Archives for June 2013

Best results are seen with people who have lighter skin and darker hair. Dark hair is more easily treated as it has a high concentration of melanin. Ladies who are pregnant or breastfeeding and persons with a suntan will not be treated at the Devon Laser Clinic. Certain medications are also contraindicated such as Roaccutane and blood thinners.  Minimum age for laser treatment is 18 years old at the Devon Laser Clinic.

Light is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in the hair follicle). The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the cells in the hair follicle which are responsible for hair growth, without damaging the surrounding cell.

The laser guide is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is covered.

Laser treatments can take as little as 5 minutes and up to 1.5 hours, depending upon the size of area being treated.

Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatments are conducted every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the area being treated, until a good result is seen. The number of treatments varies, although typically 6-8 treatments or more are needed for optimum results. Men can often require more treatment than ladies.  Maintenance treatments are sometimes required in some areas.

The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and raised but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.