How our skin specialists can reduce your unwanted hair:
Our highly trained professionals provide effective laser hair reduction treatments for unwanted hair using a high-quality, medical-grade laser. We understand that successful laser hair reduction treatments require operator experience, your treatments will be performed by our team of dermal therapists hold current laser safety certificates, and have undergone further training with our specialist dermatologists.
How does laser hair reduction work?
Laser hair reduction (LHR) is a long-term and effective treatment option for the management of unwanted hair. It is a simple procedure with no downtime and is effective for those with dark hair.
At our practice, we use the Candela Medical GentleMax PRO which we believe is the gold standard for LHR. It is a dual wavelength laser that combines 755nm Alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG, which makes this device suitable for all skin types.
The laser emits a powerful beam of light passes through the skin and is absorbed by melanin (colour) within the hair follicle. When the laser light is absorbed, it damages the hair follicle, impairing its ability to grow hair. This is why LHR is not effective on lighter hair (blonde, red, grey, white).
How many laser hair reduction sessions will I require?
The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: the growing (anagen) phase, transition (catagen), phase and resting (telogen) phase. The laser works by impairing the hair follicles which are in the growing phase. Not all hairs are in this phase at the same time, therefore several treatments are needed. The number of sessions and intervals vary depending on the hair growth cycles specific to the different parts of the body, which is discussed, in depth, during your consultation.
Am I suitable for laser hair reduction?
LHR is not suitable for everyone. At our practice, we offer this service for cosmetic purposes to clients who are 16 years and older. As we are under the guidance of specialist dermatologists, we can provide LHR to under 16’s if medically indicated, for example, there is a medical condition present that causes excess hair growth, or unwanted visible hair and other hair removal strategies are not appropriate (Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pilonidal Sinus, ingrown hair, birth marks, skin grafts). In all circumstances we begin with a consultation so you can be assessed for treatment.
Is laser hair reduction painful?
The treatment is generally very well tolerated. As the laser is performed, it can feel like a flick of a rubber band against the skin. It’s normal to feel tingly or hot immediately after, but this will settle quickly post-treatment. Discomfort is managed with application of a cold compress; we will give you icepacks for the journey home if necessary.
How should I prepare for laser hair reduction?
Unprotected sun exposure and fake tan application must be avoided for a minimum of 3 weeks prior to treatment, and throughout your entire treatment course. If there is suntan, sun burn or fake tan present on the skin, treatment cannot be performed. If you believe your skin is sun exposed, please contact us to reschedule your session. If you present to your session and treatment cannot go ahead, you will be charged a $50 fee.
Do not remove hair from the roots – waxing, threading, plucking. You can shave to manage hair growth in between sessions. The laser needs hair in the follicle to work effectively.
Do not bleach the hair in the treatment area.
Shave the hair in the treatment area, ideally the day before your appointment.
Arrive to your appointment with clean skin on the treatment area – no makeup, fake tan, deodorant, moisturiser or sunscreen.
What is the cost and how do I book an appointment?
The cost of LHR depends on the area treated, and how many areas are being treated in one session. During your initial consultation you will be provided with a treatment plan which will include a financial quote.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact our cosmetic reception team on (03) 9740 2409, and select option 2. You can also complete our online appointment request form, and a member of our team will be in touch.