Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal has been the saving grace, we no longer have to spend hours and hours waxing, shaving, plucking and generally having a painful experience more times than you’re willing to put up with.
It’s also a great treatment option for people suffering from medical conditions that result in excessive hair.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures at Laserase Bolton. It works by beaming a highly concentrated light into hair follicles, when this happens, pigment in the follicles absorbs the light, this destroys the hair.
Is hair removal permanent?
We can’t say that laser hair removal is permanent, however many of our clients don’t have hair regrowth, even after 10 years, this can of course vary from person to person. Some clients do have some regrowth, however this is a lot finer and less visible, regrowth can be removed via a ‘maintenance’ appointment.
What lasers do you use?
Soprano XL Laser
At Laserase Bolton, we use a number of lasers for hair removal, which means we have the best laser to suite every patient. The Soprano XL laser as it is one of the best lasers available on the market today and is a fast, efficient and virtually painless way to remove hair from any part of the body.
In addition, we have the Gentle YAG laser which treats stronger and resistant hairs. Having a range of methods to treat hair gives us an advantage.
The Candela Gentle YAG
This laser has a high peak power and a very deep depth of penetration because of its wavelength. We use this treatment on hairs that are rooted more deeply. In some cases, we will treat patients with both lasers depending on the type of hair they have.
Laser energy is selectively absorbed into the pigment in the hair and the hair root. This produces heat, which is then absorbed.
Both the SHR and the HR modes damage the hairs at the root, preventing regrowth. We protect skin from heat damage. With the Soprano XL a cooling gel applied directly to the skin and by the cooling tip on the hand-piece of the laser.
The Soprano XL laser is ten times faster than most other lasers on the market. Unlike other lasers, the Soprano has two modes, a Super Hair Removal (SHR) mode and a Hair Removal (HR Mode.)
HR Mode:
Most other hair removal lasers have only the HR mode. HR mode targets individual hair follicles causing heat injury to the hair. This is great for smaller areas or on more stubborn hairs but is time-consuming.
SHR Mode:
SHR mode gradually heats the skin and hair follicles meaning we can treat a large area all in one go. The added advantage is this method is virtually painless.
With the Gentle YAG, we use a cooling spray called DCD to protect the skin.
The different options available with the Soprano laser means that we can use this laser anywhere – chin, cheeks, legs as well as more sensitive areas like the ears, nose, chest and bikini line.
Am I eligible for Laser Hair Removal?
We can treat all skin tones and most hair types with laser hair removal except for light hair such as very blonde, white or grey.
Your practitioner will adjust the laser to suit your hair and skin type. Our nurses tailor the laser settings to the individual to get the best results.
Do I need a course of Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, hairs grow in cycles and all the hairs are not present at one time. The treatment works by treating new hairs each time in their growing or ‘anagen’ phase. Laser hair removal only works on hair during the ‘anagen’ growing stage.
Why does it have to be in the Anagen growing stage?
Only a small percentage of your hair is in the “anagen” or growing stage at any one time. In anagen (the growing phase) the hair has more pigment it is that which the laser absorbs into.
What medical conditions will benefit from hair removal?
PCOS:
At Laserase Bolton we have a wealth of experience treating patients with laser hair removal for those with PCOS. We are able to give helpful advice and clear realistic recommendations to those seeking hair growth related to this hormonal disorder.
Transgender Patients:
For many people in the trans community, being able to control hair is more than just a cosmetic preference, it’s a gender-affirming act. We have been providing hair removal treatments to Transgender patients. Our patients are extremely happy with the level of service they receive within our clinics from our sensitive, professional caring practitioners.
Hirsutism:
More often than not Hirsutism treatment usually involves techniques to remove the excess hair and treatment to help slow down its growth or to prevent it coming back. Main treatments include waxing, prescriptive cream and oral tablets from the GP. Laser hair removal is a great treatment for people suffering from Hirsutism and can offer long-term relief.
Treatment Areas
Facial Hair:
Facial hair removal can be one of those never-ending things we have to do whether we are waxing shaving or plucking hairs, it’s just on-going. Laser treatment offers a relief from this and reduces the number of hairs able to grow over time.
Intimate Hair Removal:
For some people removing hair in areas such as the bikini line or the peri-anal area is important. These areas are sensitive and the skin is delicate. It is important to choose a clinic with staff that are confident in this treatment. It is also important to choose the right laser. This procedure can help with ingrowing hairs in this area.
Body Hair:
Body hair removal is suitable for both men and women. Laser hair removal is available for all areas of the body for both men and women. We offer discrete treatments and good advice for anyone wishing to start with laser hair removal. This can include helpful advice in making the transition from waxing or shaving.
FAQs
Yes, your consultation will allow us to select the right laser setting for your skin type. We use this to achieve the best results possible. Treatment frequency depends on which area we are treating and the type of hair. During your consultation, you will also have a patch test.
The Soprano laser offers virtually pain-free laser hair removal, the sensation is more a feeling of heat building up than pain. It is the most comfortable way to treat excess hair with a laser and differs from some of the other lasers on the market.
What does it feel like?
The Gentle YAG is a little more uncomfortable and feels like an elastic band snapping on the skin.
Laser hair removal has been around for many years and has many substantial clinical studies proving its success.
It causes a reduction in hair growth over time. There are some people it cannot work on and this is why we offer a full consultation before starting a course of treatment.
Between the treatments, you can shave the hairs as often as you need as that will not disturb the root. However, waxing, plucking, and threading remove the root of the hair, so you shouldn’t do any of these between treatments. When we use the laser it is better that there is no hair visible above the surface of the skin.
No, however, it will reduce the hairs by a percentage, but it will not be enough to stop the need for other forms of hair removal.
On average it is at 6-week intervals but it may vary as we are individuals and the time in the growing phase can vary. Some areas have a faster rate of hair growth than others. We take care to make sure the intervals are right for you.
Generally, yes you can, though it can be common to need to come in more frequently for some areas such as the face.
At Laserase Bolton, we have a number of qualified medical practitioners. Our staff have many years of experience in Laser Hair Removal.
