Background

Are you are like the majority of the population where you have tried temporary hair removal methods and your hair problem is getting worse? If you're tired of shaving, waxing or plucking body hair only to have it return days later, you may be interested in laser hair removal. Whether the hair is on your face, arms, legs or other areas, laser hair removal may be an option if you seek long-term results.

You may think you're the only person with 'that much hair'. You feel isolated, alone and uncomfortable talking about this personal and sensitive issue. You don't know who to ask, where to go or who to trust. You want a permanent hair removal solution, but know very little about it and have lots of questions and trepidations.

Laser hair removal is a fast, gentle way to remove unwanted hair, with great results. It applies precisely controlled pulses of energy, reaching into the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair, right down to the base of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.

Laser Clinics Australia specialises in laser hair removal. You will receive hair removal with the most modern laser equipment available. Individualised hair removal planning is also important. Different body chemistry, skin and hair types require personalised laser hair removal planning to achieve permanent results. You will be advised as to the best method; Alexandrite or Yag laser or both to achieve permanent results.

The Candela GentleLASE is a revolutionary high energy alexandrite laser system. It operates at a wavelength of 755 nanometers (nm) and is the gold standard for clients with dark hair and light skin colours.

The Candela GentleYAG utilises a longer wavelength of 1064 nanometers (nm). This allows the light to penetrate deeply into the skin without seeing the skin colour, and is the gold standard for darker skin types.

Both systems operate by emitting a gentle beam of light to the hair follicle, where it is transferred into heat, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. A dynamic cooling process protects the skin in which cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers, providing you with increased comfort and safety. The Candela GentleLASE and GentleYAG lasers are US Food and Drug Administration approved for 'permanent hair reduction'.

The Candela Lasers feature the largest spot size and fastest repetition rate found on any laser hair removal device. This incredible technology safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under 10 minutes; legs, backs and larger areas are usually completed in less than an hour.

FAQs

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is the procedure by which hair is removed from the body utilising the Candela GentleLASE or GentleYAG lasers. During a laser hair removal procedure the laser is used to emit a pulse of light that passes through the skin and is absorbed within the hair shaft. This laser light energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the surrounding hair follicle that is in its active growth cycle at the time of laser treatment. Since other hair will enter their growth cycle at different times, additional laser hair removal treatments will be necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area.


How does the laser remove hair?
Not all cosmetic lasers are the same. Lasers designed for permanent hair reduction emit different wavelengths of light. The Candela GentleLASE at 755 nm is laser light energy designed to target melanin, the pigment in the hair. The Candela GentleYAG at 1064 nm is laser light energy designed to target the blood in the feeder vessel of the hair follicle. If the surrounding skin is relatively light compared to the colour of the hair, the GentleLASE at 755 nm is used. If both skin colour and hair colour are dark, the GentleYAG at 1064 nm is utilised. For dark skinned individuals, it is imperative to have a consultation with a facility that can utilise either wavelength, both for safety, as well as effectiveness.

What are the advantages of using a laser for hair removal?
Cosmetic lasers are computer programmed instruments that greatly reduce the incidence of natural human error. Unlike the ‘follicle by follicle’ hair removal treatments, the laser uses a wide beam which allows the removal of many hair follicles all at once. Laser hair removal of large areas, such as a woman's legs or a man's back that once took months to perform with electrolysis can now be performed in less than an hour. There is a definite cost advantage as well.


Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
Men, women and children of all skin colours can benefit from laser hair removal. During a free consultation the practitioner will determine which laser system is most suitable to the client’s skin and hair type. Cosmetic lasers are attracted to the colour (melanin) of the hair and are not suitable for white or red coloured hair.  

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The general opinion is that laser hair removal is permanent, and the US Food and Drug Administration approved it as ‘permanent hair reduction’.  Generally, this means that you shouldn’t expect the laser to remove every single hair from an area. On average, you should achieve anywhere from a 70% - 95% reduction in hair growth. These results will be influenced by certain conditions such as skin and hair colour, as well as hormones.
 
A set three to eight laser hair removal treatments at specified intervals are generally necessary to achieve substantial hair removal with laser.  

What differentiates Laser Clinics Australia in the realm of laser hair removal?

Experience, gold standard hair removal lasers and price. Permanent hair reduction is our primary service.  
Candela, with 35 years experience in manufacturing scientific lasers, is the leader in laser technology.  

Laser hair removal treatments are performed in a medical environment, with the most modern equipment available.

We are the home of the original and still the only discount laser chain in Australia.  With prices starting from $9, the only thing not discounted is the service and efficacy of treatments.  

Why are your laser hair removal prices so low?

A cosmetic laser designed for hair removal is a very high capital investment with a limited life, and so treatments are normally expensive.  As a result of our very low prices, we have a much higher volume of clients who undertake more treatments.  We are then able to reduce the per unit cost to all clients.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but generally laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing hair. The senstaion is different. It resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse.

The Candela GentleLASE and GentleYAG systems use a patented Dynamic Cooling Device. A cool spray is administered milliseconds before the laser pulses, protecting the skin and allowing for a less painful hair removal treatment. This systematic technique allows for precise cooling, and the most comfortable and effective laser hair removal available.

For sensitive areas, you can elect to use topical aesthetic cream, which greatly diminishes the potential for discomfort.  One common type of aesthetic cream is called EMLA. It is most effective when applied about 45 minutes prior to the procedure.

What are the possible risks, side effects, and complications of laser hair removal?

The possibility exists that some side effects or complications can occur given various variables, including:  
 
Normal
    - Itching
    - Redness for up to three days
    - Swelling around follicle for up to three days
 
Rare
    - Crusting
    - Bruising
    - Purpura (purple colouring of the skin) on tanned areas
    - Infection
    - Temporary pigment change (hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation)

Side effects occur infrequently and, as a rule, generally are temporary.   

How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

You should shave the hair within the area to be treated one day before treatment. No waxing or removing hair with the root with any other way is allowed at least two weeks before and throughout the course of the laser hair removal treatment, as hair needs to be in place to be targeted by laser. The area hair within the area should be shaved as closely as possible so that the laser can target the most energy towards the hair follicle and not waste energy on the part of the hair above the skin’s surface.  

What should I expect after laser hair removal?

After the laser hair removal treatment is completed you should apply Skinstitut’s Laser Aid to soothe the skin for a few days. Within one to four weeks, you should experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, hair will look like it’s growing back in, but it is just coming through the skin to shed. After the redness has dissipated, exfoliating with Skinstitut’s Glycolic Scrub 14% can help speed up the hair shedding process.  

After hair shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still ‘stuck’ in the skin. These are commonly referred to as ‘pepper spots’ and will shed eventually, but might take a bit longer. Exfoliate to help those out as well.  
 
After hair shedding occurs, you should experience a hair free period for a few weeks, until the next set of hair that was dormant before starts to come through.  This usually happens within four to eight weeks post laser hair removal.

How long does laser hair removal take?

Laser hair removal treatment times vary by body area and body size.  Below is a table of average treatment times for several different body areas.

How many laser hair removal treatments are required and spaced how far apart?

Most people require three to six laser hair removal treatments spaced four to ten weeks apart. This is because hair grows in three phases and is killed in the first ‘Anagen’ active growing phase. Several laser hair removal treatments are needed to target all hair in the active growth phase.  

After three to six laser hair removal treatments, clients should experience a considerable percentage of hair reduction. Depending upon hair type and genetic factors, some clients may require additional laser hair removal treatments beyond these initial treatments. If it seems like the laser hair removal treatments are not working after eight treatments, you should look into possible underlying reasons (refer to below question).  

What are the possible causes of excessive hair growth and how can it affect my laser hair removal treatments?

The causes of excessive hair growth pattern are many and varied, including:
    * Heredity
    * Pregnancy
    * Glandular and/or hormonal imbalances (possible PCOS condition for women), including diseases causing these effects
    * Insulin resistance issues
    * Reactions to certain medications
    * Normal ageing processes

You may ask your GP for a referral to an Endocrinologist to ensure that your hair growth is not as a result of an underlying medical condition.

Can I just reduce the density of hair on an area instead of removing it completely?

Yes, this can be achieved with having only a few laser hair removal treatments instead of the complete set of three to six treatments and by an experienced practitioner who is careful not to miss areas during treatments.

Top 5 reasons to have laser hair removal

1. Laser hair removal helps you feel confident
You won't have to worry about unwanted hair when you want to show a bit of skin.  

2. Laser hair removal helps you look great
Your skin will always look smooth and sexy. No more growing out hair waiting to get waxed or get electrolysis.  

3. Laser hair removal saves you money
Over time, laser hair removal costs less than many other hair removal methods. 

4. Laser hair removal saves you time
Imagine never having to take a lunch hour to wax or get electrolysis on that unwanted hair again.  

5. Laser hair removal eliminates ingrown hair
Ingrown hair can cause discomfort, infections and self-consciousness.

Cheaper than waxing

When considering cost, take into consideration the cost in dollars and time you will spend on temporary hair removal methods, which will continue forever. Now when looking at laser hair removal, consider you are taking a permanent step towards removing this unwanted hair.  

Assume you are having a Brazilian laser hair removal session and want to compare the cost to a Brazilian hair waxing session.  This is set out in the table below:

Laser hair removal:  Six sessions at $69: $414

Hair waxing: Thirty years, 12 times per year at $50/session: $18,000

Laser hair removal cost thus represents 2.3% of the cost of future hair waxing!

Not only is laser hair removal a small fraction of the cost of future hair waxing, it also has the following advantages:

    - Laser hair removal achieves permanency
    - Laser hair removal represents a significant time saving
    - Laser hair removal leaves no regrowth stubble
    - Laser hair removal promotes the stimulation of collagen in treated area
    - Laser hair removal leaves the skin feeling silky smooth
    - Laser hair removal leaves no ingrown hair
    - Laser hair removal leaves you never having to worry about the embarrassment of unwanted hair

Beware of IPLs

Be aware that hair removal systems that use traditional light for treatment (Intense Pulse Light machines or IPLs) are not true hair removal lasers. These devices use a concentrated beam of traditional incoherent light, often in conjunction with a cream or gel, to burn the hair shaft.  

A serious flaw with IPLs is that they lack the laser's ability to produce a selective bandwidth of light that will only affect the hair shaft (selective photothermolysis). These devices produce a wide bandwidth of light that can heat up all of the surrounding tissue as well as the hair folicle itself.  

IPLs are generally cheaper devices and are used for various skin procedures first and foremost, with hair removal as more of an afterthought. Judging from consumer feedback, true lasers usually achieve better and faster results for hair removal purposes. Most clinics do not use a true laser for hair removal, and try to claim that IPL is an equal substitute.  Be sure the treatment you choose is with a laser and not an IPL.

Photos

Hair removal Before	Hair removal After
Hair removal dark skin Before	Hair removal dark skin After

Prices