Frequently asked questions
Introduction
Clarity uses the very best in laser hair removal technology for all skin types. The Apogee Elite laser developed by Cynosure offers the option of treating all skin types due to the choice of laser type within one machine – the Alexandrite for light and Caucasian skin types, and the Nd Yag for dark and Asian skin types. These specialist lasers are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair reduction.
Introduction
Clarity uses the very best in laser hair removal technology for all skin types. The Apogee Elite laser developed by Cynosure offers the option of treating all skin types due to the choice of laser type within one machine – the Alexandrite for light and Caucasian skin types, and the Nd Yag for dark and Asian skin types. These specialist lasers are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair reduction.
The hair reduction lasers work by interacting with the pigment in the hair to produce heat. With laser hair removal, a very intense beam of light is passed through the skin at the hair root. The dark hair becomes very hot and destroys the cells that produce the hair. If the light is intense enough, the hair follicle is damaged to an extent where it can no longer produce hair at all.
Laser is also the safer treatment, as the only light entering the skin is the light which will be absorbed by the melanin in the hair, with no wasted energy. The laser is also able to treat the hair at higher energies, which will treat the finer hairs better, whereas IPLs tend to cause the hair to become finer, and are then incapable of treating them.
Lastly, due to its lower energy and multiple wavelengths, IPLs are known to cause more stimulated hair growth, whereas laser, due to its superior targeting abilities have much less record of stimulated hair.
The laser hair reduction treatment is approved by the FDA, who has deemed it safe. Our laser hair removal clinic is registered and audited by the Care Quality Commission, a governing body responsible for monitoring independent hospitals and clinics in the UK. The light produced by the laser is in the infrared end of the light spectrum as opposed to the ultraviolet end. This type of light is non-carcinogenic (non-cancer causing). Lasers have been used in the medical profession for about 15 years and no long-term side effects have been reported.
Everyone’s pain threshold is different. As treatment settings vary according to individual skin and hair types, so do the levels of discomfort. The majority of people tolerate the treatment well, particularly due to our continuous deep cooling to remove heat from the follicles and surrounding tissue, so that we can treat all skin types comfortably. However we are able to provide the option of a topical anaesthetic. This will be discussed at your initial consultation.
All of our laser hair removal and skin treatments are carried out by fully qualified medical aestheticians who have passed an in-house examination on laser hair reduction and the Core Of Knowledge training which focuses on health and safety issues. Our clinic is medically supervised by a registered Laser Medical Advisor and Laser Protection Advisor. Consultations and treatments are carried out and supervised by registered aestheticians, accredited with a BTEC in laser hair reduction.
The laser hair removal consultation involves a medical aesthetician who will examine your skin and hair type for suitability. A test patch is carried out to determine the best treatment settings and to avoid overdosing the skin. If any adverse effects are experienced on the test patch area, we may need to re-assess your treatment programme.
Different body areas need a different amount of treatment. During your laser hair removal consultation we will assess the skin and hair, and plan a tailor-made programme that will offer you the best results to suit your needs.
This depends on the size of the area you are having treated and you will be advised during your consultation. The Cynosure Apogee Elite uses up to a 15mm spot size, which is of the largest in the industry. Combined with an extremely fast pulse rate an area can be treated quickly. For example, a bikini and underarm together takes under 30 minutes and larger areas such as full legs can be treated in around 30 – 40 minutes. This is significantly faster than other systems that can take two to three hours for these areas.
Very blonde and grey hair are not suitable for laser hair removal treatment, because of insufficient melanin in the hair. However, we can offer electrolysis as an alternative proven method of permanent hair removal.
The hair is not removed from your skin during treatment as the old, dead hair (the hair cast) has to work its way out. The hair cast often appears to be growing hair for up to two weeks after treatment, after which it will fall out. You can remove the hair cast by shaving or trimming. Waxing and plucking are not recommended methods of removing the hair between treatments, because the hair root must be present for laser treatment to work. The ideal time to return for your next laser treatment is as soon as you see the very first sign of re-growth, even if it just the hair tips showing. The hair does not have to be long to be treated with the laser.
Do your best to avoid a suntan to the area being treated: a suntan can put your skin at risk and will make the laser treatment less effective as we may have to reduce the treatment settings or delay your treatment until the tan has faded. This also applies to sun beds and self-tanning creams. If you think you have exposed the treatment area to the sun, you are advised to book an appointment for an assessment that may include a new test patch before your next treatment. Do not apply aggravating creams to the skin before or during the course of treatment. This includes Glycolic Acid (AHA creams) and Retin-A cream. Also be sure to tell us if you have been on antibiotics, or taking any tablets for acne such as Roaccutane, for any period in the year before treatment.
Aftercare Advice
Up to 48 hours after your treatment you should:
- Avoid perfume, body lotions, after-shave, make-up and deodorant.
- Avoid makeup on the treated area. If necessary, Jane Iredale Pure Mineral Makeup may be used. This can be purchased at the clinic.
- Avoid heat treatments such as hot baths or showers, saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis.
- Use an aftercare product such as Environ anti-oxidant gel or Vitamin A Body Cream or Aloe Vera gel, which can be purchased at the clinic.
- Avoid restrictive clothing or excess friction on the area.
- Avoid cardiovascular exercise and swimming as the chemicals in the water may cause irritation.
- Avoid facial and body treatments until the skin has returned to normal.
- Do not apply ice-packs as this can shock and traumatise the skin.
- Notify the clinic of any change in medical conditions, medication or pregnancy.
- Do not hesitate to call us if you have any adverse reactions.
- Do wear sunscreen containing Titanium Dioxide daily. This can be purchased at the clinic.