Laser Hair Removal FAQ in London

Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a laser treatment better than any other hair removal method?

Waxing, sugaring, threading and tweezing amongst other hair removal methods are usually temporary. When having a course of laser hair removal sessions you will find that the hair growth that grows back is very fine and the hair will grow much lighter. Laser hair removal is a permanent method to reduce the amount of hair growth so that your aim to remove hair is permanently achieved.

Is laser hair removal painful?

We use the latest generation laser hair removal device which has a built-in cooling element leading to a much more comfortable treatment. The sensation of the pulsed light is a very quick sting, both hot and cold at the same time. You will experience the sensation at your patch test.

Erythema (redness) or some swelling to the skin can be a short term side effect following the treatment and this usually subsides within a few hours. If the skin is very sensitive, it may take a few days for the redness to disappear; we recommend plenty of aloe vera gel as this soothes and restores the skin cells.

Who is suitable for laser hair removal

A laser practitioner or a laser protection advisor will explain 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.

Both men and women show interest in laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is a method that commonly treats the following areas for both men and women: Face, neck, ears, chest, back, shoulders, underarm’s, hands, genital areas, buttocks, legs, and feet. Laser does not work efficiently on white, grey or red hair, as the device is designed to pick up melanin from the hair shaft therefore it will not be able to absorb any colour from the white or grey hair, and the red colour proves to be a neutral colour to the device therefore does not respond. Any medical conditions can be discussed with our consultant at the day of your consultation.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a treatment method that permanently reduces hair; it can be carried out on various parts of the body. Laser hair removal is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction and is medically proven to reduce the amount of hair growth. Laser hair removal has become largely popular in the last 10 years as a common method to reduce the hair permanently. After you have had a course of sessions you will find that the hair growth is significantly reduced and grows at a much slower pace than before and the hair is also much finer.

Laser treatments results

After each laser hair removal session you are leading to permanent hair reduction so you will see a decrease in the hair growth after each treatment. As each client varies from one another, the amount of hair reduction achieved by each client will also differ. Results will be noticeable after your first session.

What after care is given after a laser hair removal treatment?

After your treatment, you will need to avoid direct heat stimulation on the skin such as hot baths, showers, saunas, and steam. Avoiding cardiovascular exercise is crucial as you do not wish to heat the skin as well as chlorinated water which can be found in swimming pools. Perfume, body lotions, after-shave, make-up and deodorant should not be used on the treatment area for 24 hours. Tight clothing should also be avoided for 48 hours as this can aggravate the heated area. At The Harley Laser Specialists the only product that we recommend to use post treatment for 48 hours is aloe vera gel.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Our laser system is approved by the FDA, who has 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 wavelengths of the light produced by the laser are just long enough to disable the hair follicles. Lasers have been used in the medical profession for many years and no long-term side effects have been reported.

Laser treatment duration

Once a laser treatment has been carried out, the hair on the treated area will take between 7 days to 2 weeks to shed from the skin. Re-growth then usually occurs 4 weeks later, we recommend that each treatment is between 4-6 weeks apart, this can depend on how fast the hair is growing and varies on the treatment area.

Most people will need a course of sessions; this will be between 6-9 treatments if the area has never been treated with a laser hair removal device before.

On the day of your treatment, depending on how small or large of an area is being treated; the duration of your appointment will differ.

What are the causes of excessive hair growth?

These are some of the main causes of excessive hair growth:

• Hereditary
• Pregnancy
• Glandular/hormonal imbalances, e.g. PCOS in women
• Thyroid problems
• Certain medications
• Aging
• Excessive amounts of testosterone levels
• Steroids

Prior to starting laser treatments, patients with excessive hair growth on uncommon areas should explore the possibilities of underlying medical conditions. Women with excessive or abnormal hair growth pattern are advised to see an endocrinologist to determine the possibility of PCOS or elevated testosterone levels.

The Harley street Laser Specialists work alongside www.pcostreatment.co.uk. If you are referred by your GP with a referral letter from the above-linked website, we are able to offer a discounted rate for women who are diagnosed with PCOS or other related medical conditions which can encourage excessive hair growth.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is a treatment which removes hair from the body using pulsed light. Laser hair removal treatments have been in practice since 1997. The treatment is carried out by a specially trained laser practitioner by directing the crystal sapphire onto the treatment area. The pulse from the laser machine heats up the follicles and denatures the follicles from producing hair.

The crystal sapphire glass produces light which is created from controlled energy; it is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and reaches into the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair shaft safely destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue.