Laser Hair Removal
Looking for a comfortable, effective way to remove unwanted hair? Tired of shaving, waxing or tweezing regularly and suffering from ingrown hairs? Your solution is LASER HAIR REMOVAL with only the most advanced laser worldwide, namely CYNOSURE APOGEE / ELITE LASERS (ALEXANDRITE LASER and ND:YAG LASER).
Alexandrite Lasers are gold standard worldwide, well known for its powerful performance and excellent safety profile. It offers safe, fast, effective hair removal for men and women.
Laser is attracted to dark objects and will, therefore, destroy dark roots of actively growing hair. As you hair grows in three different cycles, a course of treatments may be required. 4 to 8 week intervals between treatments are necessary, depending on your hair growth cycle. After each treatment, you will notice a drastic reduction in hair growth. For more information, book a free consultation and patch test with an experienced laser operator.
For darker skins the ND:YAG Laser would be more suitable as risks of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation will be reduced.
How does a laser remove hair?
Laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed. Upon absorption, the laser energy is transformed into heat which disables the follicle.
Is it safe?
Our lasers are developed in conjunction with some of the world's leading authorities on the use of lasers for medical applications. By using the principle of Thermokinetic Selectivity™, the laser "parameters" (guidelines for the effective use of the laser during treatment) were chosen to match the pulse width to the size and location of the hair follicle. The result is a safer, faster and more effective way to eliminate unwanted hair.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser hair removal?
If you are concerned about unwanted hair, you are probably a candidate for laser hair removal. The most dramatic results will occur for those with light skin and dark hair. However, thanks to Cynosure Lasers with TKS™, darker skins can now receive greater benefit from the procedure, without damaging surrounding skin. Other factors may influence the treatment process, but are generally best evaluated and discussed in person. Make use of our free consultation with a laser operator! For dark skins the ND:YAG Laser will be suitable.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as a series of slight pin pricks to the skin. It is normally tolerated without requiring topical anaesthetic cream. By using a cooling machine, prior to laser treatment, the epidermis is cooled to 3°, making the treatment far more comfortable. Depending on your skin type, the area may become red. This may last from a few hours to one day.
How long does it take?
Each laser pulse treats a 12 to 15mm area, which can contain ten or more hairs. The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. The upper lip usually takes just a few minutes, while other areas, such as the leg or back, may take significantly longer.
How many treatments will be necessary?
Hair grows in three cycles. The laser only affects hair when it is in its early actively growing phase. The heat produced by the laser will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles are dormant. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat new follicles as they enter the growth phase. With each treatment, new hair from a new follicle will be disabled. After each treatment, your hair growth will be less, provided the patient does not have any hormonal imbalances.
PRE TREATMENT GUIDELINES
The Cynosure Apogee Laser and the Elite Laser being used contain the Alexandrite and ND:YAG systems which are the gold standard of laser hair removal. Treatments aim to destroy the hair follicles of actively growing hair. Usually a course of treatments is needed to destroy hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase. The periods between treatments vary because different areas of the body have different durations of active hair growth phases.
During treatment you may experience slight discomfort (likened to the sting of an elastic band). For those who have a low pain threshold, a topical anaesthetic cream (Emla) can be applied for 60 – 90 minutes prior to treatment to take off the edge of pain and discomfort (rarely necessary).
Redness and swelling may result which should disappear within a few hours. You may return to normal activity right away. The skin will be delicate for 6-8 weeks after each session and thus meticulous skin care and sun block are essential. Direct sun exposure without sun block will cause pigmentary changes.
The pigment in the hair follicle is targeted by the laser. Darker, coarser hairs therefore respond better than lighter, finer hairs. Tanned areas and darker skin types cannot be treated as effectively. Therefore we advise that you avoid tanning for three to four weeks prior to therapy. The intake of sun activators or the use of chemical self-tanning lotions should be stopped two weeks prior to therapy.
Skin lightening preparations such as Hydroquinones and Retinoic acid sensitise the skin and must NOT be used in the preceding 2 weeks.
Roaccutane (Isorentinoin) MUST NOT be used in the preceding 6 months. Waxing, plucking and electrolysis result in removal of the hair follicle which is the target for Laser Hair Removal. Thus you need to wait six weeks after these forms of treatment for the laser to be effective. In the meantime, you may shave, use depilatory creams or curved scissors.
However it is essential that only the base of the hair is still present so you MUST shave the day before treatment to maximize the response at the hair follicle and minimize the risk of infection. Your appointment may have to be postponed if this is not done.
POST TREATMENT GUIDELINES
In most cases, only a mild sunburn like sensation will be felt after the treatment. This typically disappears within 2 to 3 hours and responds very well to cool compresses (ice pack) or a soothing gel such as Aloe Vera. Some mild redness or minor swelling may persist for 2-3 days after treatment and only requires the soothing gel for a bit longer, and obviously nourishing and moisturizing the skin helps.
The treatment site should be washed gently twice a day with soap and water. Any crusted area should not be scratched even if it itches, but massage with Tissue Oil or Bio Oil instead.
Please understand that the treatment is equivalent to mild sunburn and thus good skin care is ESSENTIAL. Your skin will be sensitive for 6-8 weeks after treatment so exercise Sun Protection in this period.
Sun Protection:
- Avoid direct midday sun
- Use sunblock with at least SPF 20 on the treatment area daily, especially if going into the sun. Pigmentation may develop if sun protection is not used.
Awaiting next session:
It may take 2 to 14 days for the hairs to be shed from the treatment areas so do not be alarmed.
Once the hair starts to re-grow in the treated area it is best to perform the next session. This can be between 1 – 6 months after initial treatments depending on the area. For example the face has a more rapid active phase compared to the leg. No advantage is obtained from another treatment prior to hair growth.
Between sessions:
It is important not to tweeze, wax or have electrolysis. Rather shave, trim or use depilatory cream if necessary.
Most importantly you can be happy to be rid of that unwanted hair permanently and encourage your friends to do the same.
Your laser operator endeavours to provide you with a satisfying experience, so please communicate with her any questions before or after treatments.
GUIDELINE SUMMARY FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL
- Works best on dark hair
- Destroys the root of the hair, without damaging surrounding skin, provided the skin has not been exposed to:
- Sun (driving to work, walking, running, gardening etc)
- Sun beds
- Self tanning lotion
- Avoid sun exposure 1 month prior to laser treatment
- Failure to comply = compromised skin
- Avoid waxing or plucking 1 month prior (this removes the root of the hair)
- Shave, trim or use hair removal cream 2 days before treatment
- Inform the laser operator of current/ new medicine
- Hair grows in 3 cycles
- A course of treatments is needed
- Hair takes 2 to 14 days to fall out
- Wait 4 to 8 weeks between treatments (depending on treated area)
- Skin is sun sensitive after laser = apply sun block daily