As one of the UK’s leading experts of laser hair removal and as the director of an award-winning, central London based laser and skin clinic, I am often asked many questions about laser hair removal and they tend to fall in to two categories; the treatment itself and the potential results.
It’s natural to be inquisitive about laser hair removal if you’re someone who has battled with unwanted or excess hair for a long time. Laser hair removal is fast becoming the most popular treatment for solving this issue and with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss’s sister Lottie publically announcing their adoration for the treatment, it’s no wonder that many of us are now turning to this clinically-proven and effective non-surgical procedure, so we can ditch that razor, for good!
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions I get asked every day here at the clinic and my responses to them, so you can make an informed and educated decision on whether the treatment might be right for you:
How do I know if I am I suitable for treatment with laser hair removal?
Many people would like to have this treatment but traditionally with older technologies it might not have been possible for those with darker skins. At Skin Perfection, we use multi-wavelength technology from Cynosure, a globally recognised brand for clinically-proven devices. Using multi-wavelength light energy means that we can treat all skin types without harming the skin, whereas with some IPL or single wavelength lasers, the risk of laser burn in darker skins is higher.
We always conduct a consultation with all our patients prior to any treatment, so we can be sure of their medical history as well as making sure their skin and hair type is confirmed as treatable; laser hair removal won’t work on white or grey hairs as it need to be able to pick up on the melanin in the hair (pigment) to be effective. This means that you can be confident that the treatment will be effective and safe for you.
What happens during the treatment?
Following your initial consultation and after completing a standard consent form, you’ll be asked to lie on the treatment couch in one of our comfortable treatment rooms. The special laser device head is passed across the area to be treated (you will need to shave the hair beforehand) and flashes of light penetrate down in to the skin and to the hair follicle.
The treatment will feel like a small ‘flick’ onto the skin as the laser light heat energy is emitted. However, we use special cooling technology so that you aren’t uncomfortable during the treatment. Depending on the area to be treated, each session may last between 10 minutes and an hour.
After the treatment, some redness, swelling or warmth might be experienced but this is quite normal and you will be able to return to your daily activities immediately afterwards. You’ll also be given some useful aftercare advice by your skin expert.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Everyone is different in their tolerance to treatment with laser hair removal. However, due to the multi-wavelength Cynosure technology and our cooling system, the treatment should not be painful. You may experience a warm flicking sensation but this is very tolerable.
How many sessions will I need?
This all depends on your individual skin and hair type and your own reaction to the treatment. Typically, you can achieve great results in as little as 6 to 8 sessions. However, we will analyse your skin and hair type and advise on the number of sessions we think your case may take.
As we proceed though the treatment sessions, we will be able to make appropriate adjustments according to your response during the course; to ensure we are managing the course of treatment efficiently and effectively for you.
When will I start to see results?
You may see some results in as little as one or two treatments, as laser hair removal can reduce growth of up to 30 percent of the hair in one session. However, for optimum results a course of between 6 t 9 sessions is usually required to permanently reduce the hair growth.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Although we cannot claim that laser hair removal permanently removes unwanted hair, we can state that it will permanently ‘reduce’ the hair. As hair can start to grow during hormonal phases of life such as puberty or menopause, we cannot guarantee that the hair won’t come back in your lifetime.
You might experience a period of years with no hair growth after laser hair removal, then find that you may need to have annual top up treatments or a second course, if you have a change in hormone balance or indeed start taking certain medications. However, most of our patients enjoy many years of significantly reduced hair growth following a course of laser hair removal, making life without waxing, shaving, threading or epilating, possible.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
At Skin Perfection, we aim to make laser hair removal as affordable as possible. Treatments can start from as little as £39. Check out our current offers here
We also have a price match guarantee, where we will match any comparable offer that you can provide proof of. This means laser hair removal is now much more accessible than it used to be and considering that the average woman will spend over £12,000 in her lifetime on hair removal products and treatments, it’s a small price to pay for permanently reduced unwanted or excess hair.
If you are considering laser hair removal and would like to know more, why not contact my team of experts and book in a no obligation consultation? After all, there’s nothing to lose apart from that excess hair and if you start now, it could be gone in time for the summer!
