Hair Removal with LightSheer™ Diode Laser System
The LightSheer™ Diode Laser System was specially designed for the safe, efficient removal of hair. It has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width, and an active epidermal cooling system - the ChillTip™ - ideally suited for laser hair removal. This gold standard in permanent hair reduction is clinically documented and results are proven.
The laser light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) found in the hair shaft. This raises the temperature to a level sufficient to destroy the targeted hair structures, thus preventing hair re-growth. The LightSheer™ system's cooling is provided by the patented ChillTip™ technology, cooling the surrounding epidermis and thereby minimizing collateral epidermal damage caused by light absorption by pigment in the epidermis. (In other words the hair follicle is destroyed without damaging the skin.) A permanent reduction in the number of re-growing hairs is usually achieved following each treatment. The treatments are safe with no permanent side effects. Only a slight redness to the skin might occur which clears after a day or two.
The LightSheer™ laser hair removal system is a proven technology and is approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). Lumenis™ has over 30 years of technical experience in medical and cosmetic laser technology field. No other hair removal system offers the same combination of product excellence and customer service and support.
In South Africa, a certificate from Directorate: Radiation Control (Department of Health) is also required. To get the certificate one must comply with certain standards, e.g. only a licensed importer can import the equipment, and the treatment cubicles must comply with certain safety standards.
Laser is light and not radiation. Research has shown no links to laser as a cause of cancer
Applications
LightSheer™ safely and effectively treats all skin types including tanned skin. For darker skin types and people with tans, appropriate fluences are generally lower and appropriate pulse widths are generally longer to prevent damage to the epidermis. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, people with all skin types can benefit from laser hair removal with the LightSheer™.
Virtually any area with dark hair excluding areas very close to the eyes can be treated. The following areas are treated frequently for both men and woman:
facial hair (nostrils, ears, etc.)
bikini and underarms (also full bikini)
chest and back
legs and arms
fingers and toes
any other areas of unwanted body hair
The Procedure
This technology can be used on light and dark skins where there is a contrast between the hair and skin. A brief consultation with one of our highly-trained LightSheer™ specialists should provide all the information needed. Depending on the area, 4 to 8 sessions are required. Sessions are usually spaced 6 to 12 weeks apart. The number of sessions are usually discussed and explained to you on your first consultation.
The hair does not have to be long - 0,5mm to 1mm long will suffice. Do not wax or pluck ± 2 weeks before your treatment. However you can shave, cut or use hair removal creams prior to your appointment.
Before each session begins, system settings are computer-customized according to skin color and type and the area of the body being treated. Treatment begins by trimming away any hair above the surface of the skin and then conducting test spots to determine the client's skin response to different device settings.
Next, a cold gel (similar to ultrasound gel) is usually spread over the treatment area. This helps to keep the skin cool and to focus the light treatment. Clients wear special eyewear to protect their eyes from the bright light.
The smooth, glass surface of the LightSheer™ handpiece is moved over the treatment area, while light-based energy is emitted in highly controlled flashes or pulses. This heats up the hair, significantly damaging the re-growth potential of the follicle. When the gel is removed, much of the hair is wiped off with it. Additional hair may fall out over the next week or two.
Each laser pulse treats about a one-centimeter area, which can contain ten or more hairs. The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. The lip usually takes less than 2 minutes while other areas may take significantly longer. For example: the full back on an adult man would take approximately 1 - 1½ hours, and a lady's legs approximately 1½ -3 hours.
Some body areas are more sensitive than others. Clients may experience a slightly uncomfortable tingling sensation, although some people do not experience any discomfort at all. Overall, the sensation is similar to waxing.
The appearance of the treated area immediately following treatment will vary from person to person depending on the extent of the procedure and skin type. Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red, and may feel like mild sunburn for a day or so. Side effects, if any, are usually minor. There may be some redness and swelling around the treated hair follicles; this is a desired clinical result indicating that the follicle has responded to treatment. This reaction typically disappears within hours. Most people return to normal activity right away. On rare occasions, some blistering may occur, but this typically resolves quickly. The skin can become darker or lighter following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications.
Costs
It is not as expensive as one might think, and prices have dropped over the last few years. Individuals are all different and the cost is relative to the size of the skin area being treated. Please do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation and quotation. We will sit with you privately for a interview where we will record your medical information and inquire about the issues that brought you to the appointment. It is quick and easy and will ensure that you get the best advice possible.
We are available for calls from 8:30am till 17:00pm weekdays and Saturdays before 12pm.