Laser Hair Removal FAQ

On average, we recommend that clients undergo a course of 6-8 treatments spaced between 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depend on certain factors such as age, genetics, hormones, medical factors and medications. In some cases, clients may require ongoing maintenance treatments due to:

Age: As we get older both men and women may have a natural increase in hair growth. Men, for example can experience an increase in the chest, back, shoulders, cheeks, and back of neck. Women can experience an increase in facial hair. For this reason, we can only attempt to destroy the hair that is growing today, not the ones that are yet to appear with age.

Genetic Factors: Differences in genetic makeup will vary greatly from person to person and some will naturally have more hair than others.

Hormonal factors: An imbalance of hormones may affect hair growth. Woman who fall pregnant while undergoing laser treatments may notice an increase of hair growth even though they are having laser treatment; this is due to the imbalance of hormone levels.

Medical Factors: Very low body fat leads to increased hair growth in some cases. In addition, certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can affect hair growth in women. While laser treatments will remove the hair that is present at the time of treatment, certain medical conditions can cause clients to grow more hair which will require additional and possibly ongoing treatments. Speak to one of our paramedical therapists about your condition as we offer a 15% discount for eligible clients.

Medications: Certain medications can cause an increase or decrease in hair growth. Once the medication is stopped hair growth may then increase or decrease. For example cancer drugs, steroids, and the contraceptive pill may alter hair growth. Any medication that affects hormone levels will also affect hair growth. You must always ensure that you inform your therapist of any medications that you are taking while undergoing any form of laser treatment.

The two most important factors when it comes to achieving results is the colour of the hair follicle and the colour of the skin. The laser is attracted to pigment (known as melanin), and for this reason clients with light skin and dark hair will generally get the best results. However, at Victorian Cosmetic Dermal Clinics, we successfully treat darker skins types using our medical grade lasers and specific operating parameters to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.

Hair colour

The thicker and darker the hair the better the results

Red, grey, white and blonde hairs will not respond regardless of the number of treatments

Fine pigmented hairs may become a little bit finer and lighter

Skin colour

The lighter your skin the better the results

Darker skin types will require additional treatments

Throughout our body we have three different stages of hair growth. The first stage is called the Anagen phase where the hair is attached to the root. This is the active growth stage and may last between 2-6 years. This is the only stage in which we can attempt to successfully destroy the hair follicle. The second stage is called the Catagen stage where the hair follicle has moved upwards and is no longer attached to the root. This stage usually lasts 1-2 weeks. We cannot remove any hair that is in this stage of growth. The third stage is called the Telogen stage where the hair follicle is totally separated from the root. This stage lasts between 5 and 6 weeks, we cannot remove the hair that is in this stage of growth. This is the reason you require a course of treatments.

• Redness and slight swelling
• Erythema (red and bumpy looking skin)
• Sun burnt feeling
• Temporary heat on the area
• Pigmentation changes where the skin becomes lighter and darker (RARE)
• Crusting (RARE)
• Blistering (RARE)

There are many differences between lasers and IPLs. The biggest difference is the wavelength of light. When treating a hair follicle we must ensure the light travels at the correct depth in order to reach the root of the hair. The Candela GentleLASE has a wavelength of 755nm ensuring we reach the root of the hair most effectively. IPLs on the other hand have varied wavelengths, which means that not all the light is penetrating at the right depth to target hair. It is for this reason that the Alexandrite GentleLASE is the market leader worldwide.

Treatments performed with medical grade lasers are generally performed every 4-6 weeks on the face and every 8-10 weeks on the body compared to every 4 weeks for the entire body on an IPL.

We can safely treat every single part of the body except within a close proximity of the eyes. We cannot shape eyebrows however we can treat the mid brow. We are confident that we can effectively and safely remove unwanted hair permanently. Come and experience Victorian Cosmetic Dermal Clinics difference today. What have you got to lose? Except unwanted, unsightly hair!