FAQ

The laser treatment targets the hair root directly.

Through targeted light energy, the hair root including the hair papilla is disabled, so that hair growth can be permanently stopped.

Every hair grows in a kind of "growth organ" in the skin, the hair follicle. This consists of several parts. At the very bottom of the follicle sits the hair papilla – it supplies the hair with nutrients and controls growth via special cells.

For a hair to grow, matrix cells around the papilla divide. The hair shaft is formed from these cells, which then grows out of the skin.

In permanent laser hair removal, this exact mechanism is used:

• The laser light is selectively absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair.
• The energy is guided down into the hair root and to the growth cells.
• There, the follicle is disabled so that it can no longer produce new hair in the long term.

For this disabling to take place reliably and safely, a high-performance laser like the GentleMax Pro Plus is required. Only when the energy penetrates deep enough is the follicle permanently deactivated.

An important benefit: The surrounding skin tissue remains undamaged because the laser recognizes the melanin in the hair as the target structure rather than the tissue. This makes the method particularly precise, effective, and safe.

For a permanently smooth result, 6 to 8 sessions are usually necessary. The reason: hair grows in different phases.

• Only in the active growth phase (anagen phase) can the laser effectively disable the hair.
• Since only a part of the hair is in this phase at any given time, multiple treatments are needed to capture all relevant follicles.
• The interval between sessions is 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the body region.

After each treatment, the hair density decreases significantly – until the treated region remains hair-free in the long term.

Most clients find the treatment well-tolerated. The sensation is often compared to a light pulse of warmth on the skin.

Thanks to the integrated Dynamic Cooling Device™ on the GentleMax Pro Plus, the skin is protected with a short burst of cooling spray before each laser pulse. This makes the treatment significantly more comfortable and protects the skin optimally.

Many clients report finding the treatment much more pleasant than waxing or epilation.

The GentleMax Pro Plus from Candela is one of the most modern laser systems worldwide and combines two wavelengths – the Alexandrite laser (755 nm) and the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm). This makes treatment possible for almost all skin and hair types.

Thanks to the dual-wavelength technology, both very light and dark skin types can be treated safely. The Alexandrite laser is particularly suitable for light to medium skin types, while the Nd:YAG laser works effectively and gently on darker skin tones.

• Shaving: removes only the hair at the skin surface. After just 1–2 days, it grows back, often with stubble or ingrown hairs.

• Waxing / Epilation: pulls the hair out along with its root. The result lasts longer than shaving, but the hair root remains intact – the hair grows back after a few weeks. In addition, the treatment can be painful and irritate the skin.

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): works with broadly scattered light that does not act as deeply and specifically as a medical laser. Therefore, many sessions are required, the results are often less permanent, and the method is less safe for darker skin types.

• Diode Laser: works with a fixed wavelength (usually 808 nm). It is effective, but less versatile than the Alexandrite laser. Diode lasers can primarily treat darker hair, but have disadvantages with very fine hair or lighter skin. In addition, many diode devices do not have cooling systems that are as powerful, making the treatment often feel more uncomfortable.

• Alexandrite Laser (GentleMax Pro Plus): uses two wavelengths (755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG) and thus reaches a wider spectrum of skin and hair types – from very light to dark. Due to the high-energy, focused light, the hair follicle is target-disabled without damaging the surrounding tissue. Thanks to the integrated Dynamic Cooling Device™️, the treatment is particularly safe, skin-friendly, and comfortable.

You can notice changes shortly after the first treatment: many hairs do not grow back at all or fall out on their own within a few days.

For a permanently smooth result, however, several sessions are necessary, as the laser can only reach hair in the active growth phase. With each treatment, hair growth is visibly reduced – the hair becomes finer, sparser, and the skin increasingly smoother. The final result is achieved after completing the recommended treatment series, allowing you to enjoy permanently smooth skin.

Home IPL devices (Intense Pulsed Light) work with broad, scattered light with lower energy. They do not permanently disable the hair root, but only put it into a temporary resting state, which is why they must be applied continuously and very frequently.

In contrast, our medical high-performance laser Candela GentleMax Pro Plus works with highly concentrated, focused light (Alexandrite 755 nm / Nd:YAG 1064 nm) at high energy. It penetrates deep enough into the skin to permanently destroy the hair root including the hair papilla. The result is true, permanent hair reduction in significantly fewer sessions, with maximum safety and comfort thanks to the integrated skin cooling system.

As a rule, aesthetic hair removal treatments are self-paid services. However, health insurance companies (both public and private) cover the costs in medically justified exceptional cases.

These include, for example, abnormal hair growth (such as hirsutism, e.g., in PCOS), severe inflammatory skin diseases (such as folliculitis/razor burn), or medically necessary gender-affirming treatments. Please always clarify with your health insurance provider beforehand whether they will cover the treatment. We would be happy to prepare a professional cost estimate for you.

The GentleMax Pro Plus works with high-energy laser pulses that penetrate deep into the dermis. There, they warm the tissue specifically without damaging the skin surface. Through this controlled stimulation, the regeneration of collagen and elastin is stimulated – two essential structures responsible for firmness, smoothness, and elasticity of the skin.

The result: a visible improvement in skin structure, reduction of fine wrinkles, refined pores, and a more even skin tone.

Laser skin rejuvenation with the GentleMax Pro Plus is highly versatile and suitable for a range of skin issues:

• Fine lines & first wrinkles – collagen and elastin production is stimulated, making the skin look smoother and firmer.
• Pigment spots & sun damage – excess melanin is reduced, giving a more even complexion.
• Redness & visible veins (couperose, small vessels) – these can be targeted and reduced.
• Large pores & uneven skin texture – skin renewal visibly refines pores.
• Tired, dull skin – the skin gains freshness, elasticity, and radiance.
• Acne-damaged skin & acne scars – tissue regeneration is promoted, improving scars and irregular skin textures.

Laser skin rejuvenation with the GentleMax Pro Plus is considered very safe and gentle when performed professionally.

Possible, normal reactions

• Slight redness or a mild sensation of warmth immediately after treatment – comparable to a brief sunbath.
• In rare cases, the skin can be slightly more sensitive for 1–2 days.

Downtime:

There is no actual downtime. You can usually return to work, exercise, and go about your daily routine immediately.

Safety at Alexandrit Aesthetics

Your skin deserves the highest care: that's why we adapt the laser parameters exactly and additionally monitor the skin temperature with state-of-the-art infrared technology – for a safe and comfortable treatment experience.

With over 10 years of experience in handling Candela laser systems and NiSV certification at Alexandrit Aesthetics, you are in safe hands.

You can notice an improvement in your skin after just the first treatment – the skin appears fresher, more even, and with finer pores. For lasting and significant results, we generally recommend 3 to 5 sessions spaced several weeks apart.

The exact treatment plan depends on your skin type and individual skin concerns (e.g. pigment spots, redness, fine wrinkles). For more pronounced skin changes, additional sessions may be beneficial.

The results of laser skin rejuvenation with the GentleMax Pro Plus are long-lasting, as the treatment stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin.

• After a treatment series, the skin structure remains visibly improved for several months to years.
• Through regular touch-up treatments (e.g., 1–2 times per year), the results can be optimally maintained and even further improved.

With the right skincare and consistent sun protection, you can significantly prolong the positive effects.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin):

specifically relaxes the facial muscles. This smooths out expression lines like frown lines or crow's feet. The effect takes place after a few days, but only lasts 3–6 months.

• Fillers (e.g. hyaluronic acid): are injected to compensate for volume loss or to directly "fill in" individual wrinkles. They work instantly, but are also only temporary.
• Laser skin rejuvenation with the GentleMax Pro Plus: works without injections and improves skin quality from the inside out. By stimulating collagen and elastin, the skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more even in the long term. In addition, pigment spots, redness, and pores can be improved – something Botox and fillers cannot achieve.

In short:

• Botox = relaxes muscles (against expression lines)
• Filler = fills volume (against deep wrinkles/volume loss)
• Laser = renews skin structure (against fine lines, pigment spots, redness, pores)

Yes – laser skin rejuvenation with the GentleMax Pro Plus is not only suitable for the face. It can generally be performed on almost all body areas where the skin is affected by sun damage, pigment spots, redness, uneven skin texture, or loss of elasticity.