Smooth Appearance
Laser Hair Removal
If you are unsatisfied with the upkeep that comes with daily shaving and tweezing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be a more long-term and effective option worth considering. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure in which a concentrated beam of light (laser) is used to reduce and remove unwanted hair by damaging or destroying the hair follicle to prevent regrowth.
Why choose Laser/Light Therapy for unwanted hair?
Frequently Asked Questions – Laser Hair Removal
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal channels light to target the pigment of individual hair follicles. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Many doctors now refer to laser hair removal as long-term hair removal rather than permanent hair removal.
Hair removal from a destroyed hair follicle is permanent. However, patients who undergo hair removal can expect that some hair in the targeted area will grow back.
Over time, it is possible to treat the area again to reduce the number of hairs that regrow. In some cases, it may even be possible to eliminate all hair.
Most patients find that when hair regrows, it is lighter and less noticeable than it was before. This is because the laser may damage the hair follicle even when it fails to destroy it.
Why does laser hair require multiple treatment sessions?
Laser hair removal is a long-term hair removal procedure that usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary from patient to patient depending on the location, skin, and hair type.
Hair grows in cycles across the entire body. And that is the main reason you need multiple laser hair removal sessions, rather than just one. After your laser session, the growth of new hair will be less noticeable, however, you might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
Does skin or hair colour make a difference?
Patients with dark skin or light hair may need more treatments than others.
Is laser hair removal painful?
For a few days after treatment, the affected skin may become red and tender. Our patients describe the sensation as similar to sunburn. The process itself, however, is typically not painful.
Also, at Victoria Natural Lines we offer topical pre-anesthetic before the procedure to minimize any discomfort.
How should I prepare for my Laser Hair Removal treatment?
Prior to your treatment, avoid the following for two weeks:
- Sunbathing and tanning beds
- Waxing
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections
Immediately before and after therapy, we recommend avoiding applying any perfume or deodorant to the treatment area.
Also, it is advised to refrain from taking any aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements before the procedure as these can contribute to the risk of bleeding.
What should I expect during recovery?
Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear red or pink which tends to last between 4 and 8 hours.
You may also experience a stinging sensation resembling that of a mild sunburn for 4 to 6 hours after IPL. We recommend applying a moist cloth or cool pack to help ease the stinging.
Swelling is a common occurrence post-treatment and can last for several days.
What should I do after the procedure?
During the recovery period, avoid applying make-up, lotion, perfume, or deodorant to the treated area for 24 hours after the procedure or until all swelling has gone.
After this time, we recommend moisturizing the treated area at least twice a day for a minimum of 3 months. We will gladly provide further advice on after-care products and precautions.