Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair can be very unpleasant for all kinds of people. Generally, it can cause low self-esteem, reduced confidence and embarrassment. Our aim at Clear Medical is to provide an effective and efficient solution. Medical grade IPL Laser hair removal will remove those unwanted hairs permanently. There are many different types of hair removal methods on the market. Please see Alternative Hair Removal Methods for more information. Here, we provide you with general information that may help you decide if you want to consider this.
A Short History of Lasers
You may not realise that laser hair removal originated surprisingly from tattoo removal. Scientists involved in this field stumbled upon the treatment whilst removing a tattoo. The discovery illustrated that by targeting a brown protein – with similar characteristics to the one found in hair, no hair grows back. It was leading to the accidental beginning of laser hair removal!
Significant innovation in the production of lasers is available today. Initially, lasers were simple and basic; they only worked on a single pulse and wavelength. This meant they were not safe to use on individuals with different skin colours and sensitivities. However, due to technological advancements, specific tailoring of lasers is accomplishable. It is now possible to use lasers on different wavelengths, intensities, and pulses for skin treatments that are particular to the individual. Laser manufacturers also vary, and since 2006, we have been proud to have used one of the best UK-based medical aesthetic manufacturers, Lynton Lasers.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal targets melanin. This is a brown protein present in dark hair. Some hair types do not contain melanin. Therefore, it’s not possible to treat blonde, white or red hairs. Due to the fact a property of the melanin protein is its colour, it can absorb light, which allows the laser to work so effectively. The laser works by heating the melanin to a high temperature to damage the cells that cause the hair to grow. Our system technology is the most efficient method of delivering this energy into the melanin.
This process involves something called selective photo heating. It utilises a specific wavelength of light, preventing damage to the surrounding cells.
The pulses between shots of light are an important part of IPL laser hair removal treatment. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Thus allowing the surrounding area to cool down, which aids in the prevention of damage to the skin. Simply, we are manipulating the hair’s characteristics to cause a reduction in hair production.
Unwanted hair causes low self-esteem, a reduction in confidence and embarrassment. IPL Laser Hair Removal is an effective and efficient solution.
Safety First
It is best if you come and see us for a consultation, where we can offer you help and advice on the best treatment for you. Chiefly, you are not under treatment obligation at any point. During the consultation, we fully describe how the treatment works and assess medical suitability, and if there are no reasons not to go ahead, then we offer you a patch test. This test is crucial to allow a safe selection of optimal settings for treating you. Finally, you must give us fully informed consent before any treatment or patch test.
What Will I Experience?
Normally, the IPL laser hair removal treatment begins with trimming unnecessary hair (if applicable) and cleansing the skin. Spreading a thin layer of ECG (Electrical Conductivity Gel) over the skin is necessary to assist the penetration of the pure white light through to the hair root. Applying the same ECG gel is essential during ultrasound scans to facilitate sound penetration, thus producing an image. Your therapist will select optimal safe settings, basing their choice on various factors, medically assessing your immune system response and inherent susceptibilities.
Via a quartz conductor, laser light emission targets the treatment area. This is a single light shot at the correct wavelength specific to you. During a patch test session, administering multiple levels may be necessary to find the most effective and safe setting for you. You will be required to communicate the sensation felt at the administration of each of the shots. The level of pain felt is different for everybody. Some clients associate the sensation with a tolerable pinprick, but others find it uncomfortable and painful. However, this cannot be predicted, so the best thing to do is to try it.
The First Treatment
Once you are happy to proceed with treatment, you can arrange a suitable appointment five days after your initial consultation. This gives you time to consider everything fully and for us to ensure the selected setting is safe. Your first treatment will be carried out like your patch test, and you will be advised on the recommended time interval for your next session.
After the first treatment, you should notice a difference in the rate, thickness or density of the hair, which will vary from person to person. Note also that you may only notice a difference in one of the factors mentioned and not all three simultaneously. This is perfectly normal at this stage. We are always available via phone, text or email if you have any questions.
The laser is placed over the area to be treated and a shot of light is emitted at the correct wavelength specific to you.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Laser hair removal treatment intervals can vary depending on various factors, including the target area and the hair growth rate. The number of treatments needed can also vary depending on an individual’s ethnicity, immune system and stress levels. Also, internal and external biological environments and the time between treatments can influence treatment efficiency. Due to this, we will keep you fully informed throughout the treatment process. We will discuss with you our expectations on how long the treatment may be necessary.
If It Matters To You, It Matters To Us
IPL Laser hair removal at Clear Medical is about taking care, knowledge and experience. We always have the client’s best interests in mind. Therefore, our clients are always pleased with the quality of their treatments. Above all, they are impressed with the time and effort they save in the long run!
We hope we can help you eradicate your unwanted hair, whether that means a simple reduction or complete elimination. We care about you, and we want you to have the time to enjoy life. We aim to help you be skin confident, and you do not have to worry about regular hair removal and, even worse, skin irritation.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.