Hair Removal Treatments
Hair removal lasers have been around for a number of years but it is only in the last few years that there has been a choice of laser that can produce results that satisfy our standards as well as our patients.
We have a wide range of lasers that we utilize for hair removal. We can use these lasers individually or in combinations to produce the best results for your skin and hair types. Dr Shah has had experience in using a wide range of lasers for hair removal and feels that this clinic has the largest variety of lasers available today.
What types of lasers do we use?
- Hoya-Conbio's Medlite C6
- Iridex's Lyra
- Candela's Gentlelase Plus
- Syneron's Emax Platform
- Iridex’s Gemini
- Cynosure's Elite
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How do lasers remove hair?
Lasers provide a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for removing hair by producing an intense pulse of light of a wavelength that is absorbed primarily by the pigment, or colour , in the hair root. In recent years a wavelength has been chosen that could safely pass through all colours of skin, without being significantly absorbed by other skin structures. However at this wavelength light is still able to penetrate deeply enough so that it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair roots. Each light pulse lasts for only several thousandths of a second, so the energy from the beam is almost completely absorbed by the hair bulb without significant spreading to the surrounding tissue. The hair in the treated follicles is shed over a period of weeks and the remnants of the roots are reabsorbed by the body.
Two of the lasers that we have available have a wide beam and therefore we can treat many hairs at once, making it possible to treat large areas of the skin such as the back, legs, and arms in a short time frame. The lasers available can be used on any parts of the body with the exception of the area immediately around the eyes. Treatments can be performed without anesthesia. In just a few treatments the appearance of your hair can be permanently improved.
How do our lasers differ from others?
The lasers mentioned above some of the safest lasers around on the market. They are suitable for all skin types unlike older lasers that were only suitable for pale skins. The longer wavelength used by our lasers allows laser energy to reach even the deepest hair roots, while at the same time allowing safe and effective treatment for people of all skin colours, even those with darker or black skin.
Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?
People with coarse dark hair and light skin colour respond the best to laser hair treatments. In people with darker skin colour, that have more melanin in their skin, the skin tends to compete with the hair for light energy, resulting in potential damage to the skin. Tanning should therefore be avoided. The lasers that we currently have are the best for removing light fine hair as well as for darker skins. People with grey hair are the most difficult to treat as less energy is absorbed by the hair roots. If you are considering laser hair removal it is important to have a through consultation prior to any treatments so that your skin and hair can be fully evaluated.
What parts of the body can be treated?
All parts of the body can be treated with the exception of the area immediately surrounding the eyes. In women, the most common areas are underarms, bikini line, chin, upper lip, arms and legs. In men the most common areas are the back, shoulders and the beard area.
What are the advantages of laser hair removal compared to other treatments?
Unlike electrolysis where it is a hair by hair treatment the laser uses a wide beam which treats many hairs at once. It is not only faster than electrolysis but can treat hairs that are untreatable by electrolysis. The laser offers a permanent reduction in both the amount of hair and also often a reduction in thickness and colour of hairs that may grow back. In addition to this you will also save time by not having to have a procedure done every 6 weeks or every month for the rest of your life. This is time that can be better spent doing other things.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time by inserting a fine probe into what is hopefully the base of the hair and destroys the hair root using small electric shocks. This treatment is useful in removing hairs from small areas such as the area around the eyes and in the nose.
Is laser hair removal “permanent”?
Long term studies have indicated that all the hairs that respond to the laser are permanently destroyed. In certain circumstances there may be stubborn hair that may take several treatments before it is destroyed. A realistic expectation is an 80-90% hair reduction. Often any remaining hairs are finer and lighter than previously.
How rapidly will hair regrow and how much will grow back?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser works by destroying the roots of pigmented growing hairs. The hair shafts themselves will fall out within 3-4 weeks after the treatment. In an appropriate candidate, in general about 30% of the hairs will not re-grow after a single treatment. It may take between 2-4 months for follicles which have been stunned, but not destroyed to start producing hair again. Also, since the laser does not affect the follicles which are resting, some of these follicles will become active and produce additional hairs. After the laser sessions have been completed, it takes approximately six months before one can make a final judgment regarding the success of the treatment.
What preparation is needed before any laser treatments?
You should avoid any tanning prior to laser hair removal. Waxing, plucking, threading electrolysis and bleaching should also be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
It is important not to wear make up on the appointment day as makeup can sometimes absorb laser energy. You may re-apply the make up immediately post treatment if you desire.
How long will a treatment session take?
Since the laser treats a number of hairs in one session, small areas such as chin, cheeks and so on can be treated in approximately 15 minutes. Larger areas may take upto an hour depending on the size of the area and the density of the hair.
Is treatment painful?
The treatment sensation is likened to the “snap” of a rubber band against the skin. We do offer chilled air and ice to make your treatment more comfortable.
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