Laser Hair Removal

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1

  Are Laser Hair Removal treatments available at all Skin Renewal branches ?

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  Laser Hair Removal treatments are available in Johannesburg at Fourways, Parkhurst, Morningside, Bedfordview, West Rand and Illovo as well as in Pretoria at Brooklyn and Irene and in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Willowbridge and KwaZulu-Natal at Hillcrest, Durban & Umhlanga.

• 2

  What is Laser hair removal?

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  Laser hair removal has come of age and is a fully developed procedure that can yield long-term permanent hair reduction of the face and neck area. It is also very commonly used on the body, especially for the under arm, bikini and leg area. At Skin Renewal we are committed to the latest technological innovations in this field and can now offer a laser/light treatment for any skin type and hair color excluding grey or white. We can offer you safe, effective, well researched, tried and tested treatments including the CoolGlide Excel, the ProWave, Lightsheer or E-Max.

  The CoolGlide Excel laser was the first 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser cleared by the FDA to permanently reduce hair in patients of all skin types (I-VI), those who are tanned or tanning and patients who suffer from Psuedo-Folliculitis Barbae also known as ingrown hairs. Other technologies require the suspension of treatments during the summer months but the CoolGlide laser may be used year-round on skin of all types including tanned skin.

  The ProWave™ laser hair removal treats skin types I-IV and due to the large spot size and fast repetition rate, large areas like legs and backs can be treated quickly and effectively treated in as little as 6-8 treatments. The ProWave™ contains two groundbreaking innovations. First due to the custom design, the ProWave™ emits mostly infrared light above 770 nm, wavelengths recognized as the most versatile for hair removal. The second innovation is the output spectrum that can be shifted to optimize treatment for each patient. Three distinct programs tailor the wavelength and pulse width to optimize performance and efficacy for each patient.

  Best results for laser hair removal are obtained when there is no suntan or sun exposure on the treated areas. If there is sun exposure, lower settings have to be used which makes the treatment less effective.

  The Lightsheer® is a diode laser capable of treating all skin types and hair colours excluding white or grey hair.

  The E-Max Hair Removal System is a combination of Diode laser and Radiofrequency, resulting in a comfortable treatment suitable for all skin types and hair colours (excluding grey or white hair).

• 3

  What awards has the Cutera Nd: YAG won in the international market ?

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  In 2005, 2006 and 2007, in the USA, the Aesthetic Trends and Technologies Choice Awards™, nominated the Cutera Nd: YAG for the most diverse hair removal laser for all skin types. In addition, Cutera Nd:Yag was also nominated for the best hair removal laser for dark skin types

• 4

  What awards has the Cutera Solera Opus (Prowave) won in the international market?

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  In 2007, in the USA, the Aesthetic Trends and Technologies Choice Awards™, nominated the Cutera Solera Opus (Prowave) for the best IPL technology for hair removal.

• 5

  How does Laser Hair Removal work?

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  Laser hair removal uses an infra red light to target the germ cell in the hair follicle. The hair must be present in the follicle for the laser to work, thus no waxing or plucking can be done before the treatment. Unwanted hair can be shaved or cut.

  The average number of treatments ranges from six - eight visits. This is because at any given time, only a fraction of hairs are in the growing phase (anagen cycle). Only anagen hairs can be effectively removed with laser because the resting phase (telogen) hairs do not mature pigment at their follicle bulb which is the target for the light. Thus, one treatment will sometimes only get 30% of the hairs because only those hairs have enough pigment to be destroyed. In some cases where patients may suffer from hormonal hair growth, or where the patient suffers from a condition that encourages hair growth, more sessions may be required. You can also then be referred for a Health Renewal consultation to have a look at hormone levels.

  Facial hair is traditionally very difficult to treat as it is hormone dependent. More treatments are needed to treat facial hair and sessions should be one month apart.

  The FDA has approved our lasers for permanent hair reduction. Data has shown that about 30-90% of the hair does not grow back after the end of the treatment cycle. Of course, this assumes the appropriate treatment and the correct number of treatments for each individual, all of which can be variable.

  We cannot guarantee 100% permanent hair removal, as people do need occasional maintenance or touch-up treatments. White hairs and light hairs are the most difficult to remove. Light hairs may require more treatments and more maintenance, and more modest results should be expected. Grey hair cannot be treated with Laser Hair removal and others options such as electrolysis are recommended.

• 6

  Is Laser Hair Removal safe?

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  Yes, there is some discomfort during the procedure likened to the snapping of a warm rubber band. Most people find this to be mild and tolerable. We use cold ice packs to minimize any discomfort.

  Immediately after a treatment there may be some redness and/or mild swelling, although usually this dissipates before you leave the office or within a couple of hours. Makeup can be applied immediately after a treatment.

  Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 to 14 days. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing. There is a <0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar. It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is not broken.

  Another risk is the possibility of hypo (too little) or hyper (too much) pigmentation which is very uncommon. Usually treatable with new lightening products or pigmentation inhibiting products (which can be started prior to starting a Laser Hair Removal course), there is a <1% possibility that the pigmentation could be permanent.

  There is an increased risk of this with tanned or naturally dark skin. You may need extra treatments than those required by others if your skin is dark or tanned in order for us to be more conservative (gentler with initial and subsequent treatments) due to this increased risk. It is also important that you let any tanning lotions fade and do not seek artificial tanning treatments for 3-4 weeks prior to the procedure.

• 7

  Can all skin types be safely treated with Laser Hair removal?

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  Yes, due to its unique design and longer wavelength, CoolGlide Excel is one of the only lasers on the market that can treat men and women of all skin tones safely and effectively. Even patients with a suntan! In 2005, 2006 and 2007, in the USA, the Aesthetic Trends and Technologies Choice Awards™, nominated the Cutera Nd: YAG for the most diverse hair removal laser for all skin types. In addition, Cutera Nd: YAG was also nominated for the best hair removal laser for dark skin types

  Laser hair removal on the face is much more difficult to treat than laser hair removal on the body. Monthly treatments are usually necessary as this facial hair has a hormonal component. 10 to 12 treatments are usually needed for permanent hair reduction.

  The ProWave™ a fourth generation light based system can be used safely on skin types 1 to 4.