The purpose of this leaflet is to outline the service we provide for laser hair removal. The RVI laser unit provides both private and NHS treatments. If the treatment is for cosmetic reasons our patients must fund the treatment themselves. Sometimes when the patient has an underlying medical condition requiring hair removal the patient may be eligible for NHS treatment.
A number of treatments are usually required to remove the hair. It is not always possible to predict exactly how many treatments will be required but a course is usually between six and eight laser treatments. The interval between treatments is six to eight weeks depending where on the face or body the unwanted hair is.
Consultation
At your consultation the laser nurse practitioner will assess your suitability for treatment. All aspects of laser hair removal will be discussed and you will be able to ask any questions you may have relating to the treatment. If you are a suitable candidate for laser treatment and you wish to go ahead you will be offered a test patch. This is a small treatment in the area of concern. The test patch is carried out in order to observe the skin and hair reaction to the laser settings chosen. This ensures that the treatment settings used are as safe and effective as possible before a full treatment is carried out. Your safety is our priority.
If you would normally manage the unwanted hair by plucking, waxing or any means which removes the hair from the follicle please refrain from doing so six weeks before your consultation. The hair needs to be present in the follicle for successful treatment. You may shave the area. If you shave please allow the hair to grow to a length of a few millimetres for your consultation. This is so that the laser nurse can assess the colour, thickness and density of the hair to be treated.
Please avoid sun exposure for three weeks before the treatment and use a good sun protection cream of SPF 40 or 50. Do not wear hairspray on the day of treatment. Please do not use fake tan in the area to be treated.
If you are paying for your laser hair removal you will be given an estimated cost at your consultation.
Prices start at £50. A price list is available.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
The laser will target the pigment in the hair. Black or brown hair contains a high concentration of the pigment melanin. Melanin absorbs the laser light and heat is produced. It is this heat that damages the hair growth structures and inhibits regrowth of the hair. Grey or blonde hair is not suitable for laser hair removal because it does not contain the required pigment.
Before the procedure the nurse will trim your hair to about a millimetre above the skin surface. The laser settings will be adjusted according to the colour, thickness and location of your hair as well as your skin colour. You will be given laser eye protection goggles to wear. A layer of cool gel will be applied over the skin in the treatment area. While the laser treatment is carried out you will have cool air blown over the treatment area to ensure your comfort. The cool air also helps to reduce the heat produced on the skin surface and this will minimise any risks of skin damage. The laser treatment is not usually painful however you may find it uncomfortable.
Once the procedure is complete you will have a moisturiser applied to the skin.
You may book a full treatment for two weeks following the test patch procedure. Subsequent treatments will be six to eight weeks apart.
This will be arranged by the admin assistant in the laser unit.
There are very few risks associated with this type of laser treatment .Potential side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, colour changes to the skin and scarring. Blistering, permanent scarring and skin colour changes are all rare. Any redness or swelling usually subsides within 24 hours.
Aftercare Instructions
- The laser nurse may recommend that you buy a moisturiser or soothing cream and apply this regularly to help maintain good skin condition.
- You must avoid strenuous activities and any contact sports for a week after each treatment. You must also avoid hot shower, sauna, steam rooms and hot baths for a week.
- Please do not use makeup over the treated area for one week following treatment.
- Please protect the skin from sun exposure with garments or sun protection cream of factor 40 to 50.
- Avoid getting a tan.
- By following your aftercare instructions you will reduce the risk of skin damage.
For Further Information
Contact details
- Susan Richardson-Laser Nurse Practitioner
- Pasqua Fitzgibbon-Laser Nurse Practitioner
Telephone 0191 282 9732 this number is for clinical support or patients who need to speak to a nurse.
To book an appointment please call 0191 282 0599 or Email [email protected] The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on free-phone
0800 032 0202 or e-mail [email protected]
