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Laser Hair Removal
Traditionally, hair removal by laser was a painful and laborious process involving up to 12 treatments for satisfactory results. It is now a much more refined process and you can achieve excellent results in up to 6 treatments, depending on the area being treated.
Who is it suitable for?
Laser hair removal treatment is suitable for both women and men who have areas of unwanted hair. The hair can be permanently reduced without shaving, or using depilatory creams and epilators.
The laser hair removal machine used by A New You is not suitable for anyone with dark, Afro-Caribbean skin. (The treatment is, however, suitable for Asian and olive skin.) It is also unsuitable for anyone who has a recent sun tan because the tan masks the true skin colour. It is therefore imperative to wait until the tan has faded for us to establish the right energy levels to remove the unwanted hair.
For laser hair removal to work there must be hairs in the hair follicles, so waxing, threading and plucking the hairs is not allowed for one month before treatment.
Some popular areas that men and women like to have treated include:
Women:
- Facial hair (upper lip, chin)
- Underarms
- Forearms
- Nipple hair
- Belly button/abdomen
- Bikini line (including more extensive reduction such as 'Hollywood', 'Brazilian')
- Legs
Men:
- Male beard
- Male chest, back and shoulder
- Male intimate areas and buttocks
What can I expect?
A high level of energy is directed onto the area of hair, to arrest the hair follicle in the growing stage. This energy is converted into heat within the hair follicle, and then conducted down the follicle to reach the hair-producing area at the follicle base. The skin is cooled simultaneously to reduce discomfort - some people describe the treatment as feeling like an elastic band being snapped against the skin. It takes a course of treatments to get the best results - anything from 3-6 treatments performed 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the area being treated.
Possible Risks and Side-effects
Burning and Blistering
Blistering and burning are rare because we carry out a patch test first, usually at least 48 hours before your first treatment. This helps us to identify the right energy level to use for your skin type and colour.
Redness
It's natural for there to be some redness after having laser hair removal treatment. This will subside within 48 hours.
Recovery
Laser hair removal does not have a recovery period. After treatment, it is important to protect the skin from sun exposure.
Success Rate
Laser hair removal is a highly successful treatment for both men and women. However, it would be unrealistic to guarantee the disappearance of all unwanted hair with laser hair removal (or any other treatment). You may be required to have an additional session for stubborn and fine, sparse hair which may be resistant to treatment.
