Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Treatments available by the Laser, IPL, or Diode.
Hair removal for Caucasian, Asian, and African skin – the clinic has a range of equipment with extensive technology, to treat facial and leg veins, skin rejuvenation, acne, acne scarring, pigmentation, age spots.

WHAT IS LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Laser/IPL Hair Removal is a fast and effective way to remove unwanted body or facial hair. The laser/IPL emits a beam of pure light, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. It is designed to disable the hair. Within a few days, hair that has been treated by the laser/IPL is lost, the follicle is disabled and hair re-growth is significantly reduced.

IS ONE LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT ALL I WILL NEED?
Laser/IPL hair removal is not a one-off treatment; it requires a course of about six sessions. This is because individual hairs go through a cycle of change – growing (anagen), resting (catagen) and dying–off to new growth (telogen).

DURATION OF GROWTH CYCLES
The three phases of the cycle vary in length between different parts of the body.

Duration of the Growth Cycle

Location Telogen Months. Anagen Months Total Months
Back

Three – Six

 Three – Six Six - Twelve
Thighs Three – Six Three – Six Six - Twelve
Arm Three – Five One – Two Four - Seven
Calf Three – Four Four – Five Seven - Nine


Although laser/IPL hair removal removes hair in every cycle, it is most effective when hairs are “growing” and the hair is present all the way down the follicle.

As not all hairs are growing at any one time, you will need to complete the recommended number of treatments to ensure all hairs have been captured in their growing cycle. This will give you the best results.

SO, EXACTLY HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
It varies from person to person, depending on your hair and skin colour. During your consultation, I will be able to tell you more accurately but on average you will need about six treatments. Once the initial treatment period is complete you may have to come back occasionally for a follow–up treatment.

CAN I STILL REMOVE HAIR BETWEEN TREATMENTS?
Yes, you can shave or trim it. However, you should not pluck, wax or use depilatory creams, as these methods remove hair from within the follicle.

WHICH AREAS CAN LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL TREAT?
Virtually any area where you want to get rid of hair (although I am unable to treat parts of the eyebrows that are very close to the eyes).


DOES LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
Most people tolerate the treatment very well. However, you should bear in mind that some people are more sensitive than others. Some may feel a warm sensation as the hair heats-up and the treatment begins to work, but the specially designed applicator features a cooling device, which helps to relieve any discomfort.

WHO CARRIES OUT THE TREATMENT?
Jayne Harlock Aesthetic consultant will carry out Laser/IPL treatments.
WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Some parts of your body are more sensitive than others and after laser treatments, may look red and “goose-pimply” but the raised skin will go down within a few hours. Any redness usually disappears within twenty-four hours and can easily be disguised by a little make-up. In extremely rare cases, temporary dispigmentation
or blistering may occur.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
• When you arrive for your pre-booked consultation, I will discuss your medical history with you and you will need to complete in advance a confidential questionnaire.

• Any questions or concerns that you may have will be answered or explained and the treatment will be described.

• The area to be tested will then be prepared.

• Before the procedure begins everyone present will wear the appropriate light protection glasses.

• The test patch will be performed to ascertain the appropriate level of light to be used in your treatment. This may be repeated a number of times. At the end of the test patch you may be given a cooling gel to help sooth any discomfort.

• You will need to wait 20 minutes to see if you experience any side effects, once this time has elapsed treatment can resume immediately.

• There is a two to six week gap between treatments.


AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser/IPL hair removal is not for everyone. The absolute requirement is that ones hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Additionally, very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser/IPL energy in their skin and are not good candidates. Tanned patients with light hair are not good candidates. Tanned patients with dark hair must wait until their tan fades before they can be treated. Lastly, the treatment costs should be within reach of the patient. Laser/IPL hair removal, although much less expensive then electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, and generally costs over £500 in total for most anatomic areas.


AND, FINALLY…
Be realistic in your expectations. Hair removal is a very new technology. My aim is to remove hair and suppress its re-growth for as long as possible. Success will depend very much on the particular biology of your skin, your hair follicles and the body site. Permanent hair reduction can only be achieved at high energies and after multiple treatments.