The laser or intense pulsed light delivers a pulse or several pulses of light energy into the skin where it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and, to a lesser extent, by the surrounding tissues.

The light energy is converted to heat energy and if the temperature of the hair follicle is raised to around 70ºC for the correct length of time, the follicle will be damaged and its ability to re-grow a hair is significantly reduced.

The most effective time for treatment is thought to be when the hair is in the active growing, or ‘anagen’ phase.

Anagen hair contains the most melanin and is better at absorbing light energy than hair in the resting (catagen) or shedding (telogen) phase.

 

As the treatment relies on absorption of light in the hair pigment/melanin, the most efficient treatment is seen with dark hairs which are easier to heat up to the required temperature that destroys the hair follicle. The unique software of our laser and IPL is pre-programmed for different skin types and adjusts the energy output to match the requirements of your skin. A consultation will determine whether the treatment is suitable for you.

The general rule is that the hair colour should be darker than the skin colour. Treatment is most effective when there is good contrast between the hair colour and skin colour – making black hair in pale skin the ideal combination to treat. Blonde, red or grey hair responds less well as do darker skin types so you may be suggested alternative therapies, such as electrolysis, for these hair types.

No-one can guarantee permanent removal of all hairs. It is possible to remove the hairs, but not the reason that hairs grow.

The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors such as area, hair density, thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal level and age.

Usually 6 – 9 treatments are needed and the intervals between treatments are typically 4 weeks for the face 6 weeks for bikini and underarms and 8 weeks for legs, chest and back.

This is only a guide, everyone one skin and hair is different and it can take more or less treatments. The current hairs present will be permantly reduced untill we clear the area. However the reason it cannot be called permant removal is that if medical or hormonal changes occur in the future it can stimulate further hairs to grow from empty hair follicles. Or if you have a hormonal imbalance we are fighting against hormones which are constanly producing hairs.

After just the first few treatment most people get a noticable reduction in hair density and find hair growth slows down.

 

This depends on the area treated and the number of hairs. Generally a facial treatment takes around 10 minutes whereas a back or half leg takes 1 hour.

In order to have a successful treatment, there has to be hairs attached to the hair follicle, hence no plucking, threading, waxing or use of depilatory creams are allowed one month before or in-between your Laser or IPL treatment.

You should avoid tanning (sun, solarium and self-tanning creams) for at least one month before treatment and completely during the course of treatments. A sunscreen (SPF 30) must be used for one month after the treatment. This is because we need a contrast with skin and hair colour so if your skin tans the treatment is not only less effective but you risk burning and pigmentation problems.

It is very important you are honest and upfront about any medication you are taking or have taken, some medications can photo sensitize your skin. Which means that you are more likely to burn or have pigmentation problems. We have a contract with LCS a medical company specialising in laser safety and they will advise us whether your medication affects the treatment. Please make us aware of any medication and medical conditions when booking a consultation and patch test.

Avoid any heat on the area for 24 hours, this may include cooking, steam ironing, exercise, sauna's, jacuzzis or anything that will out heat into the area. It is important to keep the are free from products and cool for 24 hours.

During the treatment you will be provided with safety eyewear for either the Laser or IPL. The Laser and IPL room has been inspected and approved by the Health Care Commision and we are fully insured.

 

Most people experience no side effects of treatment. A normal reaction is that the skin becomes red immediately after treatment. Occasionally small blisters can occur. These skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a few days. In rare cases, temporary pigment changes in the skin might occur, but most people experience fewer problems than this after laser treatment.

No anaesthetics are required and most people describe the pain as moderate (like snapping a rubber band against the skin). We have a cooling machine which helps numb the skin before during and after the treatment making the treatment a lot more comfortable.

We also can provide ice packs and aloe vera soothing gel for home use.