All You wanted to know about laser hair removal and more.....

Unwanted hair is a problem common to many men and women and can be a cause of embarrassment and a lack of confidence. Conventional ways of dealing with this problem such as shaving, waxing and depilatory creams provide only short term solutions and are time consuming and costly. Bio-Med Nd:YAG Laser and Bio-Med IPL hair removal technology is the latest and most effective treatment currently available for permanently treating unwanted hair. The treatment was pioneered in the USA, and has been proven effective by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration).

How does it work? Laser and IPL hair removal treatments work as the laser energy is adsorbed by the melanin (colour) in the hair. This heats the hair which destroys both it and, if the hair is in the right stage of growth, the germinative cells of the hair follicle. IPL treatments disable only the hair follicle as the method of application does not generate enoght heat to vapourise the hair itself. The hair in the shaft will be ejected gradually over a period of 7-10 days. The destruction of the hair follicle will mean that it will not grow any new hair.

The Hair Growth Cycle Every hair has its own individual growth cycle so they are all at varying stages of growth. Hair grows in three stages; anagen (active growth), catagen (shedding) and telogen (resting). The laser will only work on hair that is in the anagen stage.

Anagen Stage In this stage, whilst the hair is still actively growing, there is a great deal of activity. The cells of the hair matrix are dividing rapidly and are in intimate contact with the follicle and its blood supply. Laser treatment can thus destroy both the hair and the germinative cells in the follicle.

Catagen Stage In the catagen stage (changing stage) active growth slows and stops. The hair moves away from the base of the follicle which in turn loses its blood supply. On laser treatment most of the hair is destroyed but the germinative cells in the follicle remain largely intact because they are not in contact with the hair itself. The follicle can redevelop to form new hair. Part of the hair shaft can remain in the follicle after treatment but, because it is damaged, it will fall out over a period of up to 21 days or more after treatment. This can give the appearance of treated hair growing, whereas it is only the old follicle pushing the damaged shaft clear of the skin.

Telogen Stage In the final telogen stage the hairs may be quite long and are completely detached from the germinative cells and blood supply. They will eventually be shed from the body. At this stage the hair removal treatment is ineffective, although the hair present in this stage will normally be destroyed. The follicle then redevelops to form a new hair thus starting the cycle again. Some follicles however can, having shed their hair, remain dormant for a considerable time, sometimes months or even years. When they eventually return to the growth cycle they too, can give the impression of hair growing from a previously treated area. The nature of this growth cycle explains why several treatments are necessary so as to catch the unaffected follicles as they produce new hair in the next anagen stage of growth. A noticeable reduction in hair density of new hair should be visible after three or four treatments.

Laser & IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines All laser and intense pulsed light hair removal treatments work on the basis of what is called selective photothermolysis. This means that they rely on the hair heating up more quickly than the surrounding skin and blood. This is important otherwise the skin will be damaged and can cause blistering, scarring and pigmentation changes. Lasers emit light that is all of the same wave length. Intense pulsed light machines use light that covers a wide wavelength range. Nd:YAG lasers have a longer wave length than other machines. Longer waves penetrate deeper into the skin and are thus able to target the deeper hairs more effectively. The longer wavelength also means that the rates of heating of the hair is much greater than that of the skin and other tissue. This means that with the longer wave length Nd:YAG laser there is much less risk of skin damage and also that paler hairs can be more effectively treated. The IPL unit is ideal for dealing with large areas costeffectively and recent technology ensures that no skin damage results, although the method is not suitable for dark skins. The ND:YAG laser is suitable for all skin types and especially for darker skins which are unsuited to both IPL or other lasers. The risk of scarring or pigmentation changes is virtually eliminated. No laser or IPL unit can treat hairs that are devoid of melanin; grey or very blonde hairs are thus unaffected.

Effectiveness Laser and IPL hair removal has been used on thousands of patients with excellent long term results. It is very effective and long term hair reduction can be achieved after multiple treatments. It is necessary to return for treatment at intervals of four to six weeks, depending on the area treated. This ensures that hairs are more likely to be treated in the anagen stage resulting in improved results.

Consultation and Test Patch A consultation is essential to evaluate your needs, expectations and eligibility for treatment. The therapist will provide you with all the information you require so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to undergo treatment. Your hair and skin type will be assessed in order to prescribe the treatment and rule out any contraindications. The possible side effects of any medication you are taking will be assessed. You will be advised on a realistic expectation from the treatment and the required interval between treatments. You will be asked to sign a consent form to signify your agreement to the treatment. If you decide to proceed and are found suitable, a test patch will be carried out. This is to determine the required laser energy level for effective treatment on your hair. The test patch will give some indication of how the treatment will feel. If any adverse effects were to develop on the test patch area, the treatment plan would have to be reassessed.

Laser IPL operation The operators at the Woodhouse Clinic are all fully qualified experienced therapists who have had extensive training in laser and IPL technology and its application to hair removal. They are able to advise on medical conditions that increase or produce unusual hair growth problems. The units is operated in a controlled area under conditions that are in accordance with all current industry and government rules for class four lasers. The clinic is registered with the Health Care Commission which ensures high standards of patient care. As you would expect, all operators carry full professional indemnity insurance.

Fees As an experienced specialist clinic, we are able to provide treatment at the most affordable prices often only a fraction of the charge made by others using less specific machines. Our fees are based on the size of the area to be treated. The treatment fee includes preparation, laser treatment and aftercare. You will need to purchase some items for home use. An initial consultation and patch test costs £25. We quote you a fee per treatment session which is due at the time of treatment.

Cancellation Policy We require two days notice to cancel a consultation or treatment, otherwise we may levy a charge of £15.

Do’s and Don'ts To avoid problems and get the optimum results follow the following guidelines:- For laser treatment shave 1-2 days prior to treatment, for IPL on the day of treatment. Do not wax, pluck or bleach or use depilatory creams or undergo electrolysis 30 days before treatment Do not sunbathe or use sun beds 4 weeks before or after treatment and wear a total sun block when outside Do not use products with retinol or AHA fruit acids prior or during your course of treatment Follow the special advice and home-care regime For 24 hours after each treatment No hot baths or showers - warm only No heat treatments, sauna, steam rooms No deodorant, perfumes or scented lotions No swimming or Jacuzzi

Is the treatment safe? Yes. Our Bio-Medlase Nd:YAG laser and IPL treatment provides you with safe, effective and proven technology It is very rare for the skin to have side effects in the long term. Because the Nd:YAG laser is highly specific in its targeting, side effects are almost unheard of. The IPL is less aggressive than ealy machines and is entirely safe for less dark skins. At most a slight reddening may occur which passes after a few hours. On extremely sensitive skins a mild blistering may occur which heals rapidly. Some common medications can make the skin photosensitive you should advise the therapist what medication you are taking.

Is the hair removal treatment painful? The laser emits heat into the hair follicle, causing the hair to vaporise; therefore a tingling or slight stinging effect may be felt. Different laser energy is required for different people and areas of the body so the sensation will also vary. Cooling of the skin is generally all that is required to ensure comfort.

How many treatments will I need? Many factors influence hair growth - age, ethnicity, weight, metabolism, medication and hormones all play a part where and when hair grows. Following your in depth consultation and patch test, your therapist will advise you of realistic expectations. Most people will see a noticeable reduction after 4-6 treatments but the treatment will continue to progressively reduce the extent of hair growth.

Is the treatment permanent? No one can promise permanent hair removal as some follicles remain in the resting stage for considerable time. It is not possible to guarantee that every anagen hair is treated. However, most people will achieve a significant reduction in hair growth following treatment.

What areas of the body can be treated? All areas, as the treatment is gentle and non-invasive it can provide effective treatment for all areas of the body.

Is it suitable for men and women? Yes, men find it particularly beneficial for excessive facial and back hair.