Hair Removal


Before

After

General Information

The method of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser hair removal is based on the theory of selective thermolysis. Selective energy absorption by melanin in hair follicles from laser and broadband light sources results in destruction of hair follicles while leaving the skin undamaged.

The Hair Growth Cycle:

The hair follicle goes through three distinct stages of development. These stages are known as anagen, catagen and telogen.

Anagen

This is the active stage, which results in the complete restructuring of the follicle. Melanin production and accumulation is maximal during this stage. Thus, light energy directed at melanin is absorbed most actively, leading to the destruction of the hair follicle.

Catagen

This is the transitional stage in which the follicle shrinks, melanin production reduces then ceases. Light energy absorption falls off and thus IPL and laser energy is increasingly ineffective in destroying the follicle.

Telogen

This is the final stage of the growth phase, also known as the quiescent or resting phase, when the follicle remains inactive or dormant until stimulated into the anagen stage when the whole process is repeated. IPL and lasers are ineffective at this stage.

All the hairs on the body and scalp are in various stages of this cycle at any one time, and thus, light based treatments will not remove all hairs equally effectively - only those which are actively producing and accumulating melanin.

At we use the Chromolite IPL system. The Chromolite IPL emits a dual band of yellow and red light which is particularly effective for hair removal. The red light targets the melanin within the hair shaft, while the yellow light targets the blood supply to the germ cells of the follicle.

How many treatments are required?

For hair removal the number of treatments required varies, depending on the density and location of the hair growth. Approximately 30% of the body hair is in a growing stage at any one time. The remainder is dormant and unable to absorb light. Chromolite will destroy between 60% and 90% of the growing hair at each treatment. Most people require between 4 and 8 treatments, however, extremely course, dense hair, for instance, a man's beard, may require more.

What does the treatment involve?

It's simple, you wear protective eyewear, lie back and relax while the clinician at applies gel, then moves a handpiece over your skin firing the handpiece exactly where required. Treatment time depends on the size of the area to be treated - from several minutes for a lip area, up to 30 minutes for both lower legs.

Pre/Post treatment requirements:

At we advise that UV exposure (natural and sun tan beds) should be avoided 6 weeks before, and throughout the treatment course. This will reduce the melanin content of the skin, optimize treatment but more importantly minimize the possibility of side-effects. Remember this advise applies to not just what is classified as sun-bathing, but also lengthy exposure to normal daylight. We recommended that SPF30+ is applied regularly to all treated areas. Self tanning creams also produce increased colour in the skin and, if used between Chromolite treatments, should be stopped a week prior to each treatment and exfoliation of the area should be preformed each day to remove this artificial colour.

If you are using Retin-A or AHA products in the area to be treated we recommend you discontinue use 2 weeks prior to treatment.

If you are prone to Herpes please ask our clinicians at or your own General Practitioner about a course of pre-treatment antiviral medication. This is especially important if the area to be treated, such as above the lip, is to be treated.

Just Prior to Treatment

Prior to treatment you should clean the area to be treated with a non-oily cleanser to remove makeup, body lotions and other debris from the surface of the skin to optimize light penetration. Any hair showing above the surface should be removed by shaving. Surplus hair left above the surface of the skin will absorb the light energy and reduce effectiveness in the follicle below the surface of the skin. Please do not wax or pluck the hairs to be treated as this will not allow the Chromolite to penetrate the melanin in the follicle to destroy it.

Possible side-effects:

Our experience at , using the Chromolite system, is that most people experience only minor discomfort during treatment, feeling no more than a slight tingling sensation. It is important to be aware that different people have different pain thresholds, however. Reddening and swelling of the skin are ordinary although harmless side-effects that disappear within 15-30 minutes. Tightening of the skin can be felt for 1-2 days after treatment. In extreme cases, slight blistering can occur, which heals normally within a few days. Darker skin types may experience hypo- or hyper-pigmentation, which has been known to last for several months. In very rare cases there can be scarring of the skin surface.

The occurrence and severity of side-effects can be minimized by sufficient pre and post treatment cooling of the area and the use of a gel on the skin while it is being treated.

At , our clinical staff will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment bearing in mind efficacy and safety and together decide on the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

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