Laser Hair Removal Treatments in Canterbury, Kent

For many years lasers have been used safely and with great success in many areas of medicine. Continuous research and worldwide trials have meant that lasers are now increasingly used as a safe and effective method of hair removal.

What type of system is used at The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic?

There are now a number of laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) options for hair removal. We have been using lasers for depilation since 1997 and have used several different types of laser and IPL systems in that time. Improvements in technology have led us to offer alternative systems for different clients as appropriate. We are continuing to use the latest state of the art laser for hair removal, the Cynosure Apogee Alexandrite laser system. The Alexandrite laser is widely considered the most effective system for hair removal, especially compared to IPL systems that are available generally.

How does the laser hair removal work?

A short burst of laser light is pulsed onto a section of the skin’s surface. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, where it heats and destroys the hair and, if the hair is in the growth stage, this heat is transmitted down the hair shaft to the bulb and bulge of the follicle, the two areas important for hair regeneration, thereby causing its destruction.

How many treatments are required?

As with any depilation method, it is not possible to be specific but a number of treatments will be needed. A rough guide is an average of 4-6 sessions over a 12 month period. The exact number will vary depending on where the hair is, what has been done to the hair in the past and, of course, the response of the individual. Hormonal circumstances will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses.

Can all hair colours be treated?

Laser depilation works best on dark hair because it contains more pigment to absorb the laser light. Fair hair and red hair can respond but white hairs are not usually treated since this hair colour contains little or no pigment.

Can all parts of the body be treated?

Yes – including the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms, underarms and back – as well as sensitive areas like the ears, nose, chest and bikini line. The Apogee laser brings significant improvements. With a large spot size, it is fast; even large areas like legs and backs can be treated in a relatively short period of time and the large spot size results in a deep penetration of the laser beam, giving improved results on deep rooted hairs, such as bikini lines.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Actively growing hair follicles will be permanently destroyed, so for some people we can say that the end result is permanent hair reduction. However, the laser will only affect actively growing follicles and has no effect on dormant or ‘resting’ hair follicles. Therefore, it is always possible that new hair growth may take place in the future from the unaffected hair follicles.

How does laser hair removal compare with other hair removal methods?

Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis. The Apogee laser offers long lasting permanent hair reduction.

Is the treatment painful?

Most people experience no more than a slight stinging sensation. People with darker hair and skin will feel the laser more as their skin will absorb more energy. In this case more attention will be paid to cooling the skin, before and after treatment, to minimise skin reactions.

Are there any side effects?

The most common after effect is redness of the skin that can last for a day or so. Occasionally dry crusting can occur and clears up within a few days. Because each individual’s skin responds differently we always carry out a careful pre-treatment test patch procedure to ensure that no unexpected reactions take place during a full treatment,

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Extensive clinical trials for laser depilation and years of experience at this clinic have resulted in a safe technique with a minimal risk of side effects.

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of the patient; patients must wear protective goggles, a rigorous set of procedures is in place governing the safe use of the lasers which are maintained according to a strict schedule; the clinic is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000.

The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is a recognised Laser Training Centre; our staff are trained to a very high standard and regularly update their clinical knowledge and skills. The laser treatments are offered by a female doctor and laser therapists.

How do I prepare myself for treatment?

The laser targets the pigment in the hair and skin and thus it is important that you do not have a suntan – whether natural or artificial. If you have a tan you should wait 4 weeks until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells.

If you are plucking, waxing or threading you should stop 2-3 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving, cutting the hair or use depilatory creams. Ideally hair should be about 1mm long for treatment; therefore you will need to stop shaving 2-5 days before treatment depending upon how fast your hair grows. You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment areas before and after therapy.

How much does it cost?

Consultation with the Doctor is £60 including a patch test

Consultation with the Therapists is free, patch test is £40

Example prices:

To find out more about laser hair removal or to book an initial and FREE consultation, call our friendly & professional medical team NOW on 01227 472288.