Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser or wide-spectrum light energy to destroy hair follicles. The laser’s selective light is absorbed by the dark melanin pigment and is converted into heat which damages and disables the follicle, preventing future hair growth.
Hair grows in several phases and multiple treatments are needed to target and kill hairs in all stages of growth. Treatments are generally spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart.
Safety
When a high-powered laser is used, appropriate safety measures must be taken. This includes a complete set of protocols and written procedures that describe exactly how treatment is delivered, the equipment specifications and variables that are acceptable and the circumstances in which treatments should be aborted.
Suitable protection for the eyes is also required, and this should be matched precisely to the wavelength and intensity of the laser/light system being used.
It is important that staff are properly trained and understand how the equipment works. They should also be familiar with the jargon associated with laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems, the technical reasons why different settings must be used for various hair and skin types and why some adverse reactions occur.
Clinics and salons that use laser or IPL hair removal devices are required to keep records of adverse reactions. These are used by National Care Standards Commission inspectors to check that the facility and service meet the Private and Voluntary Health Care National Minimum Standards.
Comfort
Unlike traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing and waxing, laser treatment is permanent. It also removes the need to continuously purchase razors, shaving creams and depilatory products, as well as schedule monthly waxing or tweezing appointments!
Most clients find their treatment sessions to be comfortable and almost painless. The discomfort experienced varies with each individual’s pain threshold and skin type. We offer numbing topicals as needed to optimize comfort.
Many laser and IPL systems include built-in cooling on the handpiece to further enhance patient comfort during and after their treatments. We also recommend that clients avoid self-tanners and direct sunlight on their body for a few days prior to their appointment, as these will attract the laser energy to the surface of the skin.
We always take a full client history to ensure they are suitable for laser or IPL hair reduction treatments. This includes checking for medical conditions that would prevent successful treatment and identifying areas that are not safe for light-based treatments, such as tattooed or scarred skin.
Results
Laser treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of unwanted hair in any area of your body. The results are long-lasting and will save you from the hassles of shaving, waxing or plucking.
Your skin care professional will advise you on the treatment schedule that will be best for your goals. This is because the growth cycle of different areas of your body will affect how quickly your hair grows back after each session.
The laser light energy is absorbed by the dark pigment melanin within your hair follicle and converted into heat that destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding epidermis. There may be some erythema (redness) and follicular edema (swelling) in the treated area but this usually only lasts for a few hours. Some patients find one treatment will successfully reduce hair but several sessions are recommended for the most effective results. Evidence of long term hair reduction has been demonstrated after repeated sessions using alexandrite, diode and Nd:YAG lasers as well as IPL sources.
Schedule Your Consultation
Unwanted hair on the face and body is a common reason patients seek cosmetic laser skincare treatments. This can include reducing dark facial hair, removing unwanted body hair and treating skin redness from sun damage and broken capillaries.
Unlike shaving, plucking and waxing, laser treatment destroys the hair follicles which prevents hair growth. Typically, several sessions spaced a few months apart are required to achieve long-term results for reduced hair growth.
Our experienced laser treatment technician can evaluate your skin and determine the right device for your specific needs, ensuring you have an excellent experience and results with your laser hair removal treatment.
If you’re interested in learning more about our amazing cosmetic services, such as Hollywood Spectra laser treatments, effective acne laser treatment, or effective rosacea laser treatment please fill out this form to request your free cosmetic consultation! Please note, this form is only for cosmetic services. If you need a medical or surgical dermatology appointment please click here.
