Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser technology can sound intimidating but it is actually a very straightforward and safe treatment when performed by a skilled professional – which is always the case at Skin Medical. Laser hair removal treatment has been used to remove hair for almost two decades and has been approved by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair reduction.
Skin Medical is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered clinic- our clinics are approved and monitored by the CQC.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required varies from person to person. We usually advise that a minimum of 6-8 treatments will be required. For some people this is enough. Others may need top-up treatments.
How long do treatments take?
The length of each treatment varies depending on the size of the area being treated. The average treatment time is 30 minutes and the maximum treatment time is usually around two hours. For smaller areas, such as parts of the face or neck, the treatment can take as little as 5-10 minutes. For full body hair removal we would usually split the treatment into two separate sessions.
How effective is laser hair removal?
The procedure has been approved by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair reduction and long lasting hair removal. After the initial course of treatments patients will see a substantial hair reduction in the treated area.
After an initial course of six treatments, top-up or maintenance treatments may be recommended. Patients only need these occasionally (perhaps one to two times a year) to maintain the result. However any hair which does grow back tends to be lighting and finer than the hair grower prior to treatment. It also grows less frequently and is easier to remove.
Is laser hair removal suitable for people with dark skin types?
Thanks to advancements in technology, dark skin types can now be treated with laser hair removal. However it is still more complicated than for lighter skin types. Hair removal by laser works by attacking the melanin (pigment) within the hair. 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 always visit a skilled professional, who will be able to expertly assess that you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. At Skin Medical, our practitioners can assess this and recommend the best treatment plan for your skin type. Our lasers are diode models which have a higher success rate with dark skin than other models.
Are there any areas of the body that can’t be treated?
The only areas we don’t treat are the eyes and the scalp. All other areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Laser hair removal cost is often not as expensive as you would expect. It is actually a lot more cost-effective than waxing, threading, shaving and IPL, especially considering how much longer the effects last. At Skin Medical we have a clear price system to ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for. We’re transparent about our prices – to find out more information please visit our dedicated laser hair removal prices page.
At Skin Medical we offer single treatment prices (pay as you go), unlike other clinics. You are under no obligation to have a course of treatment. However we do also offer courses of six treatments, which receive a 30% discount. We also offer packages which include further substantial discounts.
We have a price match promise.
At Skin Medical we are registered with the Care Quality Commission and carry out all treatments in a medical environment – so you know that your health and safety is as carefully safeguarded as your appearance.
Which laser do you use for hair removal?
At Skin Medical we have two diode laser machines – the LightSheer ET and the Lumenis One. Both are manufactured by Lumenis, an international provider of medical equipment that has an excellent industry reputation.
Our diode lasers are considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for hair removal within the industry and they have an excellent clinical success record. They are also suitable for all skin types. One of its key features is the cool tip which controls the heat exchange between the laser and patient – and makes the treatment more comfortable.
Our diode lasers are fast, non-invasive and cover large areas quickly. They are also approved by the FDA for their safety and effectiveness.
Is laser hair removal suitable for men?
Yes. Anyone can be considered for treatment. You can find more information on our dedicated male hair removal page.
It can also be very useful for transgender patients. For more information, visit the following pages: female laser hair removal, Male laser hair removal, transgender laser hair removal.
Is there anyone who can’t have treatment?
At Skin Medical we do not treat women for laser hair removal who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. We also do not treat patients who are under 18.
Is there a recovery period?
There is no ‘recovery’ period for laser hair removal. However we do advise you to avoid certain things after treatment such as UV exposure, contact sports, and hot baths or showers. At Skin Medical we will provide you with full information regarding aftercare.
Are the results of laser hair removal immediate?
Hair reduction can sometimes be seen immediately but most of the results will be visible within three weeks of treatment and can be assisted by gentle exfoliation e.g. using a loofah or washcloth in the shower. Any apparent ‘new growth’ that occurs within the 10 days after treatment is actually dead head and will soon be shed. Any growth after around 5 weeks is new hair – this means the hair has gone through a full growth cycle. Once regrowth occurs that means it is time for the next treatment. Over the course of treatment, the regrowth will become less and less frequent.
Can laser hair removal be funded by the NHS?
Skin Medical is an NHS provider for those who have received funding for laser hair removal from the NHS.
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 for laser hair removal treatment if the unwanted hair results from a medical condition and is causing significant distress.
Skin Medical can offer advice on this matter and the best steps to take. If you suspect you may have PCOS you should discuss it with your GP as soon as possible.
Why choose laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is far more cost-effective in the long run than shaving, waxing and IPL. It is also superior as it provides results which last longer and is less likely to produce irritations such as bristly regrowth, ingrowing hairs and cuts. On many areas of the body is can also be less painful.
Laser hair removal is a fast, cost-effective treatment that carries very few risks when carried out by a professional.
How does laser hair removal work?
The light from the light transmits light energy along the pigment in the hair (known as melanin). This energy damages and disables the hair follicle on reaching the root – stopping the hair from growing back.
Although melanin exists in both hair and skin, the aim of laser hair removal is to target only the melanin in the hair. The scientific name for this principle is selective photothermolysis.
Do you treat NHS funded patients?
Yes
