LASER HAIR REDUCTION

Hello laser...good bye razor !

This information sheet covers the most commonly asked questions about Laser Hair reduction. I trust that the information will help you in making an informed decision to undergo Laser Hair Reduction. 

Which Laser Hair removal system?
In this practice we are presently using the LYRA hair removal system.  This system uses the Nd:YAG laser that is considered to be one of the best hair removal lasers with one of the best safety records.

How does Laser Hair removal work?
All hairs have some amount of black pigment inside them.  This pigment is called melanin.  Black hairs have more melanin pigment than blond hairs and white hairs have almost no melanin pigment.  Melanin pigment is also found in the skin and causes the skin to look more or less dark.  The LYRA Laser is tuned to the color black.  When the laser is fired at the skin, it causes the hairs under the skin to heat up very quickly and die.  Because hairs usually contain more blackness than the surrounding skin, they will be destroyed before any damage is caused to the surrounding skin. The LYRA Laser is most effective when used to treat black hairs on white skin.

What are the Advantages of Laser Hair reduction?
Laser hair reduction is simple and results in freedom from unwanted hairs for long periods of time.  It does not cause in-grown hairs and causes minimal irritation to the skin.  Hairs that grow back after Laser hair removal are usually softer, lighter and less visible.  Patients who persevere with laser hair reduction, will usually be rewarded by a slowing down of hair growth with less frequent treatments being required.

What are the disadvantages of Laser hair removal?
The LYRA Laser can cause discomfort, burning and blistering of the skin especially on dark or tanned skin.  It can also cause the pigment in the skin to be damaged causing the appearance of white patches.  The LYRA Laser system only causes these problems in a very small number of patients.  Pain during treatments can be managed by using local anaesthetic creams or injections.

What is the cost of LYRA hair reduction?
The cost of LYRA laser hair reduction is $220 per 15 minutes.  The final cost is determined by the area requiring treatment and the associated density of hairs.

Is Laser hair reduction permanent?
There are no hair removal lasers that can reliably cause permanent loss of unwanted hairs.  Any hair removal laser that is marketed as “permanent hair removal” is not being marketed honestly. With repeated treatments some patients will eventually reach a point where the unwanted hairs will not grow back, however, this can not be guaranteed.  Permanent hair removal depends on how the individual patient reacts to the individual laser.

Why is permanent hair removal difficult to achieve?
Hairs are continuously growing and regenerating.  Hairs are vulnerable to Laser hair destruction depending on the stage of growth.  Usually only 30 to 50% of hairs in any one location will be amenable to destruction.  In addition hairs have complicated structures, as indicated in the diagram. Unless all parts of the hair are destroyed, hairs may reform.  One of the ways that you can improve your chances of destroying your unwanted hair is by undergoing waxing and then having a laser when the hair begins to re-grow, usually two to three weeks later.

How long will I remain free of hair after LYRA Laser treatment?
The area treated by LYRA Laser will be shaved before the Laser is applied. One single treatment with LYRA Laser will result in freedom from hair for four to eight weeks.  Hair re-growth will begin to occur after this period and full hair re-growth will occur by three months.  We suggest that patients return for a second treatment when hair re-growth begins.  This will result in freedom from hairs for three to six months.  If treatments are repeated regularly, on the first signs of re-growth, most patients will fall into a six monthly pattern of treatment.  Those patients that persevere with regular treatments will usually notice hair re-growth to be softer, lighter and less visible.  Hair re-growth will usually also slow down with treatments being required less frequently. 

Hirsuitism
Hirsuitism is a condition of excess hair growth that occurs in women.  It can cause excessive hair growth in all body areas but in particular on the chest and abdomen.  There is a possibility of an underlying hormonal imbalance which can be treated.  If you suspect this condition, please discuss it with the doctor you see.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
This is again a condition which occurs in women.  Women with Polycystic Ovaries have many small cysts in their ovaries.  The presence of Polycystic Ovaries can cause excessive hair growth due to hormonal imbalance.  Women with this condition are at increased risk of diabetes and heart disease and are advised to undergo testing.
If you suspect this condition, please discuss it with the doctor you see

Examples of Laser hair reduction

Bikini line
This treatment was performed on a dark-skinned patient to demonstrate that treatment with LYRA laser does not damage the skin pigmentation.  All bikini areas can be treated.

Face Chin Neck
All areas of the face can be treated with good results.

LASER HAIR REDUCTION
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

What will happen?
The treated areas may become inflamed, may swell and may blister.  You can apply ice compresses to the treatment areas to speed up recovery and to make you more comfortable.  Over the next few days, the stumps of the hairs that have been treated will fall out and you will be free of hair.

How do I apply ice-compresses?
The most important thing to remember is to never apply ice directly to the skin because it can cause burning of the skin.  Always place a barrier between the ice and the skin.  A suitable barrier is a cloth like a tea towel.  Ideally the cloth should be lightly damp.  Place the ice or ice-pack inside the damp cloth and apply to the treatment areas for 5 to 10 minutes two to four times per day.  Apply ice compresses only if necessary, most people do not need them.

What should I avoid?
Avoid heavy sun exposure and do not use soap on treated areas until the skin has settled completely.

What can I do to improve my Laser Hair reduction result?
Essentially go on with your life as usual.  A few days after your laser treatment, when the skin has settled completely, you may wax the treated area if some hairs remain visible.

What shall I do if my Laser treatment does not work?
Always wait one full week to give the Laser treatment adequate time to work.  If you still feel that it hasn't worked, come in for a follow up appointment.

Would you like more information about Laser Hair Reduction?
e-mail consultation click here...  enquiry@abccs.com.au
The best way of getting more exact information is to come in for a consultation.
Please make a booking by telephoning 99605400.

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