The light beam may cause a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band but this is usually minimised by our cooling system during treatment. Thus, no anaesthetic or analgesic medication will be needed. It is widely acknowledged that laser hair removal is more comfortable and far more effective with a faster recovery rate than waxing or electrolysis. These older methods can also sometimes cause infections, folliculitis and scarring. Our laser treatments are generally so effective that patients can return immediately to work and hence there is no lost time.

As with any depilation method, it is not possible to be specific, but a number of treatments must be expected. The exact number will vary depending on where the hair is, what has been done to the hair in the past and, of course on the precise response of the individual. Hormonal circumstances will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses. A typical treatment protocol may be suggested which consist of six to eight treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart. Clients may expect at least 90% hair reduction after five sessions. This may vary as to individual skin type and treatment response.

The LightSheer is suitable for all skin types, hair types and most hair colours. It can even treat lighter hair with little pigment. We have found that red hair will respond to treatment on occasions but white and grey hairs do not respond and therefore we would not recommend laser hair removal in these instances. Clients with darker skin types can be treated safely and successfully with the LightSheer.

Yes – even sensitive areas like the ears, nose, chest and bikini line.

Results vary; actively growing hair follicles can be permanently destroyed, so provided the recommended course is completed we can say that the end result is permanent hair reduction. However, as with all depilation methods currently available, issues that will negate the success of the treatment include hormonal problems, medical issues and certain medication. We will explain what results you can expect at the consultation.

The most common after effect is redness and mild irritation of the skin that can last for a day or so. Slight blistering or crusting can occur but this is rare and usually clears in a few days. Slight swelling can occur immediately after treatment, especially on the face, but it usually subsides within a few hours, but on the rare occasion may continue for several days. Skin may also become fragile at the treatment site; if this happens avoid make-up or rubbing the skin in the area for approximately 24hrs. See ‘Must Read’ page for more information. With certain skin types changes in skin colour (either darker or lighter) can occur. This would normally settle with time although complete return to normal pigmentation cannot be guaranteed. Because each person’s skin responds differently we always carry out a pre treatment consultation and patch test.

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Lumenis, the manufacturers of our laser, the LightSheer are the largest manufacturer of lasers in the world and R and D, white papers etc. You can find out more about hair removal and Lumenis at www.skinandhealth.com.

The treatment should be avoided by anyone who is hypersensitive to light or has an outbreak of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) or vitiligo (natural loss of skin pigment). If you have the rare disorder Epidermolysis Bullossa you should avoid laser treatment. Clients with very dark skin are at greater risk of pigment changes and will be advised about the risks of treatment at the consultation. It is better to delay the treatment if you are pregnant and to advise us if you are taking oral steroids. A full medical history will be taken prior to treatment. You may be excluded from treatment if you are expecting prolonged sun exposure during the upcoming month.

The laser targets the pigment in the skin and thus it is important that you do not have a suntan – whether natural or artificial. If you have a tan you should wait for four weeks until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells.

If you are plucking, waxing or using hair reduction cream you should stop 1-3 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving or cutting the hair. You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment. You must avoid alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for 48 hours prior to treatment. This will reduce the risk of skin reactions.

Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first four to five days following treatment. Avoid hot baths, sauna, solarium, aerobic exercise, and massage the day before and the day after treatment. It is also advised to avoid rough sport for a few days. You should apply a high factor sun screen (SPF 30+) and protect the treated area from exposure to direct sunlight for at least one month following treatment. Tanning after treatment may enhance melanin regeneration, which may result in hyper pigmentation. Make-up may be applied on the day following treatment unless blistering or crusting develops. Since the skin is sensitive during this period, take special care while removing make-up to avoid damage to the skin, which can predispose the site to infection. Avoid sun exposure and apply sun screen after and in between treatments.

Because diode lasers use a single wavelength of energy, the dependability of response is superior to IPL devices which use a broad spectrum of light. Further, IPL needlessly exposes patients to some unnecessary and /or ineffective wavelengths and are lacking, by definition, the accuracy of treatment available with a single wave laser such as a diode laser.