Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has been clinically proven to be the most effective method of permanently reducing unsightly excess hair.
There are accumulative benefits in the long term of having multiple treatments. It can result in permanent removal as statistics show that up to 95% of hair does not grow back after a course of treatments.
The treatments are shorter than electrolysis, less painful and suitable for all hair and skin types.
How does laser hair removal work?
The most advanced and safest equipment is used at Miravue Skin Clinics. The Nd:YAG laser is favoured by our expert team lead by dermatologists as it is the safest and most successful type used for removal of hair on all skin types.
Before, during and after the treatment, the skin is cooled with specialist equipment as the laser causes some warming. The procedure involves a laser beam being focused at the root of the hair follicles, which causes them to stop producing hair. The laser is attracted to the pigment Melanin in the hair and uses this to get to the core of the follicle. The laser damages the follicle via a process called photothermolysis, consequently preventing growth. The hair needs to be in a certain growth phase for this to work. Not all hair will be at this phase at the time of treatment, therefore multiple treatments are recommended to decrease the rate of growth.
Prior to any treatment, our team will discuss what you are hoping to achieve, examine your medical history, analyse your hair and skin type then carry out a test patch. It is important to ascertain whether the cause of the problem is cosmetic or medical. Medical implications can lead to further investigations before having any treatment.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Treatment time can vary between 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the surface area being treated.
If you are having a larger area treated, such as full body laser hair removal, it will take longer.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal on darker skin tones always carries a risk as the skin pigment absorbs a lot of the laser in comparison to lighter skin tones. This can lead to scarring, pigmentation and formation of keloid scarring. However, we have the expertise and advanced equipment, such as the Nd:YAG laser, to carry this out safely and with minimal risk to avoid these problems.
Skin types
The Fitzpatrick scale is used to assess skin types. Not all lasers can treat all skin types.
TYPE I: Very pale and prone to burning, never tans.
TYPE II: Pale, very sensitive to sun and often burns, hard to tan.
TYPE III: Olive, sensitive to sun and sometimes burns, tans slowly to light brown colour.
TYPE IV: Light brown, not particularly sensitive to sun but rarely burns, tans to moderate brown.
TYPE V: Brown, not sensitive to sun and rarely burns, tans well.
TYPE VI: Dark to intense brown, insensitive to sun and never burns, deeply pigmented.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Compared to threading or waxing laser hair removal is much less painful. Some people experience mild discomfort, however with the correct cooling equipment and laser operator this discomfort is minimised.
You can read our Top ten laser hair removal myths debunked article for more information.
How many treatments should I have?
A member of our team will advise you of how many treatments you will require, as this is dependent on the area and type of hair. Generally, 8-12 treatments on an area is recommended, with a treatment taking placing every 4 to 6 weeks.
Will I need any aftercare?
The skin may be temporarily sensitized and must be protected for at least 3 days after treatment.
Sunscreen and aloe vera must be applied daily during the aftercare. There are increased levels of pigment after treatment, and this will prevent darkening of the skin.
You will be given detailed after-care instructions by a member of our team post-treatment.