Laser hair removal reviews
Many people are turning to lasers in the hope of permanent hair removal. Lasers have been used for hair removal since the 1980s when they were mainly in hospitals and cost £250,000 operated by medical professionals. Now table top models are available with prices coming down all the time and mostly operated by trained beauty therapists.
Up until October 2010 it was a legal requirement that companies providing laser and intense pulse light treatments to be registered and be risk assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which took over from the Healthcare Commission in April 2009, against strict national minimum standards to ensure quality and safety. But there has now been a significant change...
Since October 2010 the use of Class 3b and Class 4 Lasers and Intense Pulse Light for non-surgical applications such as those carried out in Beauty Salons are not regulated by the CQC. The Care Standards Act 2000 has been superseded by The Health and Social Care Act 2008. The only exception is that the CQC continue to regulate devices used in surgical applications mainly carried out in hospitals and other NHS establishments.
Laser clinics and salons carrying out hair removal and skin treatments may now be inspected by Local Authorities who have become the regulator of last resort however our findings are that very few are visiting and checking safety and professional standards. If something does go wrong, Health and Safety legislation is in place to enforce cases of malpractice in a civil or even possibly criminal court but this is only reactive law eg. after a burn or laser eye strike.
Why is WhichLaserClinic.com asking clinics to be checked for safety by an independent expert
Current UK legislation for non-surgical clinics is reactive which means it is very effective once an accident has happened. In this environment we ask all clinics to prove they are independently checked by a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA), the Care Quality Commission or by a Local Authority Safety Officer. Other attributes such as equipment, training, specialist treatments etc.. are contained within the listing for clients to check and compare. Once checked and listed, clinics are sent our registered logo:-
Why live with unwanted hair?
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light systems offer a safe, long-term solution to unwanted, excess hair for both men and women. Treatment is suitable for the face and body, is quick and results can be seen after just a few sessions.
Hair Removal before treatment. Hair Removal after 4 treatments.
Courtesy of Loretta Redding, Erazer Clinic,
How does light assisted hair removal work?
Light is selectively absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle. The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cells.
How is treatment carried out?
The laser or Intense Pulsed Light is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. For Intense Pulsed Light treatment a thin layer of chilled gel is applied to help guide the light, but this is not required for a laser procedure.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Most people are suitable for treatment. Best results are often achieved with clients who have fair skin and dark hair. Dark hair is more easily treated as it has a high concentration of melanin. Fair hair however, contains less melanin and is harder to treat. Grey/white hair has no melanin so is not suitable for treatment.
Hair Removal before treatment. Hair Removal after treatmen.
Courtesy of the Iranian Laser Centre
How does the treatment feel?
Treatment sensation varies but is often described as “a flick of an elastic band”. Typically no anaesthesia is required and most clients describe the discomfort as moderate and tolerable.
What will I see after the treatment?
The hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The dead hairs shed after 1 – 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.
Are there any side effects?
The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and bumpy but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatment is conducted every 4 - 8 weeks, depending on the area treated, until a satisfactory result is seen. The required number of treatments varies, but typically 6 or more treatments are needed for optimum results.
Hair Removal before treatment. Hair Removal after treatment.
Courtesy of Withington hospital
How long does each treatment take?
Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Consultation Procedure
Prior to treatment, a consultation is conducted in which a medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment, there is also an opportunity for any questions you may have to be answered. Before treatment commences you must provide written consent and a small test patch will be carried out.
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