FAQ about Laser Hair Removal

• Q. Is laser hair removal suitable for people with dark skin types?
• Q. Is laser hair removal right for you?
• Q. How do I know that it is safe?
• Q. What are the advantages of Skin Medical’s equipment?
• Q. How long do treatments take?
• Q. What is the recovery process like?
• Q. Is laser hair removal suitable for men, as well as women?
• Q. Are there any areas of the body that can’t be treated?
• Q. Can laser hair removal be funded by the NHS?
• Q. Who can not be treated?
• Q. How much does it cost?
• Q. Why choose laser hair removal?
• Q. How effective is laser hair removal?
• Q. How does laser hair removal work?

• Q. Is laser hair removal suitable for people with dark skin types?
• A.Laser hair removal for dark skin types is generally more complicated than for lighter skin types, but it is not impossible. Hair removal by laser works by attacking melanin (pigment) within hair – but high levels of melanin are also contained in dark skin, so there is a risk that the skin may also be affected. It is therefore essential to obtain expert advice to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. Skin Medical can assess this and recommend the best course of action for your personal situation. Our lasers are diode models, which have a higher success rate with dark skin than other models.
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• Q. Is laser hair removal right for you?
• A.Your skin type and hair colour are key factors in determining whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. However, even if you are not a traditionally ideal candidate, Skin Medical can still consider whether treatment is possible and advise you accordingly.
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• Q. How do I know that it is safe?
• A.Laser technology can sound intimidating, but it is actually very straightforward and safe when practised by a skilled professional – which is always the case at Skin Medical. The procedure has been used to remove hair for over a decade and has been approved by the USA’s Food And Drug Administration (FDA) for the achievement of permanent hair reduction. Skin Medical’s practices are approved by the UK’s Care Quality Commission.
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• Q. What are the advantages of Skin Medical’s equipment?
• A.We have two diode laser machines – the LightSheer ET and the Lumenis One – both manufactured by Lumenis, which is an international provider of medical equipment and has an excellent industry reputation. Our LightSheer ET diode laser is recognised in the industry as the ‘gold standard’ for laser hair removal and has an excellent clinical success record. It can be used on all skin types, including darker complexions. One of its features is a cool tip, which helps control the heat exchange between laser and patient and reduces discomfort. Our diode lasers are fast, non-invasive and cover large areas quickly.
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• Q. How long do treatments take?
• A.The length and cost of each procedure varies depending on the size of the area being treated, but it is rarely more than a couple of hours. In smaller areas, such as parts of the face or neck, the actual procedure can take as little as 5 or 10 minutes.
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• Q. What is the recovery process like?
• A.There is no ‘recovery’ period – but it is advised to avoid certain things for a short time after the procedure, such as UV exposure, contact sports and hot baths or showers. Skin Medical will advise you fully with regard to this. Hair reduction is sometimes immediate, but most of the results should become apparent within three weeks of treatment and can be assisted by gentle exfoliation – such as a loofah or washcloth in the shower. Any apparent new growth that occurs within 10 days afterwards is actually dead hair that will soon be shed. Any new growth that occurs after about 15 weeks will be the next set of hair, which comes from the untreated follicles from other phases of growth. This means that it is time for further treatment.
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• Q. Is laser hair removal suitable for men, as well as women?
• A.Yes. Anyone can be considered for treatment. It can also be very useful for transgender people. For more information, visit the following pages: Female laser hair removal, Male laser hair removal, Transgender laser hair removal
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• Q. Are there any areas of the body that can’t be treated?
• A.The only areas we don’t treat are the eyes and the scalp. All other areas can be treated.
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• Q. Can laser hair removal be funded by the NHS?
• A.Some medical conditions – such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women – can cause excessive or unusual hair growth. In some cases, NHS funding can be obtained to treat this, with the use of laser hair removal. Hair removal is generally viewed as a cosmetic process, but if the unwanted hair results from a recognised medical condition and is causing significant distress and therefore psychological impairment, the patient may be eligible for financial assistance from the NHS to tackle it. Skin Medical can advise you on this matter and recommend the best steps to take. If you suspect you may have PCOS, you should discuss it with your GP as soon as possible.
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• Q. Who can not be treated?
• A.Skin Medical does not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. We also do not treat people under 18. However, we may be able to offer advice about future treatment.
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• Q. How much does it cost?
• A.Laser hair removal is not as expensive as many people expect. It’s actually more cost-effective than salon waxing, especially when considering how much longer the effects last. At Skin Medical, we have a clear, accessible system for pricing to ensure you know exactly what you are paying for. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission and carry out all procedures in a medical environment, so you know that your health and safety are as carefully safeguarded as your appearance. We always offer competitive rates and often have special offers available if you consult us by telephone. We are prepared to be flexible and are eager to match or beat prices quoted by other clinics. Skin Medical can supply a quotation based on a single treatment, or the standard course of treatments (four to six procedures per area). We can also offer package prices, depending on your requirements – which can include substantial discounts.
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• Q. Why choose laser hair removal?
• A.Laser hair removal is superior to shaving and waxing because it lasts longer and is less likely to produce irritations such as bristly regrowth, ingrowing hairs and cuts. On many areas of the body it is also less painful. Electrolysis is extremely effective, but also extremely painful and can result in scars. Laser hair removal is fast, cost-effective and carries few risks.
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• Q. How effective is laser hair removal?
• A.The procedure has been approved by the USA’s Food And Drug Administration (FDA) for the achievement of permanent hair reduction and long lasting removal. After the initial course of treatments, patients will usually see substantial hair reduction in the treated area. An initial course of 6 treatments is usually recommended, about 6 to 10 weeks apart. Following this, you should only need occasional sessions (perhaps twice a year) to maintain the result. Any small amount of hair which does grow back tends to be lighter and finer than before.
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• Q. How does laser hair removal work?
• A.Laser light is used to transmit light energy along pigment in the hair, known as melanin. This energy damages and disables the hair follicle on reaching the hair root, stopping hair from growing back. Melanin exists in both hair and skin, but the aim of laser hair removal is to target only the melanin in the hair. The scientific name for this principle is selective photothermolysis (SPTL). Each person’s needs tend to differ slightly, depending on factors such as age, skin type, amount of hair, hair colour and hair texture.
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