Laser Hair Removal

+ How do laser hair removal systems work?

Laser therapy is a safe, effective, and commonly used treatment. A short beam of light is fired at the skins surface. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, where it heats and destroys the hair follicle quickly and safely, and stops the hair from growing. If the hair is in the growth stage (anagen), the heat is transmitted down the hair shaft to the base of the follicle and to the germ cells lining the follicle shaft, causing their destruction. Hair caught in the growth stage will not tend to grow again. Other follicles, which are not actively growing may then produce new hair. These follicles will need to be targeted in the growth stage to effect follicle damage.

+ How many hair removal treatments are required?

Every treatment, like every patient, is unique and it is just not possible to be accurate. Normally between 6 – 8 treatments are usually required. The exact number will vary depending on the area treated, the response of the individual, what has been done to the hair in the past. Hormonal conditions, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses.

+ Who will carry out my treatment?

All of our laser treatments are carried out by fully qualified registered doctors and nurses, with over 27 years of experience carrying out laser treatments.

+ Can all hair colours be treated?

Laser treatment works best on dark hair because dark hair contains more pigment to absorb light. Fair, auburn hair may respond but white hair, very blond hair and some red hair will only respond to electrolysis. We always carry out a test patch before a full treatment so we will know how your hair and skin will respond before you commit to a full treatment.

+ Can all parts of the body be treated?

Yes all areas can be treated although we would not recommend the treatment of hairy moles and the nasal septum. Our Alexandrite laser is fast and even large areas like legs and backs can be treated in a relatively short period of time.

+ Is laser hair removal permanent?

Results vary; actively growing hair follicles will be destroyed, so for some people we can say that the end result is permanent. However, as with all depilation methods, we cannot give any guarantee as the laser will only affect actively growing follicles and has no effect on dormant or ‘resting’ hair follicles. Therefore, it is always possible that new hair growth may take place from hair follicles not currently growing. It is also accepted now that some hairs are not destroyed but convert from a terminal (thick dark, noticeable) hair to a vellus (fine, blonde unnoticeable) hair.

+ What other methods of depilation are available?

Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams, are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis. Electrolysis is a valuable method for treating white, grey and red hairs, it does require multiple sessions to achieve the best possible results.

+ Is treatment painful?

Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device used with the Alexandrite. The degree of discomfort varies with each person depending on his/her pain threshold.

+ Are there any side effects to treatment?

The most common after effect is redness of the skin that can last for a day or so. Slight blistering can occur but this is rare and would clear up within a few days. With certain skin types changes in skin colour can occur and this will almost settle with time, although complete return to normal pigmentation cannot be guaranteed. Because each individual’s skin responds differently we always carry out a careful pre-treatment test patch procedure to ensure that the right system is chosen and that no unexpected reactions take place during a full treatment.

+ Is treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 50 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Laserase Newcastle is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000.

+ Should anyone avoid this tratment?

The hair removal treatment should be avoided by anyone who is:

• Hypersensitve to light
• Suffering from live cold sores in the treatment area
• Suffering from vitiligo (skin pigment loss)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with very dark skin are at greater risk of pigment change. However the laser we use will treat all skin types safely and effectively.

+ How should I prepare myself for treatment?

The laser targets the pigment in the hair and skin and thus it is important that you do not have a suntan – whether natural or artificial.

• If you have a tan you should wait at least 4 weeks after your last UV exposure until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells.
• If you are plucking, waxing or threading, you should stop 4 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving or cutting the hair.
• The treatment area needs to be shaved the day before treatment.
• You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment.
• You should avoid alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Brufen for 48 hours before treatment; This will reduce the risk of a skin reaction.