What is Laser hair reduction:

Laser hair reduction is a medical procedure that uses pulses of concentrated light (laser) at a specific wavelength in order to target the melanin pigment within hair follicles. The laser light energy is absorbed within the hair where it is converted into heat, once the heat reaches 70 degrees celsius, necrosis (cell death) occurs and the hair follicle is damaged, inhibiting or delaying future hair growth. 
The classification of a persons skin plays a large part in a laser treatment plan and outcome. It determines how much of the lasers energy the skin can tolerate before it elicits a negative response. The more energy delivered to the melanin pigment means the faster the results, this equates to fairer skin tones with dark hair enjoy permanent hair reduction sooner than dark skin tones with dark hair, or fair skinned people with fair hair. So, depending on your physiology, the colour and thickness of your hair, your Fitzpatrick skin type and the wavelength being used, laser hair removal can either effectively reduce hair growth, permanently reduce the density of hair or delay regrowth for long periods of time.  
For effective hair removal treatment, multiple sessions are needed for initial hair removal (usually around 4 to 6 treatments, spaced 6 to 12 weeks apart), and maintenance treatments are often required in order to address hair follicles that were in the dormant part of a hairs natural life-cycle.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this modality or if i can help with any of your hair removal concerns.

Benefits of Laser hair reduction:

• Laser offers a permanent hair reduction solution and lasting results 

• Laser can be used with precision to selectively target unwanted hair, while leaving the surrounding  skin and hair undamaged

• Each pulse of light is at a fraction of a second. With whole treatments being a quick and effective hair reduction option 

• The results are consistent and predictable

• It helps avoid ingrown hairs

• It is possible to shave between laser treatments, so one can be completely hair free all the time

• There are no scars or painful side effects

• Laser hair removal leaves the skin feeling softer than before

What to expect from Laser hair reduction:

• You will need to do a little prep work before your grooming appointment, cleanliness is always appreciated before any treatment

• The laser treatment is carried out on a massage table, so you can switch off and relax while your grooming needs are being met

• Due to the nature of the treatment, sun exposure should be avoided for two weeks along with sun sensitising medication

• Waxing, tweezing or plucking should also be avoided 6 weeks pre treatment as the laser will be targeting melanin in the hair root 

• The area to be treated will be shaven so as to avoid poisonous smoke plumes from burning hair

• The area will then be cleansed in order remove any debris or oils present on the skin  

• Special googles are worn by both the patient and practitioner to help protect the eyes from the laser beam

• A grid system is used as a guide on the skin to help with speed, efficacy and to minimise over lapping treated areas

• A hand-held laser hand piece is passed over the area, firing off shots in quick succession, passing a beam of light through the skin and into the hair follicle. The sensation is similar to that of being flicked by a rubber band as the follicle and root are destroyed through a process known as photo-thermolysis.

• The laser hand piece is equiped with a cooling device on the tip of the instrument that makes it feel ice cold. This helps counteract the rubber band flicking with a nice cooling sensation, and also protects the surrounding tissue and reduces the risk of side effects.

• Post treatment there may be mild discomfort with a feeling of being sunburned. Cold compresses can be used to help alleviate symptoms both straight after the treatment and at home.

• Sun exposure should be avoided and a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen should be worn throughout the day to help minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• No active skin-care products or fragrances should be used on the treated area for 7 days post-treatment

• Heavy perspiration and chlorinated pools should be avoided for 48 hours post-treatment

Indications
for Laser hair reduction:

Contraindications
for Laser hair reduction:

Possible side effects
for Laser hair reduction:

• Hirsutism and hypertrichosis

• Pseudofolliculitis barbae, pilonidal sinus, acne keloidalis

• Men wanting a more permanent hair removal solution 

• Body builders and the modelling community for added muscle definition and aesthetic purposes

• Sports players seeking a little aid in performance

• Sun sensitising medication

• History of melanoma

• Suspicious lesions

• Infectious skin conditions

• Active infections

• Raised moles

• Keloid scar formation

• Skin healing problems

• Hives

• Herpetic lesions or cold sores

• Diabetes

• Fractures or sprains

• Open wounds or recent scars

• Tattoos or permanent make-up

• Tanned skin

• Sunburn

• Unprotected sun exposure within the last week

• Fake tan within the last week

• Erythema lasting from 1 to 4months 

• Inflammation and swelling

• Pain and discomfort at treatment site

• Blistering 

• Hyper or hypo-pigmentation

• Adhesions or skin clumping together

• Herpes complex outbreak if carrier of virus

• Bacterial or fungal infection

• Scarring