Laser hair removal on sensitive areas (face, bikini line): what you need to know

Laser hair removal on sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line can be done perfectly well with a diode laser. These areas do, however, require particular precautions: thinner skin, proximity to the eyes, and hair growth often influenced by hormones. At the Centre Laser Valbonne, treatment is preceded by a free consultation with Dr Milène VERA, who checks that the area can be treated safely. She personally handles complex cases, particularly on the face.

Which areas of the face can be treated with a laser?

The areas most often treated are the upper lip, the chin, under the chin and the cheeks. Between the eyebrows can also be treated. However, the area under the eyebrow is never treated: it is too close to the eye. Protective glasses are worn throughout the session. In women, marked facial hair growth may have a hormonal origin: Dr VERA may then refer you to a specialist for an opinion before starting the sessions.

How is the bikini line treated with a laser?

The bikini line can be treated as a classic, Brazilian or full bikini. The intergluteal cleft can also be treated. The bikini line is one of the areas that responds best to the laser, as the hairs are thick and dark. It is also a more painful area: an anaesthetic cream, applied before the session, may be offered. The area must be shaved 48 hours before the session. It is preferable to avoid sessions during your period.

Does sensitive skin react differently to the laser?

On sensitive areas, redness or a feeling of warmth after the session is common, normal and temporary. A soothing cream is recommended after each session. Reactive skin or skin prone to rosacea is assessed during the consultation. On the face, one particular precaution concerns paradoxical hair growth: instead of being destroyed, fine hairs are stimulated and become more visible, especially on the cheeks and under the chin. This is why dark down on the cheeks of a person with olive or dark skin is generally not treated.

Is specific preparation needed before treating these areas?

The usual rules apply: no sun exposure, and no wax, tweezers or epilator during the treatment course. The face is the exception for shaving: for women, no razor or trimmer is used on the face. Hairs are cut one by one with scissors, before the session and between sessions as often as needed. On the treated area of the face, also avoid irritating products (acids, retinol) for the 2 days before and after each session. All these instructions are explained during the consultation.

How many sessions are needed on sensitive areas?

A treatment course typically includes 6 to 8 sessions, about 6 weeks apart at first, then about 8 weeks apart. The bikini line is one of the areas that usually needs the fewest sessions. On the face, sessions can be closer together if needed, as it is difficult to keep visible hairs between sessions. Hormone-related facial hair in women generally requires regular maintenance sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Can the laser treat facial down? The laser acts on the melanin in the hair: it is not very effective on fair down. On dark down, particularly on the cheeks of a person with olive or dark skin, the risk of paradoxical hair growth often leads us to advise against treatment. Dr VERA assesses your situation during the consultation.

Is there a risk of marks after laser treatment on the face? There is a risk of light or dark patches, especially with sun exposure. SPF 50 sun protection is essential on the treated areas throughout the treatment course. For people at risk of brown marks after skin irritation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), applying a cortisone-based cream for the 2 days after the session is recommended.

Can the bikini line be treated during my period? It is preferable to avoid treating the intimate area during your period, for comfort and hygiene. The session can be moved by a few days without affecting the treatment course.

Can a man have his beard treated with a laser? Yes, but the beard is a dense, very hormone-dependent area. As the hairs are thick and dense, treatment is more painful: an anaesthetic cream may be offered before the session. It generally requires 8 to 10 sessions, followed by maintenance sessions. The result also depends on the phototype and hair colour, assessed during the consultation.

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