Medical cosmetics
Laser hair removal
MC MARKOVS offers definitive SHR laser hair removal using the Soprano ICE Special Edition professional system, which combines the benefits of Alexandrite (755 nm) and classic Diode (810 nm) wavelengths.
The Alexandrite wavelength (755 nm) helps target finer and lighter hair, while the Diode technology (810 nm) offers deeper penetration and versatile treatment across different areas and hair types.
The system combines these capabilities with SHR, In-Motion technology, and ICE contact cooling.
This provides a gradual thermal effect on the hair follicle, uniform coverage, and a virtually painless experience.
Every procedure at MC MARKOVS is individually planned according to the skin type, hair characteristics, treatment area, health condition, and skin response throughout the course of treatment.
The provided information will help you feel confident as you prepare for each procedure, care for your skin properly, and avoid the most common mistakes that could affect your comfort, safety, and ultimate results.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST PROCEDURE, PERFORM
A professional consultation and evaluation of:
-
Hair color and thickness;
-
Natural skin tone and current skin condition;
-
Presence of a suntan;
-
Sensitivity, irritation, or skin conditions;
-
Medications and nutritional supplements being taken;
-
Previous reactions to laser or light-based procedures;
-
Presence of tattoos, moles, wounds, or inflammation in the treatment area;
-
Hormonal conditions that may affect hair growth.
A careful evaluation of this information allows the equipment settings during the procedure to be properly tailored to the specific area, skin, and hair type. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of the treatments.
PREPARATION BEGINS SEVERAL WEEKS IN ADVANCE
Before and between individual laser hair removal sessions, you must not use:
-
Waxing;
-
Epilator;
-
Tweezers;
-
Threading;
-
Sugaring;
-
Electrolysis.
For laser hair removal treatments to be effective, the hair follicle must remain present in the skin. This enables the laser energy to reach and target it. We recommend discontinuing methods that remove hair from the root at least a few weeks before the procedure. The only recommended method for removing unwanted hair between laser hair removal sessions is shaving (unless your specialist advises otherwise). Shaving removes ONLY the visible portion of the hair without pulling out the hair follicle.
Do not withhold important information—be sure to inform us if:
-
You are pregnant or breastfeeding;
-
You are taking antibiotics;
-
You are taking medications that may increase sensitivity to light (photosensitizing drugs);
-
You are using isotretinoin;
-
You have an active skin infection, rash, or herpes outbreak;
-
You have a tendency to form keloid scars;
-
You have a skin condition, autoimmune disease, or oncological condition;
-
You have a recent suntan or sunburn;
-
You have recently had a chemical peel, laser procedure, or another aggressive treatment;
-
There has been a change in your health status since your previous visit.
This does not necessarily mean that the laser hair removal procedure cannot be performed. It simply requires an assessment of safety, the need to continue, a change in the treatment plan, or postponing the visit.
SUN EXPOSURE AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL DO NOT MIX
The Soprano ICE professional laser hair removal system can be used on tanned skin, but certain important safety rules must be followed. Avoid active sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for at least 7 days before and 7 days after the procedure. A suntan increases the amount of melanin in the skin, making it harder to distinguish between skin pigment and hair pigment. Additionally, this increases the risk of burns, irritation, and pigmentation changes. As a result, the laser hair removal session may sometimes need to be postponed or performed using lower settings.
The International League of Dermatological Societies recommends protecting exposed areas with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a high sun protection factor of SPF 30 or higher.
YOUR MAIN RULE IS — NO ACTIVE SUN EXPOSURE 7 DAYS BEFORE AND 7 DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE.
Inform your specialist even if your suntan is very light.
THE LAST 24–48 HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
For best results, shave the area the day before your appointment or within about 24 hours before.
The goal is: The hair above the skin should be removed, but the follicle below the skin should remain. This reduces the heating of the visible part of the hair and makes the procedure more precise and comfortable. Shaving should be done carefully. Use a clean and sharp razor, lukewarm water, a gentle product without strong fragrances, light movements without repeated passes over the same area. Do not shave aggressively and do not leave cuts. In case of severely irritated, injured or inflamed skin, the procedure may need to be postponed.
What NOT to do on the day of the procedure: The area must be clean, dry, and free of cosmetic products.
Do not apply: Deodorant, perfume, body lotion, oil, self-tanner, makeup, strongly fragranced products, products with glitter particles, active cosmetic ingredients, or numbing cream without explicit medical advice.
Clothing also matters, so choose: Loose-fitting clothes made of soft and breathable fabrics, underwear without tight elastic bands, and clothing that will not rub against the treated area. This small detail can significantly enhance your comfort after the procedure.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
Before beginning, the specialist may inspect the skin again to assess the reaction following the previous visit and adjust the settings accordingly.
During the procedure itself:
-
The area is prepared and cleaned.
-
Moles, tattoos, or other specific areas will be marked and protected.
-
Special protective eyewear is put on.
-
The applicator is moved smoothly and consistently across the entire area in accordance with the technology and the protocol used.
During the procedure, it is normal to experience mild warmth, occasional tingling, a slight stinging sensation, or short impulses. The device's cooling system enhances comfort and protects the skin. Laser light can cause eye damage. Protective eyewear must be worn as instructed at all times while the laser is in operation. Never remove it on your own.
WHAT TO COMMUNICATE WITH US DURING THE PROCEDURE
You do not need to suffer in silence. Inform us immediately if you experience:
-
Unusual or intense burning;
-
Sharp or prolonged pain;
-
A burning sensation or severe discomfort in a specific spot;
-
Dizziness;
-
A sudden change in your overall well-being.
In such cases, the specialist can pause, inspect the skin, and adjust the parameters if necessary. Your comfort is an integral part of safety. It is normal to feel warmth or brief tingling during the procedure.
The manipulation does not need to be unbearable to be effective.
WHAT IS NORMAL AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Immediately after the procedure, the skin may temporarily be: red, warm, slightly sensitive, or have minimal swelling around the hair follicles, accompanied by a feeling similar to a mild sunburn.
These reactions are usually temporary and can last from a few hours to a few days. Redness and swelling are typically mild and last between one to three days. Do not compare your reaction to that of others. Different areas and skin types react individually. The absence of intense redness does not mean the procedure was ineffective. Similarly, a strong reaction does not necessarily mean a better result. Treat your skin gently and carefully.
Proper care includes:
-
Clean the area gently;
-
Use lukewarm, not hot, water;
-
Do not scrub with a sponge, brush, or towel;
-
Pat dry gently;
-
Wear loose and breathable clothing;
-
Use only a soothing product recommended by a specialist;
-
Protect exposed areas from the sun.
Follow the individual instructions provided by the specialists at MC MARKOVS. If you experience a sensation of warmth: You may use a cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth for short intervals, but do not apply ice directly to the skin.
THE FIRST 24–48 HOURS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
During the first 24–48 hours, or for the timeframe specified by your specialist, avoid: hot showers and baths, saunas and steam rooms, swimming pools and hot tubs, strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, rubbing and scratching, tight clothing, fragranced products, deodorant on irritated skin, scrubs and exfoliating gloves, harsh active ingredients, massages on the treated area, as well as sun exposure and tanning beds for 7 days.
Certain global health organizations recommend avoiding hot procedures, swimming, sports, and fragranced products for several days, with the exact duration depending on the laser type, the treatment area, and the skin's reaction.
The individual instructions given by your specialist take precedence over general recommendations.
COSMETIC PRODUCTS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
For exposed areas, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, as recommended by your specialist. Apply an adequate amount and reapply protection as necessary.
Why is this important?
After the procedure, the skin may be more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Unprotected exposure can increase the risk of: irritation, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and the postponement of your next treatment session.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE HAIR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
In the days following your visit, you may notice hairs that appear as if they are continuing to grow. Usually, this is not new growth. The treated hairs gradually move to the surface and are shed from the skin. This process can take several days or a few weeks.
Do not use tweezers, waxing, epilators, or aggressive scrubbing. To manage this unwanted hair, use only shaving or let it fall out naturally. Once the skin has completely calmed down and your specialist permits it, very gentle exfoliation may be introduced.
WHAT TO DO BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
Continue to protect the hair follicle. Between visits, use only shaving to manage visible hair. Do not remove hair from the root. Adhere to the recommended schedule. The interval is not chosen randomly—it is tailored to the hair growth cycle and may vary depending on the area.
The face, underarms, bikini area, arms, legs, and back may require different intervals between sessions. Do not schedule a procedure earlier simply because you notice hairs in the treated area. Avoid systematically postponing the next session without reason, as this can extend the overall length of the treatment course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is laser hair removal painful?
Sensations vary individually. You may feel warmth, tingling, or a brief stinging sensation.
Can I undergo a procedure during my period?
In most cases, yes, but skin sensitivity may be higher.
Can I use a numbing cream?
Only upon explicit medical recommendation. Do not apply a numbing product on your own, as it can alter skin sensation and mask critical feedback during the procedure.
Can tattooed skin be treated?
The laser is not applied directly over a tattoo. The pigment can absorb laser energy, posing a risk of burns or discoloration. The tattooed area is marked and avoided.
Can I go to the beach after the procedure?
Active sun exposure is not recommended for 7 days before or after your visit. Inform us in advance about trips to the beach, mountains, or prolonged outdoor exposure.
Why did my hair reappear after some time?
Hormonal changes, age, genetics, pregnancy, medications, and various health conditions can trigger new hair growth. This does not necessarily mean the previous treatment course was unsuccessful. Typically, after completing a course of 6 consecutive treatments spaced approximately 20 days apart, hair reduction is long-lasting, requiring maintenance procedures only once a year.
When should I contact MC MARKOVS?
Contact us if you experience: severe or worsening pain, blisters, crusting, oozing wounds, severe swelling, intensifying redness, an unexpected rash, skin discoloration, signs of infection, or any other unusual or concerning symptoms after the procedure. Do not self-treat the reaction with unprescribed medications, acids, oils, or home remedies. Take a clear photo of the area in natural daylight—this helps the specialist evaluate the reaction and provide precise guidance and treatment. In case of a severe allergic reaction, eye involvement, difficulty breathing, or rapid deterioration, seek immediate emergency medical care.