Laser and Non-Laser Hair Removal
Long-term hair removal can be achieved with a minimum of discomfort or inconvenience with our long pulse Alexandrite (Elite) hair-removing laser.
How is hair removed by laser?
The laser emits a powerful beam of light that passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the hair follicle. By selectively absorbing the laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow hair.
This is a safer, faster and more effective way to eliminate unwanted hair than traditional methods of depilation. Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair colour is significantly darker than the skin, e.g. dark hair on fair-skinned individuals, or black hair on darker skin colours.
What other methods are available to remove hair?
Epilation is another effective technique when undertaken by a professional. It incorporates fine wire diathermy, which is a treatment that works by passing a small electric charge down a hair-like needle into an unwanted spot, causing the spot to shrivel and disappear. It does so over the following few days to weeks depending on the body part treated and the amount of current used. In this procedure, insulated needles are passed down the hair follicle to the hair bulb. These insulated needles only expose the tip of the needle; the rest is coated in a sleeve that does not conduct electricity. Thus they do not injure the surrounding skin in the process of destroying the hair bulb.
Modern fine wire diathermy should not be confused with the rather gross diathermy delivery systems of the past. Correctly used, this is a most elegant technique and one that gives uniformly good results.
Over the years, various other methods have been used to remove unwanted hair such as shaving, waxing, plucking and depilatory creams. These methods only remove hair temporarily and some may be painful or cause inflammation of the hair follicle. Electrolysis offers more long-term hair removal, but takes months or years of treatment and innumerable sessions since it requires the placement of a needle at each hair follicle. This process is tedious, and impractical for large areas.
The advantages of laser hair removal
- Fewer treatments required;
- suitable for large areas;
- more accurate (unlike electrolysis, laser light can't 'miss' the follicle);
- non-invasive (no risk of needle-transmitted disease).
Laser treatment provides long-term hair removal for large or small areas, without the difficulties or commitment involved with other methods. The laser is designed to selectively treat only the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The laser uses pulses of light to remove the hair, so there is little irritation to the skin.
Is the laser treatment comfortable?
The treatment consists of a number of laser pulses accompanied by a tingling or slight burning sensation. Anaesthetic cream is applied to the area 30 minutes prior to treatment to ensure this sensation is minimal. Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the areas may become pink or red, and feel like mild sunburn for a day or so. Because the laser does not damage the skin, no bandages are necessary.
How long does it take?
Each laser pulse treats about a half-inch area, which can contain ten or more hairs. The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. The lip usually takes less than one minute; other areas such as the leg may take significantly longer.
How many treatments will be necessary?
The laser works by affecting the hair follicles, which are in the growing (anagen) phase. At any time, some hair follicles are in the resting (telogen) phase and won't be treated by the laser. Therefore several visits may be necessary for total treatment. We now know that the hair removal lasts at least 18 months.
About the treatment
The treatment is only available to those with sufficiently dark hair - blonde, red and grey hair do not respond well. A consultation with one of our specialist nurses is required to determine your suitability for the treatment. Information about the time involved to treat various areas of the body can be given to you at this time and an appointment made for your test patch. Do not wax or pluck the area to be treated for one month prior to laser hair removal. The area should be shaved three days prior to laser hair removal.