Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is a real problem for many people and can be uncomfortable to live with. Traditional methods of hair removal are shaving, plucking, waxing, using depilatory creams and electrolysis. These can often be painful and need to be repeated at regular intervals. They are also time consuming and expensive over time. The latest method is the use of lasers or IPL (Intense pulsed light). This method achieves permanent hair reduction which is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted body and facial hair. Statistics show that 60-95% of targeted hair is permanently gone after the recommended course of treatments. Treatments are most effective on medium to dark hair on any skin type. Fine and light hair is very difficult to treat. Some blonde, red, white and grey hair cannot be treated.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal, as its name suggests, is using a laser to remove any hair that isunwanted. This process is performed with a thin light beam of laser passing through the area of the skin that is being treated. This process literally hits the hair follicle (the root of where the hair grows). The contact results in the hair follicle being destroyed. Usually, this process results merely in a slow hair growth. However, multiple laser hair removal can successfully extend a hair-free period What can I expect during Treatment?
Most people feel a warm sting as the laser penetrates the hair follicle. Many people describe the sensation as the snap of a rubber band against their skin. To minimize the discomfort, a cool gel is applied to the skin before treatment.
What will I see after treatment?
The hair follicles are damaged by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The dead hairs shed after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to grow as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatments are conducted every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the area being treated, until a good result is seen. The number of treatments varies, although typically 6 treatments or more are needed for optimum results.
How long does treatment take?
Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes and up to 1 hour, depending upon the size of area being treated.
Are there any side effects?
The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and raised but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.
Thread Vein Removal
Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small unsightly superficial red, purple or blue veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks and chin. These broken veins occur when the vein dilates and become larger so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Although facial veins / spider veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them.
Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from sun exposure, wind and the extremes of temperature. The over use of steroid creams and certain auto immune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often the exact cause is unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or as a part of a skin condition called rosacea. Facial vessels are effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser with minimal risk in just a few quick, easy treatments
Prominent unsightly leg veins are a very common problem. Causes include prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, hormones, ageing and heredity. Because of the effects of gravity leg veins are more difficult to treat than facial veins. Leg veins can be divided into varicose veins, reticular veins and thread veins. Varicose veins are treated surgically.
How are thread veins treated?
Intense Pulse Light systems emit light which is readily absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to a point where they are destroyed. Following treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion. A thin layer of chilled gel is applied to the skin to aid light absorption by the vessel. The light is then pulsed over the entire area to be treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically three to four treatments are needed for maximum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. For general redness and rosacea five or more treatments may be required. Repeat sessions are spaced every four to six weeks.
How long does each treatment take?
Treatment is relatively quick and can be just 10 minutes for a single lesion or up to 45 minutes for a full face.
How long do the results last?
Immediately after treatment some thread veins will disappear but may re-occur a few days later, but be less visible. With further treatment these vessels will disappear and are not likely to reoccur. However, once you have a tendency to facial redness you always will so new veins may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance sessions may not be required for several years though as results are long-lasting. To help prevent new veins forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen.
What does treatment feel like?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is quite quick. Sensations vary but most people describe it as a very quick, hot pin prick.
Sun spots, liver spots, freckles and other unwanted pigmentation are often associated with skin ageing and over exposure to the sun or sunbeds. From the age of about 40 the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and age spots start to appear. Generally these age spots pose no health risk but they can be unsightly and create a patchy, less youthful appearance. Freckling and age spots are successfully lightened or removed with Intense Pulse Light. IPL treatment is a relatively quick and easy procedure. Age spots and freckles can be lightened or removed in as little as one to three treatment sessions. The light targets areas of excess pigment safely breaking down the excess melanin. The sun spots or freckles darken a few days after treatment and then the excess melanin sheds naturally away.
How does Intense Pulse Light Work?
The Intense Pulse Light System releases short pulses of filtered light that is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and eradicates the melanin-rich cells.
What does treatment feel like?
warm, tingling sensatioTreatment is mildly uncomfortable and an not unlike sunburn is experienced afterwards.
What will I look like after treatment?
The skin may be slightly red and the pigment marks will darken and may appear more obvious before they fade away.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience little more than slight reddening and possibly mild swelling, which usually disappear within hours to a couple of days. Very rarely a small blister may form or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin can occur.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition involving the face that results in a ‘blush’ or redness and progresses from intermittent to consistent. It is associated with prominent blood vessels, open pores and skin eruption similar to acne. Symptoms usually commence between the ages of 30 to 50.The cause of Rosacea is unknown and it cannot be cured but its symptoms can be controlled to improve the appearance.Avoidance of triggering stimuli including heat, vigorous exercise, alcohol consumption, spicy foods, hot drinks (particularly caffeine) and rubbing the affected skin helps control symptoms partially. Conventional medical treatment involves either topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics both of which often have limited effects. The treatment of Rosacea depends largely on the severity of the condition and often several treatments are recommended concurrently.
How does the treatment work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is broadband light and delivers hundreds of wavelengths (or colours) in a single discharge. IPL is able to specifically target blood (haemoglobin) in the skin without damaging surrounding tissues. The light energy is absorbed by blood inside the veins, heating up the vessel wall, which collapses and then dissolves.
What does the treatment feel like?
The energy is delivered in very short flashes of light called pulses. As the laser light impacts onto the skin’s surface the sensation is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. The procedure produces only mild discomfort and usually normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Are there any side effects?
In rare cases redness and irritation of the treated area may occur (like sunburn). There is also a small risk of pigment change following treatment. A small minority of patients develop bruising and blistering. This settles within a few days.
How many treatments are needed?
A series of 4 to 6 treatments is recommended at monthly intervals for rosacea.
Active Acne
For reasons no one completely understands acne is a condition cause by skin cells that do not shed properly and plug pores, causing oil and bacteria to be trapped inside. As oil and bacteria accumulate, the skin becomes inflamed and swells outward forming whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.Throughout life, acne has physically and emotionally scarred millions. It is the most common skin condition with an incidence of over 90% in adolescents. Acne may also appear for the first time in the mid- twenties, or even later.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
After discussing your medical history, including any drugs you are currently taking, the treatment area will be cleaned and a thin layer of gel will be applied. The hand piece will glide over the treatment area in a brushing motion as the laser light is pulsed through the skin. Multiple passes will be needed depending on the severity of your acne and your tolerance of the treatment.
Is It Painful?
Many clients say each laser pulse feels like the snap of a rubber band against the skin, though treatments over active acne may be more uncomfortable.
What should I Expect Following Treatment?
Your face may appear slightly flushed and swollen, though these effects usually subside after a few hours or days. Sunscreen should be applied and, if you wish, make-up may be applied immediately after treatment, as the skin’s surface is not actually damaged by the laser.
How Long Will the Effects Last?
Clinical data suggests that most clients find their acne will improve after the completion of about four treatments; two a week for two weeks. While many clients continue to improve in the months following treatment, some experience a plateau in their improvement. Repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain results.
Skin Rejuvenation
(Tone, Fine lines, mild wrinkles,)
When we age our skin becomes drier and our skin texture changes. Sun exposure and other environmental factors accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin so fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Most people would prefer more youthful looking skin.
What skin rejuvenation can do
The treatment can improve skin tone and texture, lift and hydrate skin and even out pigmentation. It makes skin firmer and smoother, reducing fine lines and mild wrinkles. It can be used on the face, neck and chest.
What skin rejuvenation can't do
Skin that has already been heavily damaged by over-exposure to sun won't benefit from this treatment. It is most beneficial to skins showing early signs of lines and wrinkles.
What happens during treatment?
Clients lie on a bed with eyes covered by goggles whilst an intense burst of light is shone on to the skin. No anaesthetic is required, and although the process may be mildly uncomfortable, many clients report a sense of general wellbeing afterwards. No recovery time is needed, but the skin may look slightly reddened. To maintain results you will need to have regular treatments.
Results
The initial effect is a clearer, brighter complexion which improves with subsequent treatments.
Risks
The effects of this light source as a skin enhancer were discovered through its use in hospital dermatology and oncology departments. It has been used for more than 10 years in hospitals with no side-effects. The light used doesn't have dangerous UV or infrared rays or generate heat, so it can't burn the skin. Avoid exposure to the sun for 24-48 hours after treatment and use sunscreen and moisturisers.
Tattoo Removal
A tattoo may seem like a good idea at the time, but you might regret the decision later on. Leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists regard laser as the superior method for the removal of unwanted amateur and professional tattoos. No single laser can remove all types of tattoo ink.
Tattoos are of two main types: the Indian ink, amateur tattoo or the multi-coloured, professional tattoo. Single-colour tattoos usually respond best to laser tattoo removal. Multi-coloured, professional tattoos are much more difficult to eradicate completely. Black, blue, red and green colours in the tattoo respond best to treatment, but yellow and purple pigment can be more difficult. An assessment will be made during consultation where prices will also be discussed.
How is treatment carried out?
Active Q-Switch Lasers that generate a high powered beam of laser light in an extremely short pulse are the most suitable lasers for tattoo removal treatment. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, breaking them down into smaller pieces, enabling your natural immune defences to absorb and disperse the ink. A gradual fading of the tattoo occurs over a series of treatments. The skin will be cleaned and the laser applicator is passed over the tattoo releasing quick pulses of light. An audible clicking noise is often heard as the ink particles shatter. After treatment a soothing lotion is applied.
Experiencing Tattoo Removal
Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a hot pin prick or the flick of an elastic band. Whilst mildly uncomfortable, most people tolerate the treatment well.
How does the skin look after treatment?
An instant whitening of the skin is seen but this generally fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a few hours and can be red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Some tattoos may form a graze which must be left to heal naturally. Initially the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will fade over 4 to 8 weeks as the body disperses it.
What is the recovery period?
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. Change to skin texture and scarring is possible, though very uncommon and is more likely if grazes are not allowed to heal naturally. There may be loss of natural tanning ability in the area treated which usually improves with time.
How many treatments are recommended?
This depends on the density and colour of the tattoo and the age of the tattoo. Amateur tattoos can be quick to remove, taking 1 to 6 treatments, whereas professional tattoos vary and can take up to 15 treatments. Treatments are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart and each treatment can take anything from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
