What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe medical procedure that provides precision where it targets selectively while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. It is a treatment that promises a remarkably comfortable process & permanently removed body hair.
It can target hair on the underarms, bikini area, upper lip, fingers, toes, arms, legs & shoulders.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
Why it’s done?
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
The risk of damage to the skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well: gray, red, blond, and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
What you can expect
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. In areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. In areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
For each treatment, you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.
During the procedure
The doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument on your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects.
When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.
Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.
To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Laser Hair Removal Practitioners And Safety
At The Living Centre, all of our practitioners are experienced and are certified in level 4 laser safety training. Many of our practitioners have over a decade of experience treating clients of all skin types. A skin test is always carried out before starting treatment in any area; this is to ensure your skin is suitable. All of our technicians are female and have seen many clients over the years and understand the sensitivity some clients may feel regarding certain areas of the body. However, all of our technicians have a lot of experience and will ensure to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
The Living Centre Laser Hair Removal Systems
At The Living Centre, we use the Gentle Max Pro by Syneron Candela, which is state-of-the-art in laser technology. We are continually updating our equipment as it comes onto the market, ensuring customers are receiving the safest and fastest laser hair removal technology currently available. Syneron- Candela technology allows Pulse Light Clinic to treat all skin types safely using the Alexandrite and Nd: Yag lasers. These lasers allow treatment of Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, Arab, Mixed race, Black Caribbean, and Black African skin types.