Laser Hair Removal

LASER HAIR REMOVAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How does IPL hair removal work?

  IPL laser hair removal works by targeting a broad spectrum of pulsed light energy at the hairs on your face or body that you would like to remove. The melanin in your hair – i.e. the pigment that gives your hair its colour – absorbs the light energy, which rapidly heats and damages the hair shaft and follicle, impeding its ability to re-grow.

  As hair moves through three distinct phases of growth (anagen), transition (catagen) and rest (telogen), several IPL hair removal sessions will be necessary to treat as many hair follicles in the active growth phase as possible.

• Will I need to grow my hair out before or between treatments?

  No, we actually ask that you shave your hair before a treatment as Lumenis works below the skin surface and long hairs above the skin can actually interfere with the results of a treatment session.

• How long do the results of this treatment last?

  At the end of your course of approximately four to eight sessions, you should notice a significant permanent reduction in your hair growth. Some hairs may grow back – either because the hairs were in their resting phase at the time of your treatment or because the hair follicle was not fully destroyed – but the hair growth should be noticeably thinner and slower in the future. You may want to arrange a top-up laser hair removal treatment once or twice a year to keep any regrowth to a minimum.

• Is laser hair removal painful?

  Laser hair removal tends to be more comfortable than hair removal methods like waxing or electrolysis. Most people describe it as feeling like a hot stone massage, and a topical anaesthetic is not usually required with the Lumenis M22 system.

• Is there any downtime?

  No, you shouldn’t need to take any time off after treatment.

• Do I need to do anything in particular as part of my aftercare routine?

  Before you have your IPL hair removal treatment at Emma J Aesthetics, we’ll talk to you in detail about the pros and cons, potential side effects, and anything you should know about your aftercare. You must have all the information you need to make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

  For the best results, we would recommend that you avoid hot baths, saunas, aerobic exercise, or massage for at least 24 hours before and after your treatment. You should also avoid contact sports for four to five days. Apply a high factor sun cream (SPF 30+) to protect the treatment area from exposure to direct sunlight for at least one month post-treatment, as tanning may result in hyperpigmentation.

  If your skin does feel tender after treatment, be gentle when removing make-up or when applying sun cream.

• What laser hair removal system do you use?

  Here at Emma J Aesthetics, we currently use the Lumenis M22 IPL system, which is a preferred method for laser hair removal and has been the subject of extensive studies showing its effectiveness, safety, comfort and high levels of patient satisfaction.

  With the Lumenis M22 IPL system, we can achieve permanent hair reduction for different hair types and colours, as well as various skin types. The system gives the flexibility to use different pulse durations and spot sizes to provide a bespoke laser hair removal treatment on all skin types, anywhere on the face or body.

  This technology also incorporates ChillTip™ to keep your skin cool and comfortable throughout your treatment.

  In our experience, the Lumenis M22 enables us to offer you a fast and incredibly comfortable laser hair removal treatment.

• How soon should I see results?

  You should see some reduction in your hair growth immediately after your first treatment. However, you may need between four and eight treatment sessions, each approximately six weeks apart, to achieve the best possible permanent reduction in hair growth.

• Is IPL hair removal safe?

  Lumenis M22 is a multi-modular system that has been developed by one of the world’s leading medical laser research laboratories and is based on years of extensive research. As the IPL energy is emitted via a rapid pulse, it damages your hair follicles without risk to your surrounding skin tissues. The addition of the ChillTip™ to keep your skin cool throughout the treatment and draw the heat away from your skin surface also helps to protect your skin from injury.

• Am I a suitable candidate for IPL hair removal?

  For IPL hair removal to work, you need enough melanin in your hair to absorb the light energy so you may not be a suitable candidate if you have white or grey hair. If you have blonde or red hair, we will need to see you determine whether you have enough melanin for IPL hair removal to be effective. Brown and black hair generally respond well to this treatment.

  In the past, laser hair removal was only really suitable for people with pale skin tones so that the laser could pick up the contrast between someone’s hair colour and their skin tone. Fortunately, laser technology is moving forward and we can successfully offer hair removal, in most cases, if you have tanned skin or a darker brown skin tone.

• What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

  Immediately after the procedure, you may notice some swelling and tenderness, and your skin may look a little pinker than usual. This may feel like mild sunburn but will typically resolve within 24 hours. We will apply a soothing Aloe Vera gel to your skin to help minimise these sensations. In some cases worldwide, people have reported either dark patches of pigmentation or lighter patches, which can take several months to resolve. There have also been reported cases of blistering and scarring, but these are usually the result of an inexperienced operator using an incorrect setting.

• Can anyone offer this treatment?

  IPL hair removal systems can be used by trained doctors, nurses, surgeons, aestheticians and beauticians. It is important to do your research and find out whether your practitioner is experienced in IPL hair removal.

  Your treatment will be carried out by Dr John Elder himself.