments you use. Do not stop your medication on your own.
How is it done?
At the first visit, skin type, hair color and thickness are examined and a medical history is taken; if hormonal hair growth is suspected, this is evaluated first. If needed, a test shot is made on a small area.
- Before the procedure: the area is shaved with a razor 24 hours beforehand. Waxing, tweezing or epilators are not used in the last 4–6 weeks; these methods pull out the hair root that the laser targets. There should be no cream, deodorant or perfume on the area.
- During the procedure: the physician, the staff member and the patient wear protective glasses suitable for the laser. The skin is protected by the device's cooling system or by cold application. During the shots, a brief stinging similar to a rubber band snap and warmth are felt; sensitivity varies by area.
- Duration: a few minutes for small areas (upper lip, underarms), close to an hour for large areas (legs).
How many sessions, at what intervals?
Because hairs are in different growth phases, usually 6–8 sessions are planned; the number varies by person and area. The interval between sessions is set according to the hair cycle in the area:
- Face: usually 4–6 weeks,
- Underarms and bikini area: usually 4–8 weeks,
- Body areas such as legs, arms and back: usually 6–12 weeks.
As the sessions progress and the hair becomes sparser, the intervals can be extended. In hormonal hair growth, more sessions and touch-up sessions may be needed.
When is the effect seen and how long does it last?
Hairs affected by the laser usually shed within 1–3 weeks. The reduction in the number of hairs becomes more visible as the sessions progress and is evaluated at the end of the session program. The reduction is long-term; however, hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause and some medications may lead to new hair growth over time. In this case, one or a few touch-up sessions a year may be needed.
Possible side effects
The most common are redness and small bumps around the hair follicles; these usually resolve within a few hours to 1–2 days. Other possible effects include:
- Inflammation of the hair follicle (folliculitis) and an acne-like rash,
- Darkening or lightening of the skin (pigment change); more common in dark and tanned skin, mostly resolves within months, and rarely may last longer,
- Crusting, blistering and burns; these may rarely leave a scar,
- Paradoxical hair growth: darkening or increase of hair in or near the treated area; most often reported on the face and neck, in darker skin and in hormonal hair growth,
- Eye injury if eye protection is not used; for this reason the glasses are not removed during the procedure.
If you notice marked pain, blistering or increasing redness, call the practice.
Things to watch for after the procedure
- Avoid direct sun and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks; use a high-protection sunscreen.
- Avoid hot showers, sauna, Turkish bath, swimming pools and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.
- On the first day, do not use perfumed products, deodorant or exfoliants on the area.
- Do not wax, tweeze or use an epilator between sessions; shaving with a razor is enough if needed.
- If you notice blisters, crusts or a color change, call the practice.
Laser hair removal in Bursa
At our practice in Nilüfer, laser hair removal is planned after skin and hair type have been evaluated and, if needed, hormonal causes have been investigated. For device treatments aimed at skin texture and acne scars, you can see the fractional laser, gold needle and carbon peeling pages.
Treatments are performed by a physician holding a medical aesthetics certificate approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist.
This content is for information purposes only; a physician's examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does laser hair removal get rid of hair completely?
No. The aim of laser hair removal is a long-term reduction in the number and thickness of hairs. After the sessions, some hairs may remain finer or lighter. New hair growth may occur during periods such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause; in this case a touch-up session may be needed.
How many sessions of laser hair removal are needed?
Usually 6–8 sessions are planned. The number varies with skin type, hair color and thickness, the area and hormonal status. The interval between sessions is usually 4–6 weeks on the face and 6–12 weeks on body areas; the plan is made together at the examination.
Does laser hair removal work on blond, white or fine hair?
The laser targets the dark pigment in the hair. Blond, white, gray, red and very fine hairs do not have enough pigment, so the response is limited and the expected reduction often cannot be achieved. This is discussed openly at the first visit.
I have hair growth on my face and chin; what should I do first?
Male-pattern hair growth on the chin, upper lip, neck and around the navel may be due to a hormonal cause such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Before laser, a gynecological examination and, if needed, hormone tests are done. New hair growth is more common after treatments performed without treating the cause.
Is laser hair removal done during pregnancy?
Because safety data in pregnancy are limited, laser hair removal is usually postponed until after birth. During breastfeeding it is not applied to the breast area; other areas are discussed after a physician's evaluation. Increased hair growth during pregnancy may decrease on its own after birth.
What should I pay attention to around a laser hair removal session?
The area is shaved with a razor 24 hours before the procedure; waxing, tweezing and epilators are not used in the last 4–6 weeks. Afterwards, avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks and avoid sauna, pools and intense exercise for 24–48 hours. If blisters or a color change occur, call the practice.
What is the fee for laser hair removal?
The fee depends on the area to be treated, its size and the session plan determined at the examination. For this reason, no figures are given on the website; the fee is determined after the examination. For information, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72 or send a message on WhatsApp.
Where in Bursa is laser hair removal performed?
Laser hair removal evaluation and application take place in the procedure room of Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer's private practice in the İhsaniye neighborhood of Nilüfer (Bulvar 224). Consultation hours are Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:30; to book an appointment, you can call 0 (539) 463 09 72.
Op. Dr. Hakan Sağer is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. He completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences (SBÜ) Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital; since 2024 he has been seeing patients for pregnancy follow-up, gynecological conditions and aesthetic gynecology at his private practice in Nilüfer, Bursa. The articles on this website are for informational purposes.
This website is for information only and is not advertising. Its content does not replace an examination by a physician. The information on this page is not personal medical advice; the decision on any procedure is made together with the doctor after an examination.