Laser treatment for the bikini area and intimate zone

What to consider and what our customers say

Laser hair removal not only ensures a permanently smooth bikini and intimate area, but also saves you a lot of time and effort in the future. Leave annoying shaving and skin irritation behind once and for all! Find out how it works, how it feels and what it costs here.

Advantages of permanent hair removal in the intimate area

What are the advantages of permanent hair removal in the genital area?
The main advantage is a silky-smooth genital area that stays that way permanently. The skin irritations caused by shaving, epilating or waxing are completely eliminated. At the same time, the hair-free genital area leads to an improved sense of hygiene, whereby skin impurities can occur less frequently. This can have a positive effect on self-confidence.

Is permanent hair removal suitable for treating rashes in the genital area?
Permanent hair removal can help with all hair-related skin issues. For chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne inversa, laser hair removal can at least significantly alleviate the symptoms.

General and common misconceptions

What is the intimate area or bikini line?
The intimate area is the area covered by the bikini. This includes, in particular, the labia and the mons veneris. The intergluteal fold is usually not counted as part of the bikini line. The bikini line is located just outside the intimate area. This refers to the area that is not covered by the bikini bottoms.

How does laser hair removal work?
During laser treatment, the laser automatically emits laser impulses that react to the pigment in the hair. The impulse reaches the hair root via the hair, causing the root to die and the surrounding cells to become desolate. The hair falls out after about 2 weeks and cannot grow back.

How often does the intimate area need to be lasered?
To achieve a permanently hair-free result, a total of about 6 to 8 treatments are required. The darker the pubic hair, the better the laser treatment works and the fewer treatments are needed. With light hair, on the other hand, more treatments are usually necessary.

How long does laser hair removal take in the genital area?
A single laser treatment in the genital and bikini area takes between 15 and 30 minutes in total. The entire process takes about 8 to 12 months, since there should be a gap of about 6 weeks between treatments.

How good are the results of laser hair removal?
«Permanently hair-free» means that you will be more than 90% hair-free at the treated site for several years. Over time, fine hairs may grow back, which can be removed by a single follow-up treatment.

Does the entire intimate area have to be lasered?No, of course not all hair in the intimate area has to be removed. You can also leave any size of hair as it is.

Before the laser treatment

What needs to be considered before the treatment?
Before and between treatments, you should not pluck or pull out any hairs, as this can affect the success of the laser hair removal. Also, make sure that you do not expose the treated area to the sun and do not use self-tanner. The laser reacts to the pigments in the hair, which can cause irritation on tanned skin.

How do I prepare for laser treatment?
Shave the area to be treated one to two days before the laser treatment. Stubble or longer pubic hair can negatively affect the result of the treatment.

What does the dermatologist need to clarify before the treatment?
Before the first treatment, we check whether there are any factors that preclude laser treatment and explain the potential risks to you.

Can I get a laser treatment in my intimate area during my period?
In principle, yes, if you wish; we advise against laser hair removal in the week before menstruation because women are usually more sensitive to pain than usual during this time.

Can I have laser treatment in my intimate area if I am pregnant?
No. As a precaution, we do not perform laser hair removal during pregnancy.

How does tattooing affect laser treatment?Since the laser reacts to pigments, we cannot perform laser treatments directly on tattoos. Therefore, we cover tattoos and any dark birthmarks before treatment. 

During and after treatment

Who performs the treatment?
While the preliminary examination and any trial treatment for medical indications are carried out by Dr. U. Büttiker, MD, the further treatments are carried out by Alexandra Brotschi or Justine Beugger. Both are long-standing medical practice assistants at the dermatologist Bern Bubenberg and are very experienced in laser hair removal.

What happens at the first appointment?
In a free consultation (with Dr. med. U. Büttiker in case of medical indications), we will clarify with you whether there are any reasons that preclude laser hair removal. Afterwards, we will familiarize you with the laser therapy process and provide you with an information sheet.

How does the treatment work?You will be treated comfortably lying down in our certified laser room and will wear laser goggles. Our medical high-performance skin cooling device reduces any pain to a minimum. The laser assistant will adjust the energy to your hair color and skin type and, after a few test shots, will gently glide the handpiece over your skin. The laser ensures a constant, computer-controlled and seamless energy output during hair removal.

What will I feel during laser treatment in the genital area?
Laser treatment in the genital area is usually perceived as slightly uncomfortable, but not very painful. You will feel a slight “tweak” when the laser energy is directed to the hair root. During the entire treatment, your skin will be cooled with pleasantly cool air. If necessary, we will prescribe an effective anesthetic cream. However, this is not routinely necessary.

What side effects can occur after the treatment?
Immediately after the laser treatment, redness and slight papules (small round elevations) may occur, which are a sign of effectiveness and completely disappear after a few hours. In rare cases, they may last longer. There may be a feeling of dryness, which can be treated with a moisturizer of your choice. Temporary hyperpigmentation or depigmentation (white spots) is also very rare.

What should be done after the treatment?Treat the intimate area and bikini line with a skin-soothing and moisturizing cream. Especially in summer, be careful not to expose the treated areas to the sun.

Cost of laser hair removal

What does laser hair removal cost in the genital area?
Laser hair removal in the genital area costs between 130 and 260 CHF per treatment. Starting from the 7th treatment, you benefit from a 10% discount.

What factors determine the actual costs?
The exact price depends on the duration of the individual treatments and the number of treatments required. Both vary depending on the skin type, skin color, and the color, density, and thickness of the hair in the genital area.

Does health insurance cover laser hair removal in the genital area?
No, laser hair removal is usually not a medically necessary procedure. Therefore, you usually have to bear the costs yourself. Exceptions are inflammatory hair diseases or hormonal disorders, in which permanent hair removal can be medically necessary. In such cases, we can provide a cost reimbursement to the health insurance company.

Contact us without obligation

Do you have any further questions or would you like to arrange a trial appointment? Ask us without obligation! We look forward to your inquiry. The Bern Bubenberg dermatologist has been offering professional laser hair removal in the heart of Bern for over 15 years.