Unwanted body or facial hair affects millions of women and men. A variety of methods such as waxing, plucking, shaving and depilatory creams have been used to remove such hair. These methods provide very temporary relief. Electrolysis may provide a more permanent solution, but is very slow and quite painful and may produce scarring.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a safe, more comfortable way of reducing unwanted hair. It utilizes technology that combines light, electrical energy and cooling. The laser targets the hair roots precisely without damaging the surrounding skin, regardless of your skin type.

All laser hair reduction treatments at the Cosmetic Medicine Centre are performed by fully qualified registered nurses who are also certified laser operators with Queensland Radiation Health.

FAQs About Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?

It utilizes technology that combines laser light, electrical energy and cooling. The laser and electrical energy work together to target the hair roots while the cooling protects the surface of the skin.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal treatment?

It is an efficient way of targeting large or small areas of unwanted hair growth on the face or body areas in a faster and more comfortable and long-term way compared with many other forms of hair removal.

Are you licensed with Queensland Radiation Health for laser hair removal?

Yes and our registered nurses who administer the treatments are licensed laser operators with many years of experience.

Am I suitable for laser hair removal?

All skin types may be treated, however the hair must have colour for the laser to have something upon which to work. Also, the more contrast there is between the colour of the hair and the colour of the skin, the more effective the treatment will be. Remember to avoid sun and fake tan products prior to treatment and no plucking, waxing or threading the area for 6-weeks prior (shaving is ok) as the root of the hair needs to be present for the laser to have something to target.

Is the laser hair removal painful?

The handpiece has a special chilled tip which is placed in contact with the skin. This reduces the sensation experienced, and also protects the skin from heat produced by the laser/hair reaction. Sensitive areas can be further numbed by use of a cold air machine.

What areas can be treated?

Hair can be removed from almost any area provided we can get safe access, and important structures, such as the eyes, can be fully protected.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for laser hair removal procedure?

For the treatment to succeed, hair must be present, therefore the area should not be waxed, plucked or threaded for six weeks prior to treatment. Depilatory cream should not be used either, as it may reduce the integrity of the skin. You should also avoid sun tanning the area or using fake tan.

What happens during laser hair removal treatment? Will there be any side-effects?

After marking out the area, it will be shaved and then treated. Afterwards the area may look reddened especially around each hair, where there may also be a little swelling. It will feel warm and perhaps even a little itchy.

The treated hair may appear to still grow for a while, but this is actually just the hair being ejected.

How many hair removal treatments are required?

The laser has the greatest effect on growing hairs. As not all hairs are growing at the same time, it will take a number of treatments to gain control of any area. The number of treatments this takes will vary with the area, the type of hair and the type of skin.

Recommended treatment interval for the face is 4 weeks and for the body 6-8 weeks. It must be remembered that the growth phase is the only phase affected by the treatment.

How long should I wait between laser hair removal sessions?

This depends on the area being treated, we usually recommend waiting 4 weeks for face and 6-8 weeks for other areas of the body.

What happens following laser hair removal procedure?

Sun exposure should be avoided before and after treatment and sunscreen should be worn each day.

Some people, especially those with darker skins, may experience some darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area. This is usually temporary, but may in some cases be permanent.

Even people who get very good initial clearance, may experience some later regrowth. This will, however, be of lighter, finer hair.

Later in life, some hairs may convert to coarser hairs eg. after menopause. These hairs can still be treated, however fine, downy hairs will be only minimally affected.

What after care is recommended?

Avoid sun exposure as much as possible before and after your treatment and always use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Also, avoid clothing or other things that may rub on the area while it is settling after a treatment.

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Hair Removal

Laser hair removal

FAQs About Laser Hair Removal

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