Laser hair removal is a dermatologically accepted and proven method of removing unwanted hair by means of beams of laser light that destroy the hair follicle. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature. Body hair contains a pigment called melanin, which is the substance that gives it colour. When a laser beam with a given wavelength and intensity interacts with the hair, the light energy applied is absorbed by the melanin and transformed into heat which permanently prevents the hair follicle from producing more hair, without affecting the adjacent tissues.
1.- What can it do for me?
Apart from never having to shave or wax again, laser hair removal has a series of other benefits. Every session of laser removal results in a reduction in the amount of hair growth and the final result can be achieved in a matter of a few sessions. The treatment also improves the skin's quality, giving the skin a smooth and elastic appearance, unlike other traditional methods of aggressive hair removal. Laser hair removal also helps eliminate cystic hair and mitigates problems such as folliculitis.
2.- Who performs the treatment?
Centros Único treats more than 100,000 people for hair removal every year. The effectiveness of the laser depends greatly on the training of the person using it so you will be treated by a specialist with nationally recognised professional qualifications and extensive experience. Your therapist will explain every step of the procedure to you, and will carry out personalized monitoring of each procedure. In addition, we conduct a medical control throughout the entire treatment, to guarantee the best results.
3- How does the laser diode work?
A diode laser is a powerful beam of light which is selectively absorbed by the hair follicle pigment (melanin). This process causes heat in the hair and triggers the thermal destruction of the cells responsible for hair growth (the hair follicle). Laser hair removal needs several treatment sessions because the hair grows in cycles and not all of the hair is present at the same time. So in a sense, at any one time the some of the hair is not there to get rid of so we need to do various sessions to get the final result.
4- Not all hair removal lasers are the same.
Even the most experienced of skilled therapists need the right equipment. The effectiveness of the laser for hair removal treatment depends on three critical technical factors:
- The right wavelength of light to heat the hair in preference to the skin
- The quality of the light delivered (how quickly the light is discharged)
- The right cooling system to protect the skin
The international scientific community regards the diode laser as the best type of laser for hair removal, for a number of reasons:
- Permanent results from a small number of sessions
- Low risk of side effects thanks to its unique cooling system
- A single session every three months
The Lightsheer Duet is recognised as the best of the Laser Diode systems.
5.- Is laser hair removal definitive?
To all intents and purposes, yes it is, for the vast majority of us.
The skin has active and inactive follicles and a hair removal session eliminates the active ones destroying them permanently. When a hair follicle is killed, it cannot grow back.
We have many hair follicles, any of which can become active at a later time through hormonal changes. Once a treatment is completed, should inactive follicles become active through hormonal changes, further sessions may be required. These cases are relatively rare. Hormone replacement therapy can play its part to reduce this possibility. So, whilst the results cannot be guaranteed, for the great majority of us, the results gained are definitive and permanent.
6.- How many sessions are needed?
We have seen very good results after 4 sessions, with some needing upwards of 7 or 8, on the body. The face is a little more complex, with only a small amount of hair in the active growth stage at any one time. This area normally takes at least 8 sessions, usually more. The exact number of sessions needed depends on the type of hair, treatment area, skin type and the specific needs of each patient.
7.- Is it painful?
The treatment is virtually painless. Sensations of cold / heat are perceived very briefly and do not require any type of gel or anesthetic cream. After each session you can resume normal activities.
8.- How long is each session?
As we use the Lumenis lightsheer Duet, the sessions are quick, examples are: About 5 minutes for the upper lip, underarms about 15 minutes and 40 minutes for full legs.
9.- What are the alternatives?
Waxing in a salon is expensive when compared to laser hair removal with Centros Unico. Anyone who visits a salon for waxing their legs, for example, would spend around £15,000 over a lifetime. Waxing or shaving at home is both time consuming and it irritates the skin.
