ProWave™ Hair Removal

ProWave™ 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 body. At Skin Renewal we are committed to the latest technological innovations in this field and can now offer treatment for any skin type and hair colour, excluding grey or white. The ProWave™ laser hair removal treats skin types 1-4 and due to the large spot size and fast repetition rate, large areas like legs and backs can be quickly and effectively treated in at least 6 to 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.

Hair removal treatments with The ProWave are more expensive than treatments with the Nd YAG as fewer treatments are needed for permanent hair reduction.

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

ProWave™ hair removal has come of age and is a fully developed procedure that can yield long-term permanent hair reduction of the face and body. Specific areas of hair growth are easier to remove than others. Body hair is easier to treat, whereas more treatments are needed to remove facial hair, due to the effect of hormones.

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. These may require more treatments and more maintenance, and more modest results should be expected.

There is some discomfort during the procedure likened to the snapping of a warm rubber band on the skin. 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. Make-up 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 anti-biotic 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 usually not broken.

Another risk is the possibility of hypo (too little) or hyper (too much) pigmentation that is very uncommon. Usually treatable with prescription creams, chemical peels or further laser treatments, there is a <1% possibility that the pigmentation could be permanent, However, 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 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. It is also important to avoid artificial tanning, tanning lotions or sun tanning until at least 6 weeks after your treatment course is completed.

The ProWave™ can only be used safely on skin types 1 to 4.