Cosmetic Clinics

The basic methodology behind laser hair removal is that the lights seek out the melanin in the follicle of the hair itself, and then permanently removes the hair. The ideal candidates for laser hair removal will have light skin and dark hair. Common sites to have laser hair removal include, but are not limited to, the following areas: upper lip, chin, shoulders, back, abdomen, pubic area, chest, arms, legs and thighs.

The benefits of laser hair removal are numerous. Instead of the inconvenience of resorting to the temporary means of shaving, or resorting to more painful electrolysis, you can go a mere 5-7 times for Laser treatment and find yourself hair free in a relatively short time. Most dermatologists that offer laser hair removal space out the treatments between 3-12 weeks. This largely depends on your own reactions to the treatment, your skin type, how much hair you are removing, and the removal site.

There are a few other factors to hair removal to consider as well. For example, a person getting their back or legs done would have to go through less sessions than one getting any area on the face treated. Proper research of your dermatologist of choice, as well as the treatment in general is important. Like any other sort of treatments, there are risks. These can range from mild reactions like acne or small white spots on the skin to minimal or heavy swelling.

Most do not experience such adverse reactions, but you should always report any issues you might end up having. All in all, laser hair removal is a fairly painless procedure that leaves you with smooth hairless, bump free skin. All this at a good price, with the advantage of not having to keep a supply of razors and other costly supplies leaves little to no doubt as to the proper choice.

This month's focus is on Permanent Hair Reduction, or as it is more commonly know; laser hair removal.

The use of lasers has proven over many years to be without a doubt the best form of long lasting hair removal; we will go in to detail as to why later. Laser hair removal is most commonly used on the upper lip and chin area, the underarm and the bikini zone. However it is just as effective on the arms, legs and back areas. Obviously laser hair removal isn’t just for ladies either, and many guys have the procedure to be rid of excessive hair or unsightly body hair.

Now for the more technical part!

The principle of treatment is that light energy (Laser) is directed at the hair follicle. The wavelength of light energy is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair as it sits in the hair follicle, and this absorption results in a short heating effect that damages the cells lining the follicle and which are responsible for hair growth.

As it is the melanin pigment that is affected by the heat energy then melanin needs to be present and unfortunately this is only the case in dark hair (brown or black) thus it will not be effective on blond, grey, red or light hair. Many people believe that skin colour is a factor however this is not true; laser hair removal is safe to use for any skin type.

Now that covers the “why?” but what else makes it the best treatment? Well the other bonus is that unlike electrolysis for example, there is no scarring or sigh that the treatment has occurred, apart from some redness for a few hours.

“Wait a minute! Redness? So it hurts?”

Well to say it is painless would be untrue, but it is not painful per se either. It falls somewhere between, but an anaesthetic cream is used to ease the feeling on more sensitive areas along with the laser tip being cooled to make the experience more comfortable. The sensation is described as a slight stinging sensation by many people, and it’s probably about right; compared to electrolysis it is much more pleasant.

For best effects normally about 6 treatments are required, though good results can come after only 4. It is worth noting that on the face up to 8 treatments are sometimes necessary (due to hormonal reasons).

The benefits are normally visible after 2 or 3 treatments, and they continue up to the last. It also means that shaving, waxing and hair removal creams are no longer required and can give a huge confidence boost to people who have suffered with unnatural or excessive hair growth.

There are many clinics that can offer laser hair removal, but make sure you use a reputable clinic with an experienced cosmetic doctor.

All of the clinics in the Cosmetic Clinics Group provide laser hair removal and are all ran by experienced and fully trained professionals, plus you can use the website to find you nearest clinic and many of the clinics offer special deals such as Mulberry House in Northampton who offer a sixth treatment for free! If you pay for five laser hair removal treatments in advance, now that’s a bargain!.

For more information on laser hair removal or to book an appointment consultation or treatment for visit the Cosmetic Clinics Groups’ website at www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk

One of the most common treatments in cosmetic clinics and certain beauty salons is laser hair removal. On reading the forums it is obvious the success of this form of treatment varies greatly.

How can this be?

The answers are complex- it maybe the laser system used, the systems can range from IPL, single wavelength or radio frequency systems.

Like mobile phones and television sets every year, new laser technology is evolving which purports to give an edge to its predecessors, with respect to laser hair removal.

The cost of these laser hair removal systems can vary from £10, 000- £50, 000! In my opinion as there has been no real head to head clinical trials between the systems, one must rely on the original gold standard the Lightsheer diode laser, which has stood the test of time, delivering speedy treatments and excellent results. Interestingly the Laserscope Lyra Laser system results are compatible to the Lightsheer system.

In summary, if the clinic has a decent laser system, and selects to treat clientelle with the appropriate type of hair and colour its technology can treat and use pre-treatment topical anaesthetic followed by ice packs to give post laser hair removal treatment pain relief. There is then no reason why exceptional results cannot be obtained with minimal discomfort.

Dr. S.R. Bassi is the lead cosmetic physician at a top Cosmetic clinic in North Nottingham. Visit our website www.selstoncosmeticlinic.com and learn more about laser hair removal.