Get to the Root of Unwanted Hair
Unwanted hair is a common problem, for both men and women. Frequent hair removal chores including shaving, depilatories, plucking, and waxing are time-consuming, inconvenient and often painful. At best, these frequently used methods offer only temporary results – for some only a few hours.
Free yourself from the constant need to shave and wax unwanted facial and body hair in order to look and feel your best. Laser technology has brought us a better way, a safe, long-lasting way to remove unwanted hair from any part of the body, leaving skin feeling smooth and looking great.
We can help you get at the root of the problem with laser hair removal with our state- of-the-art Elite+TM laser system. Laser hair removal gives you effective, permanent hair reduction anywhere on your body that you have unwanted hair. Whether it’s yourface, legs, back, or bikini line, you can have the results you want.
How It Works
To understand how laser hair removal works, it’s helpful to understand how your hairworks.
Hair grows from deep within hair follicles, which are thin cavities embedded in the skin. Hair does not grow continuously, but grows in a three-phase cycle.
- Anagen Phase. This phase is where the hair actively grows. The Anagen phase typically lasts for several months and is the best phase for Laser Hair Removal.
- Catagen Phase. During this brief phase, the hair bulb regresses and begins to shrink.
- Telogen Phase. The final phase is a resting phase which lasts a few months. During the Telogen phase, the hair is released from the follicle. After the resting phase is complete, the hair will restart the Anagen or growth phase.
While the rate at which hair grows differs by individual, the length of the hair growth cycle generally depends on the type of hair and area of the body. For example, the active growth phase of the hair on your head may last several years, while hair on the body has an active growth phase that may last only a few months.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
During laser hair removal procedures, a laser device emits light energy that travels through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. Pigments are the substances that give skin and hair its color (also known as melanin). The energy absorbed damages the pigmented hair follicle, which impairs its ability to grow. Hair follicles that are in the anagen, or active growth phase, have more pigment and absorb more energy, and typically respond the best to treatments. For this reason, it typically takes multiple treatments to achieve the best results – it’s important to “catch” your hair in this active growth phase when you are receiving treatments.
Technology We Use
There are many devices for laser hair removal however, we use the best in laser technology, the Cynosure® Elite+TM. The Elite+TM uses two proven laser wavelengths that provide treatments for patients of all skin types. Treatments with this system are fast, effective, and safe.
What To Expect On The Day Of Treatment
Prior to your procedure you should make sure the area being treated is freshly shaven. This will allow for effective energy delivery of the laser device to your hair follicles, thus providing a more effective treatment. During the treatment, the laser specialist will guide the device over the treatment area. As he or she does, it will deliver light energy, which travels through your skin and is absorbed by the hair follicles. You may feel cold air blowing throughout the treatment for added comfort. You will also hear a slight beep as the laser delivers this energy into your skin. It is normal to feel a slight snapping like a rubber band as the energy is being delivered.
The hair follicles that absorb energy from the laser will be damaged. Hairs that were present in the follicles at the time of treatment will fall out over the next couple of weeks and future hair growth will be impaired. Since not all hairs are actively growing at the same time multiple treatments are required for optimal results. As the follicles in the transitional and resting periods return to the active growth phase, you may notice some hair regrowth but not as thick as it was before the treatment. This regrowth will become thinner and lighter with each subsequent treatment until there is little, to no hair at all.
This treatment is available in our Athlone Clinic only. A consultation and patch test appointment in clinic must be completed before treatment and can be booked here or by calling the clinic on 0851971982
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What areas can laser hair removal treat?
Laser hair removal can remove hair from faces, backs, chests, arms, underarms, bikini, legs and more.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Different lasers can effectively treat different skin types. Our laser can be used on a wide range of skin types from very light to very dark skin. During your consultation we will determine the best course of treatment for you based on a variety of factors such as hair color and hair type.
How many treatments will I need?
Typically, we recommend a series of six treatment sessions to provide the best aesthetic outcome. Laser hair removal technology can only affect hair in active phases of growth, so several treatments are needed to affect all of the unwanted hair.
Can I shave in between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes. In fact, the area needs to be freshly shaved before your treatment session. You may shave the area the day before the treatment or the day of the treatment before coming in for your session. But you should not wax or pluck the hair during the course of your laser sessions.
How far apart are treatment sessions?
It depends on which area is being treated. In general, face, underarms, arms, and bikini are approximately 4-6 weeks apart. Back, chest, and legs are approximately 8-10 weeks apart. During your consultation your treatment course will be discussed.
What will laser hair removal feel like?
Most people feel only a slight momentary “snap” at the treatment site during theprocedure followed by a slight heating of the skin. This typically goes away after the treatment but cooling methods can be used immediately after treatment to help with this sensation.
How quickly will I recover?
Typically, you can resume regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
Are there any side effects?
You may experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor redness and/or swelling immediately following the treatment. This usually lasts 2-24 hours. Ask your provider to discuss other possible side effects and the necessary post- treatment care with you.
Before Cynosure Elite Laser Hair Removal
Ensure that your skin has not been exposed to direct sunlight or have used a sun bed 4 weeks prior to treatment
If you have sunburn or any tan present your treatment will be cancelled
Fake tan/tinted moisturising body lotions must be removed completely at least 10 days prior to treatment if any of the above are present your treatment will be cancelled
Make-up/perfume must be removed for facial treatments. This can be done upon arrival at the clinic
We request shaving/trimming the area the morning of or the day before each treatment and that minimum hair is visible on the area being treated
All areas must be prepared prior to laser treatment or treatment may be cancelled
It is necessary to stop bleaching your hair 21 days prior to treatments
White or light coloured under garments should be worn for treatment on the bikini area
What to expect during your treatment
You will be required to expose the area to be treated – as far as possible your dignity will be respected and preserved at all times
You will be required to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the laser
Your skin will show some redness and slight swelling post treatment. This should resolve within few hours following treatment and you should resume normal activities. We do recommend however, that you avoid hot bath,showers or saunas for 24 hrs. following treatment
Occasionally, superficial ‘skin flaking’ is experienced. In rare cases superficial blistering, scabbing, pigmentation changes may be seen following a treatment. This is a normal but if you are concerned please contact the clinic
Soon after treatment you will observe hair roots falling out. We do not recommend that you pluck these hairs. Instead we suggest that you exfoliate the area a week after treatment to encourage the hairs to fall out.
After & Between Treatments
If you wish to keep the treated area ‘hair free’ during treatments, you may shave or use hair removal creams to do so
Do not pluck, wax, thread or bleach the area between treatments, but do remember to ensure that the areas are prepped before you return for your next appointment
If the area has been exposed to sun in between your treatments, you should notify your therapist of this to avoid any adverse skin reactions
The area should not be exposed to direct sunlight until your course of treatments to that area is complete. This will reduce the risk of hypo pigmentation/hyper pigmentation and ensure a more effective treatment is given
If you are planning exposure to sun or have been recently exposed to sun, please notify your clinic prior to your treatment as we may have to be defer treatments until your skin is suitable for treatment
If having laser treatment on your face wear your prescribed SPF daily, reapplying regularly if in sunnier weather
Right after your laser hair-removal appointment, your treated skin may be sensitive to the touch
To avoid irritation and adverse effects, follow these steps after your laser hair removal:
Avoid direct sun exposure to the treated skin
Apply ice or coldness to the treated area if you experience redness or swelling
Don’t itch or rub your treated skin
Use a gentle, unscented, SPF moisturizer
Wear loose, soft clothing that won’t rub or irritate your skin
Avoid thick makeup after facial treatments (wear mineral or none at all)
Take lukewarm, not hot, showers
Avoid tanning beds, saunas, steam rooms, and other hot environments
Avoid intense exercise
After a day or two, any irritation will ease up. At this point, you can return to your exercise routine, wear whatever clothes you want, and put on makeup. You probably won’t need to ice your skin anymore, and you can take hot showers. However, you should still minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen when you go outside.
