Laser Hair Removal
How does Laser & IPL hair removal work?
Laser and IPL systems use energy in the form of light to destroy the hair follicle. The correct settings are chosen according to your skin colour and coarseness of the hair being treated. A cool sapphire crystal is then placed over a cold gel that is applied on your skin, followed by a flash of high intensity filtered lighte. The energy from the light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and is then transferred to the surrounding cells, which in turn are converted into heat. The heating denatures the cells, rendering them incapable of producing further hair growth. The heat kills the hair roots but the hair remains in the skin and will fall out 1-3 weeks after the treatment. Some hairs can even fall out at the time of treatment. The hair being treated should not be tweezed or waxed for 1 month prior to treatments.
How many treatments does it take?
An average of eight treatments is required for maximum hair reduction. You can expect an average of 10- 20 percent hair reduction after the first treatment. There are three phases of hair growth: Anagen, Telogen, and Catagen. The laser can effectively target hairs only in the active stage (Anagen). Each body part has a different hair growth cycle and the time of the growth cycle can vary from 4-8 weeks depending on the body site. The number of sessions you will need depends on many factors including area of the body treated, skin colour, coarseness of the hair, and any underlying health conditions.
There will be a permanent reduction in the amount of hair. It is important to understand exactly what permanent hair reduction means. It does not mean 100 percent reduction, but rather 50 to 90 percent reduction. New hairs appear over time, but in most cases it is finer, and easier to manage. Maintenance treatments can still be done after your recommended sessions are finished to help with new hairs that have grown over time.
The level of pain depends on the skin and hair type as well as the pain threshold. There is minimal discomfort that quickly dissipates. Treatments using IPL are much more tolerable and the treatment time tends to be much quicker due to the large size of the hand piece. As with all machines, skin may appear red and mildly swollen immediately after the treatment and can last from 2-24 hours. Aloe or Hydrocortisone can be applied to help soothe and cool the skin.
Are the treatments expensive?
When this method was first introduced in the 1990s the costs were considerably higher. With advancements in technology and the increasing number of clinics offering the treatments, the cost has become much more affordable. When searching for a clinic there is no need to pay the highest price, however, it is important to find a clinic that has quality equipment and experienced technicians.
Who is a good candidate?
The ideal candidate is anyone who has unwanted hair that appears dark in colour. The darker and coarser the hair appears, the more effective the treatment will be. Finer, lighter coloured hairs can take more treatments and do not always respond well. A patch test is mandatory and is also the best way to tell if the hairs will respond.
Who cannot have laser hair removal treatments?
Light Hair:
The treatments will not work on hair that is light in colour, i.e. blond, white or gray. The filtered light is absorbed through the pigment in the hair therefore hair without pigment will not absorb the energy.
Sun Exposure: Treatments should be postponed for anyone who has had recent or upcoming sun exposure. Skin that has been recently exposed to the sun has more melanin (pigment) in the skin which can absorb the energy from the light rather than the hair. Sun exposure should be a minimum of 3 weeks before and after a treatment as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. If skin will be exposed, use adequate sunscreen at all times.
Contraindications: Photosensitive medications, Accutane® (or other retinoids) within the last 6 months, Pregnancy, Abnormal or undiagnosed pigmentation.
Why is it important to have a patch test?
It is important to have a patch test a minimum of 24 hours prior to your treatment so the technician can then choose and find the correct settings for your skin and hair type. This allows for a safe test before performing the full treatment. A thorough consultation allows your technician to fully explain the process and results.
Laser vs. Waxing
The goal in Laser Hair Removal is to permanently reduce the amount of hair. Not all hairs that are treated will be targeted at the same time since the hair grows in different stages. Several treatments are needed in order to catch the hair in the active stage (Anagen phase). With waxing the hairs are removed immediately, whereas with Laser and IPL the treated hairs will fall out 10-14 days after the treatment. Another treatment will be done anywhere from 4-8 weeks later.
When it comes to the delicate subject of pain, neither laser hair removal nor waxing is usually 100 percent pain free. Both methods can cause discomfort, especially in sensitive clients. However, laser hair removal using IPL is a very tolerable sensation. Pain is individual but many people who have tried both methods feel that the pain from waxing is more intense.
While laser hair removal costs more than waxing in the short term, it also permanently reduces hair, which waxing does not. Waxing is temporary and hairs are expected to grow back. In laser hair removal one can usually notice a strong reduction in hair even after just a couple of sessions.
One of the disadvantages to waxing is that it can be messy and that it requires monthly maintenance, hairs also need to be long enough to be waxed. In laser hair removal, shaving of the hairs is fine and does not interfere with treatment. While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, laser hair removal is the only one that offers a permanent reduction in hair.
The only solution for ingrown hairs!
Ingrown hairs can be caused by almost every hair removal method, except Laser. Waxing and shaving can result in breakage of the hair. The tugging on the hair causes the hair to break half way while the rest of the hair remains attached. The hair then tries to grow but has been disrupted causing the hair to coil. The result is then a large red swollen ingrown hair. Laser can effectively treat and prevent ingrown hairs from happening in the first place. The laser does not come in contact with the hair, rather the filtered light is absorbed by the pigment of the hair which is then converted to heat. There is no tugging or pulling on the hair. The laser treatment can still target the hair inside the ingrown and the heat helps eliminate any bacteria inside of the follicle.
Can I start right away or do I need to come in for a consultation?
It is mandatory to have a complimentary consult and patch test. This is to ensure a safe and successful treatment.
Why choose SKN as your Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Hair Removal Clinic?
We promise to provide you with high quality laser hair removal service every step of the way. Our laser technicians are experienced and dedicated to each and every client and will go beyond the call of duty to make sure you are satisfied. We offer free consultations and patch tests.
