What is the treatment for?
To reduce the hair of an area gradually. It is not a texture treatment, nor a treatment for spots.
Only hairs in their growth phase are sensitive to the laser during a given session. This is why several spaced sessions are needed, to reach hairs at different moments of their cycle.
Who is it for?
For someone whose hair colour and skin type are suitable for laser treatment. Alexandrite is often used for fair to olive skin, while Nd:YAG may be used for darker skin or certain areas. The choice is made after assessing both skin and hair.
White, grey or very light hair contains little melanin and responds poorly, or not at all. Pregnancy, photosensitising medication, a recent tan or active skin lesions may lead to postponing the session.
Areas concerned
Face and body depending on the request: underarms, legs, arms, bikini line, face, abdomen, back, and so on. The fee schedule details each area.
How a session generally unfolds
Before the session, you are asked not to pull out the hair (no wax, epilator or tweezers) for several weeks, so that the root is present. The area is shaved according to instructions, generally shortly before the session. The area must not be tanned, including with self-tanner.
During the session, the eyes are protected, the skin may be cooled, and the laser moves over the area in successive shots. The sensation is one of heat or a rubber-band snap, varying with the area. An interval between sessions is respected to account for the hair cycle.
What kind of result
A gradual reduction in density and regrowth, lasting in many people but variable. Maintenance may be useful over time, notably with hormonal changes. White or very light hairs respond poorly.
How it changes over time
Between sessions, hair gradually decreases. A few days to two weeks after the session, treated hairs may fall out: this is not regrowth. The timetable depends on the area and the individual response.
Possible after-effects
Redness, small bumps around the follicles and warmth in the hours that follow. Rarely a burn, crusts or pigmentation. Sun and aggressive rubbing are to be avoided just afterwards.
General precautions
No waxing or pulling between sessions: only shaving is allowed. Sun protection and no tanning. After the session, avoid strong heat, scrubs and irritating products on the area for the period indicated. Report any change in medication.
Questions
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the area and the person. An exact number cannot be promised in advance. The response is judged session after session.
Can white or light hair be treated?
White, grey or very light hair responds poorly to laser treatment because it contains little pigment. An examination establishes whether treatment is likely to be suitable.
Which device is used?
A Clarity II laser, with Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths. The setting depends on the skin and the hair.
Prices
Prices are indicative. The treatment plan and exact quote are confirmed during consultation, according to the clinical indication.