How does laser/IPL hair removal work?

Regardless of the laser/IPL type used, a short burst of light is fired at the skin's surface. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, where it heats and detroys the hair whilst sparing the surrounding tissues.

If the hair is in the growth phase (anagen), the heat is transmitted down the hair shaft to the base of the follicle and to the germ cells lining the follicle shaft, causing their destruction.

Hair caught in the growth phase will not tend to grow again. Other follicles, which are not actively growing may then produce new hair. These follicles will need to be targeted in the growth phase to effect follicle damage.

How many hair removal treatments are required?

Everyone is different and it is just not possible to be accurate. Somewhere between 5 and 8 treatments are usually required. The exact number will vary depending on where the hair is, what has been done to the hair in the past and, of course, your individual response. Hormonal conditions, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses.

Can all hair colours be treated?

Laser/IPL depilation works best on dark hair because dark hair contains more pigment to absorb light. Fair hair can respond, but white hair, very blonde hair and red hair will not respond to a laser or IPL system and will need to be treated hair-by-hair using an electrolysis technique.

We always carry out a test patch before a full treatment so we will know how your hair and skin will respond before you commit to a full treatment.

Can all parts of the body be treated?

Yes - including the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms, underarms and back - as well as sensitive areas like the ears, nose chest and bikini line. Our Alexandrite laser is fast and even large areas like legs and backs can be treated in a relatively short period of time.

Is laser/IPL hair removal permanent?

Results vary; actively growing hair follicles will be detroyed, so for some people we can say that the end result is permanent. However, as with all depilation methods, we cannot give any guarantee as the laser or IPL will only affect actively growing follicles and has no effect on dormant or 'resting' follicles, which can lie dormant for lengthy periods of time. Therefore, it is always possible that new hair growth will take place from follicles not currently growing. It is also accepted now that some hairs are not destroyed but convert from a terminal (thick, dark noticeable) hair to a vellus (fine, blonde unnoticeable) hair.

How does laser hair removal compare with other hair removal methods?

Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis.

Electrolysis is a valuable method for treating white, greay and red hairs and we do offer this service but it is very slow and suffers from the same drawbacks as laser/IPL methods - only those hairs that are actively growing will be detroyed - the others will grow back.

Light based hair removal is the only significant improvement in hair removal in the last 20 years. Many technologies, including Alexandrite, Lightsheer Diode, Nd:YAG and IPL techniques, now carry the coveted FDA approval for effective hair removal.

Is the treatment painful?

A powerful chilled air cooling system is used to manage any discomfort. Nevertheless it can be uncomfortable, in some areas more than others, though most people experience no more than a stinging sensation. People with darker skin will feel the laser more as their skin will absorb more energy. In this case more attention will be paid to cooling the skin, before, during and after treatment, to minimise the risk of skin reactions.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effect is redness of the skin that can last for a day or so. Slight blistering can occur but this is rare and would clear up in a few days. With certain skin types changes in skin colour can occur and you will be advised of any adjunct treatment necessary to prevent this. Because each individual's skin responds differently we always carry out a careful pre-treatment test-patch procedure to ensure that the right system is chosen and that no unexpected reactions take place during a full treatment.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 40 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Extensive clinical trials for laser depilation and 16 years of experience in depilation at this clinic have resulted in a very safe technique with a minimal risk of side effects.

Mapperley Park Clinic is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000.

Can anyone offer this kind of treatment?

You may not know this but, until October 2010, it is still a legal requirement for all users of lasers, IPL and LHE systems to be registered with the Care Quality Commission. Registered facilities have a registration number - ours is 1-95691901.

When enquiring, be sure to ask for a registration number - if they do not have one, they are not registered and are operating illegally.

The Mapperley Park Clinic is also the UK's only specialist Laser Training Centre and is the unique provider of the BTEC awards for the delivery of laser and light technologies and techniques.

Our clinical staff are all trained to a very high standard and regularly update their clinical knowledge and skills.

Should anyone avoid this treatment?

The hair removal treatment should be avoided by anyone who is:

• Hypersensitive to light
• Suffering from live coldsores in the treatment area
• Suffering from Vitiligo (skin pigment loss)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

People with very dark skin are at greater risk of pigment change but this can be avoided by selecting the right laser. A full medical history will be taken prior to any treatment being offered to exclude any problems.

How do I prepare myself for treatment?

The laser targets the pigment in the hair and skin and thus it is important that you do not have a suntan - whether natural or artificial.

• If you have a tan you should wait at least 4 weeks after your last UV exposure until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells.
• If you are plucking, waxing or threading, you should stop 4 weeks prior to treatment and switch to shaving or cutting the hair instead.
• The treatment area needs to be shaved the day before treatment.
• You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment.
• You should avoid alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen for 48 hours before treatment; This will reduce the risk of a skin reaction.