Laser Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light and Laser treatment gives permanent reduction of unwanted hair, destroying the hair root so that it can never re-grow. It is non-invasive, treatments are quick and results are seen in just a few sessions. Treatments also offer a long term solution for hormone related hair growth or large areas of unwanted hair.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light systems release precisely controlled short bursts of light that are absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair. This heats the hair and destroys the root to achieve long term hair reduction.

[Top]

You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. For Intense Pulsed Light treatments a layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin. Laser treatments do not require the use of gel. The area will also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment.

The light guide is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, targeting many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.

a) The melanin in the hair absorbs the light
b) The hair shaft is heated, damaging the cells in the hair follicle
c) The hair falls out and cannot re-grow from the same follicle

After treatment, Sun avoidance is essential. Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block is strongly advised.

No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. Sensations may vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick making it the preferred choice for hair removal.

The hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The hairs fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

[Top]

The idea patient is fair skinned with dark hair, but results can be achieved for fairer hair and darker skin types. The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated, as darker hair contains more melanin it will heat up more easily. Fairer hair contains less melanin and is harder to treat. Grey/white hair has no melanin so cannot be effectively treated.

[Top]

The skin can become quite red immediately after treatment, however most patients experience no side effects and any skin reaction usually disappears within a few hours. Vary rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form.

[Top]

Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatment is conducted ever 2 – 8 weeks, depending on the site treated, until a satisfactory result is seen. The number of treatments required varies, but typically 6 or more treatments are required for maximum results.

Treatments can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated.

Please call St Jude's in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 01782 612500 with any questions you have about treatment and to arrange an appointment.