Hair Reduction

At Staffordshire Skin and Laser Clinic, we know that unwanted hair can be very frustrating. That’s why we give it the attention it deserves. When you come in for a consultation we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, we want to understand your treatment goals and expectations. We will do a full medical assessment to make sure there are no treatments contraindications – your safety is our number one priority. We’ll will do a full holistic assessment of your concerns and look at contributing factors such as medical conditions such as PCOS, hormones, medications, gender transition, or if you’re simply looking for treatment for convenience. It is important that some hair is visible so that our laser practitioners can assess the growth, colour and density as this will determine treatment parameters. If you wax, pluck or thread we ask you to wait until the growth has returned prior to booking a consultation and that you have not been exposed to tanning (fake or real) for weeks if you would like a patch test on the day. During your consultation we will discuss the benefits, potential side effects, risks, treatment alternatives and answer any questions you may have. You will be provided with treatment information and a quote prior to leaving.

Light is selectively absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, known as melanin. The light energy is applied to the skin resulting in a heating of the pigment. This effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cells, resulting in no more growth from the follicle.

• Quick, effective and precise treatment
• Safe for all skin types
• Permanent, long term solution to unwanted hair
• Can remove hair from any part of the body
• Minimal to no downtime
• Prevent ingrowing hairs and folliculitis
• No more waxing or shaving – saves time and money
• You don’t need to grow hair between appointments
• Smoother skin
• Increased body confidence

The laser or IPL handpiece is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles in the treatment area simultaneously. The IPL/laser applicator is then moved to the surrounding areas of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area has been treated. For Intense Pulse Light treatment a thin layer of gel is applied prior to treatment to help guide the light, but this is not required for the laser procedure. At your consultation the practitioner will advise whether IPL or Laser will be most effective for optimum results.

Firstly you are in safe hands by visiting a Save Face accredited centre of excellence accredited clinic. Prior to any treatment at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic we always carry out a full medical consultation and assessment to ensure that there and no treatment contraindications. Most people are suitable for treatment. Treatment outcomes can be discussed at consultation once our practitioners have assessed the growth, colour, density and thickness of the hair. A patch test is always carried out 5-7 days prior to treatment, to allow us to determine the optimal treatment setting without causing any unwanted side effects. A patch test can be carried out at consultation if you feel comfortable that you would like to go ahead with treatment. The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may appear slightly raised or bumpy, this is quite normal and is an indication of a good treatment response. This will usually settle a few hours post treatment. Following treatment in clinic our practitioners will always cool the skin and applied aloe vera to further help reduce any inflammation and soothe the skin. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister, burn or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.

Multiple treatments are required for effective hair reduction due to the nature of hair growth. Hair follicles grow in different stages and it is only when that hair is actively growing that the laser can damage the follicle. We would recommend a minimum of 10 sessions, for ladies with hormonal conditions such as PCOS maintenance treatments will be required as hormones can stimulate new growth of follicles. For facial areas we recommend treatments 4 weekly, for body areas 6 weekly and for legs approximately 8 weekly intervals.

Once the hair follicles have been damaged by the heat the hair will remain in the follicles. The dead hair will normally shed after 1-3 weeks as the skin renews itself. During this period the hairs will seem to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new skin.

Prior to any treatment at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic a full medical consultation and assessment will be carried out to ensure there are no treatment contraindications as your safety is our priority. Treatment contraindications include:
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis at the treatment site
• Active cold sore or skin infections in the treatment area
• History of keloid scarring or skin pigmentation disorders such as melasma
• Infected or compromised skin in the treatment area
• Immune system disorders such as Lupus or severe rheumatoid Arthritis
• Current use of medications such as Accutane or methotrexate
• Current use Herbal remedies such as saint john’s wort, fever few, Tetracycline antibiotics, minocycline’s Amiodarone and steroids (must be discontinued 6 weeks prior to treatment)
• History of methotrexate, or Gold injections
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), skin cancer
• Blood thinning medications such as warfarin, heparin or other types Cautions to treatment (GP to confirm suitability)
• Epilepsy, diabetes, heart or thyroid disease
• Cancer within 12 months
• Transplant, diabetes, hypertensive medication
• Blood borne viruses such as hepatitis and HIV
• Metal implants or tattoos in the treatment site

Treatment can feel mildly uncomfortable, but the procedure is quick and tolerated very well by most patients without the need for any anaesthesia. Sensations vary from patient and it is usually described as a feeling of a quick, hot sting. Throughout your procedure your practitioner will applied cooled gauze to comfort and cool the skin.

Laser/IPL hair removal is a solution for those wanting a permanent hair reduction. It usually takes a course of treatments to achieve full results. Hair that is dark and thick will respond much more effectively. For hair growth stimulated by hormonal conditions such as POCS, maintained treatments may be required as growth form new follicles is stimulated.

Please read carefully the following instructions to follow prior to each laser hair removal treatment:

• Prior to treatment shave 1-2 days before
• Avoid perfume products, deodorant, creams, oils in the treatment area 24 hours before treatment
• Do not wax, bleach, pluck, thread or have electrolysis or use depilatory methods for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Only use shaving as a method of hair removal in between treatments
• Avoid exfoliation treatments or products containing retinol or strong AHA fruit acids 1 week prior to treatment
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing in the treatment area when attending your appointment
• Do not tan or use sun beds for 4 weeks prior to each treatment. . We can NOT treat tanned skin
• No fake tan 4 weeks before each treatment. We can NOT treat tanned skin
• Always protect your skin with a minimum of SPF 30 on exposed areas
• For your initial consultation we ask you leave some hair growth visible as this will allow us to determine the best treatment parameters for your patch test
• Inform you practitioner if there are any medical changes, this includes changes in medications, herbal remedies and or skin changes

Prior to treatment you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have, and once completely satisfied this is the right treatment for you a consent form will be signed. All make up will be removed and the skin cleansed. On your first session photographs of the treatment area are taken to enable us to review the effectiveness of treatment. If there are any active skin infections, cold sores or you are generally unwell treatment will not be administered and will be rescheduled for a later date. If you feel that you need to discuss any illnesses or medications we ask you to contact the clinic prior to your appointment. Depending on the face/body area, treatments are recommended every 4-8 weeks. This will be advised at consultation. On average a course of 10 treatments are recommended as a minimum, however some patients will require more than this to achieve optimum results and maintenance treatments may be required for patients with hormonal hair growth.

Following your IPL treatment the post treatment advice recommendations are as follows:
• For redness and mild swelling apply Lynton Light Soothe for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects until the skin feels settled
• Avoid hot showers/baths for 48 hours, keep water cooler
• Avoid saunas and steam rooms for 1 week post treatment
• Avoid exfoliating treatments or chemical peels for 1 week
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated water for 2 days post treatment
• Avoid excessive sun exposure/sunbeds for 2 weeks post treatment
• Continue to wear your SPF minimum 30 on a daily basis
• Schedule your next treatment for 4 weeks’ time