How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment in hair. To damage the hair permanently and stop it from growing back, the melanin in the hair shaft needs to absorb sufficient heat to penetrate the root of the hair. Most lasers work by heating the melanin, however the effectiveness of the laser and therefore hair removal results can vary greatly based on the strength of the laser’s wave lengths.
Many lasers only singe or burn the hair which provides only temporary clearance. Lasers which target more energy to the root of the hair and away from the surface are much safer and more effective in hair removal.
People often confuse Intense Pulse Light (IPL) machines with lasers. Many clinics use IPL devices because they are generally cheaper than laser machines, however the results achieved are often found to be inferior.
At Defined Skin & Laser Clinic, we use a medical grade laser with elos technology. The laser device combines diode (810nm) laser energy with bi-polar radio frequency and intense pulsed light energy to precisely target the melanin in hair follicles. As a result, each hair follicle is permanently destroyed and the body sheds the destroyed hair much like dead skin. This multi-faceted approach safely and effectively treats a wide range of skin types and hair colours.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Although the ideal candidate is a person with pale skin and dark hair,the elos laser system can be used on most skin types. The exception would be very dark to black skin, due to the level of melanin in these skin types. Very light hair can also be difficult to treat, but due to our laser’s elos technology, we have been successful in doing so.
How long will it take to see results?
Laser hair removal only works on hair in the ‘anagen’, or active growing stage, which is why multiple treatments are required. Hair growth will be diminished after each treatment, and full results can usually be achieved in 5-8 sessions. It may take slightly less or more, depending on your skin and hair type. Lighter hair generally takes the longest.
Will there be any downtime?
Immediately following a laser hair removal treatment, the area treated may be slightly red, or tender, but that is all. You can resume normal activities immediately following treatment, but should avoid any sun exposure for at least 3 days.
Are there any side effects with Laser Hair Removal?
Although side effects are extremely rare, they may include redness and/or swelling. There may also be crusting or minor blistering, which is temporary. In extreme cases, changes in skin pigmentation or even scarring can occur. For this reason, we perform a skin test on every client. Our laser also has numerous safety settings which ensure that if the skin heats too much, the machine automatically shuts off. This is not the case with all laser machines – we recommend for your own health and safety that you research any potential service providers and the lasers they use thoroughly.
Does Laser Hair Removal treatment hurt?
Most clients feel a minor level of discomfort during a laser hair removal treatment, with many likening the feeling to rubber band snaps or tiny pinpricks. The good news is that any discomfort is only for a few seconds as the laser glides over each area.
Who should do this treatment?
Laser hair removal should be avoided if you fall into one of the following categories: pregnant women or nursing mothers; people with active tans (21 days or less) or who have waxed, tweezed, sugared, or threaded in the area in the last 30 days; people with cancer, in particular skin cancer; people with impaired immune systems or epilepsy; people with tattoos or permanent make-up in the treatment area; and people with a history of keloid scarring. If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal is suitable for you, please contact Defined Skin & Laser Clinic.
How much does Laser Hair Removal treatment cost?
The cost of laser hair removal varies based on the number of treatments, and their duration. Call us for a personalised quote.
IPL Treatments – Skin Rejuvenation, Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction
What conditions can effectively be treated by Laser and/or IPL and how does it work?
Using our laser’s elos technology, we are able to offer our clients dramatic improvements in
• The appearance of rosacea, redness, age spots and sun damaged skin (skin rejuvenation)
• Sagging or loose skin around the jaw or neck (Skin tightening)
• Fine lines around the eyes or nose in addition to deeper creases in the forhead (wrinkle reduction)
Our laser has three independent treatment modalities to target the specific skin care issue you have.
Skin Rejuvenation
The combination of bi-polar radio frequency and light energy can precisely target and eliminate pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots. At a different parameter, treatment can affect vascular lesions including spider veins and redness (including rosacea).
Skin Tightening
A combination of bi-polar radio frequency and laser energy heats the connective tissues, stimulating collagen production, firming up loose skin, and smoothing out mild wrinkles.
As a result, your skin is smoother and more elastic.
Wrinkle Reduction
A combination of bi-polar radio frequency and infra-red light creates deep dermal heating that will both shrink existing and stimulate new collagen. The result is mild to moderate wrinkles are reduced leading to your skin becoming smoother and more elastic.
How do I know if I am a good candidite for the above treatments?
Skin rejuvenation treatments can be undertaken on most skin types. The exception is dark to black skin where it is difficult to see the lesions requiring treatment. Both skin tightening and wrinkle reduction treatments are suitable for all skin types.
How long before I see results?
Skin Rejuvenation
Results are gradual and can typically be achieved in 3-5 treatments, depending on your skin type and the severity of the lesions being treated.
Skin Tightening
While you may see results after the first treatment, most improvements take place in 3-5 sessions. As results are cumulative, you will continue to see improvements for up to 6 months.
Wrinkle Reduction
While you may see results after the first treatment, most improvements take place in 3-5 sessions. As results are cumulative, you will continue to see improvements for up to 6 months .
Will there be any downtime?
With skin rejuvenation, there can be mild downtime due to freckles, etc. becoming darker and more obvious after treatment. This is temporary, occurring as the pigmentation comes up and out, and will disappear after approx. 1.5-2 weeks.
There is no downtime for any of our other treatments and clients can resume normal activities (including applying cosmetics) immediately after their appointment. With skin rejuvenation, the area treated may darken before disappearing, which may be noticeable for a period of time.
Are the treatments painful?
With a skin rejuvenation treatment, there can be a minor amount of discomfort, however most patients report that any discomfort experienced lessens after the first session. Clients undergoing skin tightening and wrinkle reduction treatments generally have no issues with discomfort. In all treatments, the skin is cooled using cooling gels and fans to ensure clients are comfortable
Are there any side effects?
Although side effects are extremely rare, they may include redness and/or swelling, which usually dissipate after a few hours. There may also be crusting or minor blistering, which is temporary. In extreme cases, changes in skin pigmentation or even scarring can occur. For this reason, we perform a skin test on every client prior to treatment.
Who should do this treatment?
Pregnant women or nursing mothers, people with current or history of skin cancer, people with impaired immune systems or epilepsy, people with tattoos or permanent make-up in the treatment area, and people with excessive suntans. If you’re not sure if skin rejuvenation, skin tightening or wrinkle reduction treatments are suitable for you, please contact us to discuss at Defined Skin & Laser Clinic.
How much do Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction treatments cost?
The cost varies based on the type of treatment, whether you are undergoing treatments in conjunction with one another, and the number of treatments required. Call us for a personalised quote.
