Unwanted hair is a very common complaint in both men and women. It may be embarrassing facial hair in women e.g. top lip, side burns, chin or bikini line and under arms. In men the problem may be shaving rash in the beard area or excessive hair on their backs or chests.

How does laser work?
The laser light specifically targets the hair follicle or bulb in the skin where the hair growth takes place. The laser light selectively heats up the hair bulb, which damages it and stops the hair from growing. Only the hair follicles that are actively growing at the time of laser treatment are affected. Hence the need for repeat treatments to capture all the hairs during their growing stage.

Is it safe?
Laser treatment is regarded as very safe. Over 25 years experience in treating skin has shown no long term hazards e.g. skin cancers or other health risks.

To date there has been no scarring from laser hair removal. Very low incidence of side effects being:

• Blistering - common in darker skin types
• Temporary loss of skin pigment
• Temporary increase of pigmentation

How many treatments?
Ideally, treatment should be as soon as significant growth is seen, as these hairs would be actively growing. In practice, a short burst of treatments is initially recommend, say 2-3 over three months then retreatment as any significant hairs re-appear. That interval will vary, for the face it may be shorter period where as the lower body e.g. bikini line will be longer before regrowth may be seen. Again the any regrowing hair may be much finer, softer and more sparse.

Preparation before treatment
If the hairs are long or dense it is best to shave (or wax) a few days before so just a small stubble is seen.

If you think you may be pregnant please see your local doctor for appropriate testing.