Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle during its active growing cycle, known as the anagen phase. A hair follicle has to be in its anagen phase, for the laser procedure to work effectively. The growth cycle of the hair follicle is cyclical. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments. Therefore having appointments at regular intervals means that the treatment will be more effective.
We recommend a course of around 8 treatments, every 4-6 weeks, depending on the area, hair type and thickness. Your individual treatment plan will be monitored, at each visit and the treatment time-spans will be adjusted accordingly.
Lasers for hair removal treatments typically have three wavelengths: Alexandrite, Diode and Nd:YAG. Alexandrite 755nm is the shortest and most suitable for lighter skin tones. Diode 808 works best on coarse dark hair, and darker skin tones. Nd:YAG is the longer wavelength at 1064nm and is the safest option for darker skin tones as there is less risk of discolouration and other side effects. IPL is an alternative, a much shorter wavelength but with scattered light and less effective.
Avanthills Medical Aesthetics has a medical grade Cynosure Elite Plus laser, which has two dual wavelengths, both the Alexandrite 755nm and the Nd:YAG 1064nm, Meaning the laser is capable of treating all Fitzpatrick skin types 1 to 6.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: laser hair removal is not recommended for people who are pregnant/and or breastfeeding. This is because no clinical studies have been carried out to ascertain the safety and or effectiveness of doing so. You should wait until after you have given birth or stopped breast feeding, and your hormones have returned to normal before having the treatment.
Light sensitivity: anyone who is hypersensitive to light shouldn’t have laser hair removal.
Keloid scarring: people with keloid scars, or have skin healing problems, like hypertrophic scarring, may need to avoid laser hair removal in that area. Your practitioner will be able to advise you.
Have or have had any type of Skin cancer
Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores, that are presently active.
Certain medications may increase light sensitivity and or skin pigmentation changes, for instance, some antidepressants, antibiotics, anticoagulants, acne medications or anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore it is important to discuss with your practitioner if you are taking any medication before your treatment commences, even if you don’t believe it’s relevant.
After treatment, your skin will be sensitive and will need time to heal. Exposure to UVA/ UVB rays at this time could risk damage to your skin, so we strongly advise that you avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for two weeks pre and post treatment.
We strongly advise you to always apply an SPF 30 or above following any laser treatments. We also recommend covering up with a hat and long sleeves or trousers for around a week after treatment.
If you do happen to experience some sunburn in the weeks running up to your treatment, you will not be able to have the laser treatment until the sunburn has gone.
If you have a tan, (even fake tan) we will advise you to wait around 2 weeks until the tan has faded before treatment. This is because tanning essentially changes the pigment in your skin. Which increases the risk of skin damage, due to the lasers inability to distinguish between the pigmentation of the tan and the pigmentation of the skin.
Are including but not limited to: both potential short-term and long-term complications:
such as erythema, swelling, burns, scarring, itching, blistering, crusting, purpura (bruising), Herpes outbreaks and permanent skin discolouration and the risk of possible infection may occur as a result of this treatment. Other rare side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin. The patch test is carried out to reduce these potential risks.
Other Possible side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Hyper-pigmentation, areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.
- Hypo-pigmentation, areas of skin that are lighter than the surrounding skin.
• Avoid the sun for 14 days after the procedure
• Avoid topical sunless tanning products for 14 days
• If the skin is sensitive or irritated, you may use the Aloe Vera given to you
• Avoid any other type of skin treatment for 2 weeks after the procedure
• Use sunscreen daily, at least 30+ SPF
• After 72 hours you may gently exfoliate the area in the shower
• Treat the treated area gently
• Avoid excessive exercise, No gym for 48 hours
• Do not wax, pluck or otherwise remove the hair by force, shaving is allowed
• Due to skin sensitivity avoid excess heat for 24-72 hours such as hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, or heat packs
• Avoid make-up, deodorant, or other topical creams or topical (non-prescribed) medications for 24 hours