Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis - FAQ's

Laser Hair Removal FAQ's:

What is Laser Hair Removal?

• As the name suggests, a laser beam is used for significant hair reduction, and removal of unwanted hair. Heat is produced from the laser, which is absorbed into the pigment (melanin) of the hair. The heat in turn damages the individual hair follicles of the area being treated, causing hair regrowth to be significantly reduced, and eventually for the follicle to die.

How regularly should I have Laser Hair Removal Sessions?

• An initial consultation conducted by the specialist, followed by a patch test will determine the intervals between treatments (according to the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale). The time between sessions depends on the skin type and the area of the body to be treated.

Is Laser Hair Removal treatment painful?

• At Hair Removal Specialists Surrey, we use the LumiLASE Pro+ system. This device is fitted with 'Sapphire Contact Cooling Technology', which means the in-built technology is able to cool the skin prior to the treatment of any area of the body. This results in reducing any feeling/discomfort or side effects during the treatment.

If I'm pregnant (or might be), can I still have Laser Hair Removal treatment?

• The treatment of laser hair removal is NOT recommended during pregnancy.
• Whilst there is no specific evidence that laser hair removal links to problems during pregnancy, your specialist will ask the question about pregnancy during the initial consultation. This question MUST be answered honestly.
• It is at the specialist's discretion if the treatment goes ahead.
• The protection of an unborn baby (and mother) is paramount.

Does Laser Hair Removal work on tattoos?

• NO - Tattooed areas of the skin must NOT undergo laser hair removal treatment.
• The laser treatment will cause burning and blistering of the skin, and will damage the tattoo

Is there a minimum age for Laser Hair Removal to be carried out?

• Clients must be over 18 years of age to receive treatment.
• However, between the ages of 14-17, the client MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian, who will then be asked to give their consent to the treatment, by signing a form to that effect.

If I suffer from epilepsy, can I still have Laser Hair Removal treatment?

• It is 'possible' to still have treatment if you have epilepsy. However, this MUST depend on the flashes per second delivered by the relevant laser hair removal device, but this can also differ from person to person.
• PROVIDING the specialist ensures that the client wears black-out shields over the eyes, together with a towel around the eyes and head, this will help to prevent any visible laser flash.
• Some epilepsy drugs cause photosensitivity. The consequences of which could be classed as a contraindication, meaning that laser hair removal cannot be carried out for the safety of the client. PLEASE check your medication beforehand.
• Subject to the above points, we 'could possibly' treat any part of the body EXCEPT THE FACE.
• The decision to either proceed or not, is down to the Specialists discretion, purely in order to protect the client.

Which medications will prevent me from having Laser Hair Removal treatment?

• Some drugs will prevent treatment, as they can make the skin over sensitive to light. However, this will be discussed during the initial consultation, but please make the Specialist aware of any medications you are currently taking, and for which condition.

Can my skin tone benefit from Laser Hair Removal?

• ALL skin tones can be considered for treatment. During the initial consultation, the Specialist will consult the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale. This will help to assess the clients skin correctly, and how successfully it will respond to the requested treatment. The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale results will ensure the clients skin is treated safely, and help to avoid any adverse reactions.

Electrolysis FAQ's:

What is Electrolysis?

• The only method of permanent hair removal, which is recognised by the British Medical Association, in Electrolysis.
• Electrolysis provides long term and permanent hair removal - most commonly facial hair, but also body hair.
• Electrolysis can be used on all hair colours, whether dark and coarse or fair and fine, and is highly effective.
• Therefore, both men and women of any skin colour or ethnicity can benefit from electrolysis treatment.

What is involved in the treatment?

• A very fine probe which is electrically charged, is inserted directly in to the hair follicle. Then the current is applied, damage is caused to the follicle. Each hair is then very gently removed using tweezers.
• Overtime, the direct current will permanently destroy the hair follicles, which are either active or dormant. The result is that the affected follicle is unable to produce any further - therefore no regrowth.

What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis?

• Both are effective methods of hair removal in their own right, and work with separate benefits/disadvantages, and have different ways of delivery.
• Electrolysis is conducted by the delivery of a fine needle into an individual hair follicle, and an electric current passed through it, so that over time the follicle is damaged enough to prevent any regrowth.
• Laser Hair Removal is carried out by a laser beam 'covering' a specific area of the body or face. The beam then targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. The laser beam heats up the melanin and therefore compromises the follicles.

Is Electrolysis the best choice of treatment for me?

• Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal, as approved by the BMA.
• All skin and hair types can be treated by electrolysis, in accordance with the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale.

Which body areas does Electrolysis work best on?

• Areas such as, chin, eyebrows, upper and lower lips, cheeks, bikini line, sideburns, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, breasts, legs, chest and abdomen can be treated.

How safe is Electrolysis?

• As long as your Specialist adheres to the appropriate guidelines for sterilisation and disinfection, electrolysis is perfectly safe - but always ask your Specialist if you have any concerns.

How many appointments do I need for Electrolysis to work?

• This depends on each client. Various factors need to be taken into consideration eg: the area to be treated, the structure of the hair, hair growth cycles, heritage, medication and previous temporary hair removal methods.

Will I see any changes to my skin during and after my Electrolysis treatments?

• Once again, this answer differs from person to person.
• So long as the treatment is delivered by a Specialist, no visible changes or damage should occur with the skin.
• PLEASE NOTE: Immediately after the electrolysis treatment, it is likely that a slight redness or swelling may occur to the area which has been treated. Should this happen, the visible symptoms should reduce and disappear within a few hours after the treatment.
• As part of the normal healing process of the skin and the area which has been treated, small scabs could appear and must not be removed.
• Full aftercare information and instructions will be provided by the Specialist, and as long as they are adhered to, no permanent damage will be caused.

How painful is Electrolysis?

• As long as the treatment is administered by a qualified Specialist, no real pain should be felt.
• Most people describe a slight 'stinging/tingling' feeling, or a 'slight heat'.
• It should be noted that in order to obtain a successful outcome, if there is a sensation during treatment, it confirms that the destructive element of the treatment is taking place.
• Whilst the Specialist should always ask if the client is experiencing any adverse effects or feelings to the treatment, the client must also make the Specialist aware if they are uncomfortable in any way.
• Some body parts are more sensitive to others, but adjustments can be made accordingly.

What colour hair can be treated with Electrolysis?

• All types of hair colour/texture can be treated with Electrolysis

Should I pluck or shave before my appointments?

• The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours of treatment - NOT by a razor.
• Do not do any home plucking, waxing or tweezing to the area being treated, either before or after any sessions, or in between appointments.

Do I continue as normal after my treatments?

• In theory yes.
• You will be advised as to how to gain the best results from your treatment whilst at home - this very much depends on the client taking responsibility and putting the aftercare advice they will be given, into practice.
• All information regarding both pre and aftercare advice, will be covered in the initial consultation.

Dermaplaning FAQ's:

Is Dermaplaning safe?

This is a safe method of hair removal, providing a trained and qualified professional carries out the treatment, using the appropriate methods and sterile instruments.

Can bleeding occur during the treatment?

Not if done properly as above.

What areas of the body can be treated with Dermaplaning?

The face and sides of the neck.

Will there be any peeling of the skin as a result of Dermaplaning?

No - Dermaplaning can be used as a preparation for a chemical peel, but the skin will show an immediate rejuvenation in terms of a smoother and more vibrant complexion.

Can a client with acne be treated?

No - this is because if the client has an active acne outbreak, the infection if likely to spread. However, Dermaplaning is helpful in reducing older scars resulting from acne.

Will Vellus hair grow back thicker after treatment?

No - this is impossible physiologically. The vellus hair will grow back slowly, but not thicker.

How often should I have treatment?

Generally every 4-6 weeks.

Hair Removal and Tattoo Removal FAQ's:

Does Laser Hair Removal work directly over a tattoo?

No - Because the laser will alter the design of the tattoo and could cause burning due to the pigment in the ink of the tattoo.

Does Electrolysis work as a method of hair removal directly over a tattoo?

Yes - it is perfectly safe and will not cause the issues as stated above.

How can Laser Hair Removal be carried out if there is a tattoo on the area to be treated?

Laser Hair Removal can still be carried out 'around' a tattoo. The tattoo should be completely covered, and the treatment can continue on the area around it.

Call us today to book an appointment

on 01883 672077

or 07846 538268