Laser Hair Removal in London - Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Laser hair removal is a procedure which removes hair from the body utilizing a long pulse laser. Laser hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997. The treatment is performed by a specially-trained laser specialist or a doctor (depending on the clinic and state regulations) by pointing the laser device at shaved skin. Laser heat disables follicles from producing hair.The laser hair removal light is made up of precisely controlled pulses of energy; it is absorbed by the melanin or pigment in the hair and reaches into the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair, right down to the bottom of the root, safely destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.
Is it safe?
Our laser system is approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Agency), who have deemed it safe. Our clinic is registered with the Healthcare Commission, a governing body responsible for monitoring independent hospitals and clinics in the UK. The light produced by the laser is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. Lasers have been used in the medical profession for 10 years and no long-term side effects have been reported.What does the consultation and test patch involve?
A laser practitioner or laser protection supervisor will explain to you the treatment procedure and examine your skin and hair type for suitability. A test patch is carried out to determine the best laser treatment settings and to avoid over-dosing the skin.How do I know if I am suitable for laser hair removal treatments?
Both men and women seek laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair. laser Hair removal is commonly done on underarm, pubic area, legs, abdomen, lip, chin, back, buttocks, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, and toes. Because the laser targets pigment, the laser does not work on white, grey or red hair. As long as there is some colour in your hair, our system will be effective. Any medical conditions can be discussed with our consultant at your consultation.How many laser hair removal sessions do I need?
Most people will need a course of between 4 and 8 treatments. Hair grows in 3 different phases. Laser treatment can only affect hair in the active growth phase (anagen stage) - at any one time, 90% of follicles will be in this stage, so a course of treatment is needed to ensure that all follicles are permanently affected and will not produce any more hair.What Are the Hair Growth Cycles?
Hair growth in each hair follicle occurs in a cycle. There are three main phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen (active) is the growing phase or when the hair fiber is produced.Catagen (club hair) is the period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. This phase is when the lower part of the hair stops growing, but does not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed.
Telogen (tired) is the last of the hair growth cycle. In this resting phase, the old hair falls out in preparation for the development of a new anagen hair. Normally this cycle of hair production will continue for the duration of the individual's life. However, various factors can influence, promote and inhibit hair production.
Laser affects hairs when it’s in its anagen phase of growth. Thus, patients need multiple treatments in order to disable each batch of hair as it enters the anagen phase of growth. Hair cycle length varies depending on body part. Face usually requires more frequent treatments (about 8 weeks apart) whereas legs and back need less frequent treatments (closer to 12 weeks apart). Spacing treatments 8-12 weeks apart allows adequate time to target hair on most body areas.
How often will I need a laser treatment?
After a laser treatment the treated hairs take about 2 weeks to shed from the skin. Re-growth then usually occurs about 4 weeks later, so we recommend that each treatment is about 6 weeks apart. This may vary depending on the treatment area.What Should I Expect Before and After a Laser Treatment?
Patients should not wax, epilate, or remove hair with the root using any other hair removal method for at least 6 weeks prior to their first session and throughout their course of treatments. The hair needs to be in place in order to be targeted by laser as laser devices targets the pigment in the hair. The area to be treated should be shaved 1-2 days prior to treatments so that the energy is targeted towards the hair follicle and not wasted it on the hair above the skin’s surface. Treating unshaved skin can result in burning of the skin by singed hairs.Treatments are relatively quick. Both underarms take about 5 minutes. Full legs can take 1-1.5 hours. After the laser hair removal treatment, applying ice packs and cooled pure aloe vera gel help soothe the skin.
All hair should shed within 3 weeks* following the treatment. Sometimes, shedding doesn’t start until about 10 days after the session. During the shedding phase, hair may look like it’s growing, but it is actually coming out to shed. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the shedding process.
After 3 weeks, some patients may see small black dots remain in the hair follicles on some areas. These are commonly referred to as “pepperspots”, which eventually shed on their own. Exfoliating may help speed up the process. Regardless, they will be singed off in the following session. Once the hair sheds, patients should experience a hair-free period for several weeks. Once new hair grows in, patients should come in for their next session. For most people and on most body areas, this happens about 8-12 weeks after the previous treatment.
Patients should continue treatments until remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target, or until they’ve reached their desired reduction. Shedding of all treated hair should be expected within 3 weeks of each treatment.
Does it hurt?
We use the latest generation laser hair removal system which has a built-in cooling device which leads to a much more comfortable treatment than our competitors. There is no need for messy anesthetic gel. The sensation is like a very quick sting, both hot and cold at the same time. You will experience the sensation at your patch test.Are there any side effects?
Redness or some swellings to the skin are short term side effects following each treatment and this usually settles within a few hours. If the skin is a more sensitive type, it may take a few days for the redness to disappear completely. What if I Merely Want to Reduce Hair Density in a Certain Area? Yes. This can be achieved with 3-4 laser treatments instead of the full course of 6-8 laser treatments. To achieve an even reduction without patchiness, it is imperative to find an experienced laser operator who overlaps properly while covering the area and doesn’t miss spots. It’s also a good idea to wait at least 12 weeks between sessions in order to correctly assess the amount of reduction achieved at any point during the course of treatments.What are the Causes of Excessive Hair Growth and How Can They Affect My laser hair removal Treatments?
The causes of excessive hair growth are many and varied, including:- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Glandular and/or hormonal imbalances, including diseases causing these effects (i.e. PCOS condition in women)
- Insulin resistance issues
- Thyroid problems
- Reactions to certain medications
- Normal aging processes
- Excessive temporary hair removal methods that impact the root (like waxing and tweezing)
- Excessive amounts of male testosterone levels, some due to medications, some due to gym users consuming certain muscle building agents, and off course steroids.
Before starting laser treatments, patients with excessive hair growth on uncommon areas should explore possible underlying medical reasons for it. Hair removal methods can only impact hair that’s currently growing. They cannot prevent the body from developing new hair after treatments are completed.
Women with facial male-pattern growth are advised to see an endocrinologist to explore the possibility of PCOS or elevated testosterone levels also please note the Harley laser specialists works along with www.pcostreatment.co.uk if referred by them we offer a extremely discounted price for women whom suffer from PCOS Men experiencing excessive growth can get tested for insulin resistance.
