LASER HAIR REMOVAL

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal uses light to target the pigment in individual hairs. The light travels down the shaft of the hair and into the hair follicle.

The heat from the laser light destroys the hair follicle, and a hair can no longer grow from it.

Hair follows a unique growth cycle that involves resting, shedding, and growing periods. Recently removed hair that is in a resting phase will not be visible to the technician or laser, so a person may will need to wait for it to regrow before removal, hence why a course of treatments are required.

Is it permanent hair removal?

Hair removal from a destroyed hair follicle is permanent. However, people who undergo hair removal can expect that some hair in the targeted area will grow back.

Laser treatment can either permanently reduce the density of the hair or permanently remove unwanted hair. Permanent reduction in hair density means some hairs will regrow after a single course of therapy.

Whether hair is removed permanently or just reduced in density is influenced by:

the colour and thickness of the hairs being treated
the colour of the patient’s skin
the type and quality of the laser used

Most people find that when hair regrows, it is lighter and less noticeable than it was before. This is because the laser may damage the hair follicle even when it fails to destroy it. If a hair follicle is damaged but not destroyed, the hair will eventually regrow. It can be difficult to destroy every single hair follicle, so most people will see some hair regrowth. When hair regrows, individual maintenance sessions are available.

Is it painfull?

The machine uses sapphire touch cooling system ensures the treatment safer and painless. In other words, the hand piece has a contact cooling element, rather than just relying on air cooling technology. The technology behind the Diode 808 laser also ensures the skin absorbs fewer lasers, reducing the risk of hyper-pigmentation.

The fast sliding, long pulse width, large spot, and super-cooling advantage make this diode laser system to be the fastest and effective hair removal system.

How many sessions will I need?

Hair grows in continuous cycles. The anagen or growth phase of hair contains the largest amounts of melanin and this phase is the laser’s target. From scientific studies we understand that any area contains an average of 20% of anagen hairs at one time, thus, these anagen hairs are affected each treatment. Most clients will require a minimum of 6 treatments. Finer hair and clients with darker skin, may require 6-10 treatments. If you suffer from a hormone imbalance your treatments may be ongoing. To have effective treatments it is imperative that they be sequenced appropriately.

What areas can be treated?

Diode 808 Laser are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.

Does the 808nm Diode Laser work on different skin colors?

The Diode 808 Laser is the gold standard in Permanent Hair Removal and is suitable on all pigmented hair and skin types—including tanned skin. For darker skin types appropriate fluencies (energy levels) are generally lower and appropriate pulse widths (duration of exposure) are generally longer addition with the cooling touch system to prevent damage to the epidermis.

Before treatment:

A patch test and consultation will be carried out to determine if you are suitable fore treatment. This will cover medical conditions, medications and obviously reliant on a negative patch test result.
We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in.
The treatment area should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved no sooner than 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories between laser treatments. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective. Shaving is the only form of hair removal recommended during the course of your treatments.

Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks before treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
Follow instructions regarding all oral prescription medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation. If you are taking any new or different medications, including antibiotics, contact our office prior to your appointment.
Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days before laser hair removal.

What to expect during the session;

Following the consultation, if we determine you are a good candidate, we will begin by asking a few pertinent questions about your recent health history to ensure there are no contraindications for treatment.

The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. We will talk you through the treatment to ensure you won’t experience any surprises.

While receiving laser hair removal, you will be required to wear protective eyewear. You may still be able to see a flash of light, but your eyes will be completely covered. The laser technicians wear protective eyewear, as well. During the treatment, all areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered with clothing. Only the areas to receive laser treatment will be exposed. We are always mindful of your comfort and your peace of mind; we will let you know ahead of time what to expect.

Aftercare;

It is normal to experience redness and swelling in the treatment area following laser hair removal. This may persist for several days. The treated area may feel like a razor burn or sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or aloe vera may be used to alleviate redness and irritation.
Hair in the treated area will slowly shed, typically over the course of two weeks. Patchiness of hair growth is normal, and will dissipate towards the completion of your laser hair removal treatment series.
Improper post-treatment care, including excessive heat or sun exposure of the treated area, may increase the chance of scarring, pigmentation changes and skin texture changes. It is imperative that you avoid excessive heat in the treatment area, such as hot tubs, sauna’s or working out for 24 hours after laser hair removal treatment. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks after treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
Follow instructions regarding all oral medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation.
Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days after laser hair removal.
Treatments should be scheduled as follows:
Facial Areas: Every 4-6 weeks Trunk Areas: Every 6-8 weeks Leg Areas: Every 8-10 weeks