GentleLASE™ Hair Removal

At Laserway, Cosmetic Laser Clinics, Northern Ireland, we can remove unwanted hair using the GentleLASE™ Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal Treatment - a unique and revolutionary technology that will put an end to slow, messy and painful methods of hair removal.

How does it work?
The GentleLASE™ system is a revolutionary long-pulsed high energy Alexandrite laser which emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The visible light source used in this treatment procedure is attracted to melanin, which is the pigment found in hair. Because the light is attracted to dark colours the darker the hair the more effective the treatment.

The skin is protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling Device™ where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort.

Is it different from electrolysis?
Yes. Laser hair removal is very different from electrolysis and waxing.

In comparison to electrolysis:
Electrolysis is a much slower process, the needle has to be inserted into the hair follicle one at a time.

In comparison to waxing:
For waxing the hair needs to be a certain length before the treatment can be repeated. In some cases the after effects of waxing can be a disadvantage to the client i.e. in-grown hairs and skin reactions.

The GentleLASE™ treats larger areas of hair growth in shorter periods of time. It is less painful, much faster, more convenient and has shown to reduce in-grown hairs and skin reactions.

Most importantly, the GentleLASE™ successfully offers permanent hair reduction.

Can I be treated?
Black hairs are most easily treated due to the large concentration of melanin in these hairs, which gives an optimal absorption and conversion of light energy to heat. Fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is produced with less certainty of complete destruction of the hair follicles. Grey (white) hair has no melanin and therefore cannot be effectively treated. The upper skin layer, the epidermis, also contains melanin and the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. It is therefore necessary to treat dark-skinned and tanned individuals with less energy to avoid generation of heat (causing pain or burns).

How does it work?
Depending on the amount of hair to be treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser light during the procedure. A small handpiece will be used that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. A patch test will be done prior to treatment during the initial consultation. Your full treatment may be done on the same day of the consultation.

Does it hurt?
Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treatment. The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several day and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.

How many treatments do I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin colour and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase. For a facial area with normal hair growth the approximate number of treatments required will be 6-8, with the exception of the male chin and upper lip which can take as many as 10 treatments. For the underarm, legs and bikini areas approximately 5-8 treatments should be sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of hair in the area.

Many factors may cause hair growth:
Heredity - Race, Nationality and Family
Normal Physiological changes - Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause
Malfunction of the Endocrine System - Thyroid gland disorders, Pituitary gland disorders, Adrenal gland disorders and Polycystic ovaries
Medication - e.g. Birth Control, Cortisone, Anti-seizure drugs, High Blood Pressure drugs
Topical Influences - Casts, Sunburn, Injury scars, Tweezing, Waxing and Shaving
Stress - Emotional and Physical

Are there any signs that the treatment has worked?
For many clients, treatment results in the hair becoming loose in the follicle. It can often be easily pulled out with tweezers. A red ring around each follicle is sometimes seen a few minutes after treatment. These two indications are good signs that sufficient heating of the follicles has taken place. However many clients have successful treatment results without these post treatment signs. In general it will take anything from 10-21 days for the roots to work their way to the surface and shed, leaving the skin smooth and hair free. You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.

Are there any special precautions before and after treatment?
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment and to use an SPF 30+ on the treated area. It is also advised to avoid all perfumed products and heat treatments for 24-48 hours after treatment. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing the hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed.