Laser

Laser hair reduction works by emitting a beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair.

The light energy is converted into heat which destroys the stem cells responsible for hair regeneration. Hairs can no longer grow after the heat has been absorbed by the base of the hair follicle, providing the hair cycle is in the actively growing stage.

There are three different stages of hair growth Anagen-the active growth phase, Catagen-the transition phase and Telogen-the resting phase. Laser hair reduction is only successful in destroying the hair growth on hairs in the anagen stage. Hairs are not in the anagen phase all at the one time this is why a number of treatments are be needed. 

The total number of treatments varies based on the area treated, the hair and skin type. We typically recommend 6-10 treatments spaced between 6-12 weeks apart.

Laser requires multiple treatments because hair grows in different phases. Hair can take 6-12 weeks to grow from root to surface (known as the anagen stage) and this is the perfect time to receive laser hair reduction.

It is important to stick with your advised treatment schedule – missing a treatment could allow your hair to enter the next stage where hair begins to detach from the hair follicle which can increase the number of treatments required.

Laser can be performed on most areas of the body. Commonly requested areas include underarms, arms, legs, bikini, Brazilian and face. As well as male chest and back.

Prior to a laser hair reduction treatment, you will need to stop waxing/plucking/bleaching 4-6 weeks before, as the hair follicle needs to stay intact in order for the laser to target and destroy the hair.

We ask you to shave the area the night before or day of your appointment.

It is also important to avoid tanning or fake tanning leading up to your appointment as this can result in too much heat being absorbed into the skin. Tan may be applied in between your treatments. Treatments cannot be performed until 3-4 weeks after sun exposure.

No. We do not go over any kind of tattoos, doing so can result in potential scarring and removal of tattoo pigment.

Redness is a very natural response after a treatment and usually reduces within a few hours, however it is possible to last between 24-48 hours in some cases. Applying aloe vera gel helps to assist with calming redness.

Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after your treatment as the skin will be more prone to sunburn. After this, wearing a sunscreen of at least 30+ is vital while you are out in the sun.

We recommend waiting between 24 – 48 hours to exercise or do any activities that involve putting extra heat into the body after your treatment, this includes swimming and steaming hot showers.

Although laser hair reduction is considered a safe procedure, due to the lack of studies performed on pregnant women Laser Hair & Skin Clinic will not perform any laser treatment while you are pregnant.

Most clients describe laser hair reduction as a rubber band lightly flicking the skin. To increase patient comfort and safety, Cutera excel HR offers continuous cooling before, during and after each pulse. In a comparative study, 100% of patients found the excel HR to be more comfortable than a competitor’s laser hair reduction procedure.

Technically speaking there is no minimum age, however if a person is under the age of 18, we require parent or legal guardian permission and to be present during the first treatment. It is advised to wait until teenagers have reached puberty to begin hair reduction treatments, and for females to have begun their menstrual cycle.

Laser hair reduction has a number of benefits including preventing ingrown hairs, more efficient (no more shaving or waxing) more economic (no more shaving or waxing supplies) go green (save water & waste)

Although clients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and swelling of the skin (similar to a sunburn)

Itchy skin can be an occasional side effect. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied and antihistamine may offer some relief. This may last 3-4 days

Pigmentation (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation) changes are generally considered a temporary minor side effect. To prevent any skin colour changes, avoid sun exposure on the treated areas.