Laser Hair Removal

Experts in Laser Hair Removal

• Choice of 2 medical grade lasers..Coolglide or Gentlelase
• All skintypes- including olive/tanned
• Saturday morning treatments available
• All treatments performed by experienced medical staff

Throughout history, from as early as the ancient Egyptians, women in particular have sought ways of removing excess body hair. The Egyptians in fact, preferred to remove all traces of hair using a pumice stone! Fortunately, these days it is much easier and far less painful, to remove hair with laser.

How does the laser treatment work?

At Skin Temple, we have two of the world’s most advanced hair removal lasers – the Cutera Coolglide and the Candela Mini Gentlelase. Why do we have two different laser systems? All laser hair removal systems work by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. If a client has very light skin but dark or even light brown hair, this means that the laser energy will be selectively taken up by the pigmented hair follicles, without affecting the surrounding skin. For darker skin types, or those with a recent/current suntan, a laser system that is ‘smarter’ is necessary to prevent damage to the skin also.

Fair skinned patients prefer the strength of an Alexandrite laser (Candela Mini Gentlelase), while darker skinned patients prefer the gentle but deeper penetration of an Nd-YAG laser (Cutera Coolglide).

The Mini Gentlelase is one of the world’s most popular and effective hair removal lasers, and encorporates true 21st century technology, with built in cooling, fast repetition rates and a larger maximal spot size than its predecessor.  It is Dr Teska’s favourite laser system for fair skin types!

The Coolglide laser from Cutera, is one of the most powerful Nd YAG laser available, and can be used on any skin colour, unlike Diode, Ruby and Alexandrite (eg Gentlelase) lasers. Its powerful nature allows deeper penetration than many other lasers, allowing more effective treatment of thicker skin areas like the back. It also has the flexibility of small spot sizes to allow for treatment of small areas as in laser eyebrow shaping – Skin Temple is one of the only clinics in Australia providing laser eyebrow shaping.

Both lasers work by specifically targeting the brown (melanin) colour of the pigment in the hair follicle, without damaging any surrounding structures. Like all lasers FDA approved for the permanent removal of hair, neither laser will be effective for blonde, grey, white or red hair.

It is unrealistic to expect 100% permanent hair removal, though some clients do experience that. Following a series of treatments, both lasers will permanently reduce approximately 85% of dark hair in the ideal fair skinned patient. For those with darker skin this percentage falls to approx. 70%. Residual hair will be significantly lighter and finer in texture than the original hair.

Example of Underarm hair removal

Before:

Image: Supplied by Cutera

After:

Image: Supplied by Cutera

Safety

Laser light will not cause skin cancer because the light has had all harmful and unnecessary wavelengths (including UV light) removed, to leave only the wavelength required for selective treatment of the target lesion.

Other routine safety features used at Skin Temple are protective eyewear, doorlocks, built in smoke extractors, laser room signage and external laser room alert lights. All of these features are a demonstration of our committment to laser safety- which should be routinely expected by both our customers, and also our staff.

Does it hurt?

Both of the lasers used at Skin Temple have built in cooling in the handpieces, allowing the skin to be cooled prior to release of the laser energy. Such cooling substantially reduces the sensation usually associated with hair laser treatments, and dramatically increases the safety profile.

What does a treatment involve?

Following initial test patching, the hair will usually be shaved prior to treatment. It is important to leave the root of the hair intact in the skin, so do not wax or pluck the hair prior to your treatment. Shaving or depilating the hair will reduce both pain, smoke and the chance of burning the skin. In the case of laser hair treatment with the Coolglide, a gel is applied to the skin surface and this further reduces the chance of burning. Safety glasses are worn to protect the eyes from the laser beam. Treatments can last from 15 mins to 1 hour. Cold compresses and cooling sprays are applied after the treatment. Some clients like to purchase refrigerated aloe vera gel for use post treatment.

What happens after a treatment?

It is important to avoid using any products which may irritate the treated skin, which may remain sensitive for 1-2 days after each treatment. Avoid sun exposure (and solarium use) to the treated areas for 4 weeks before and after each treatment. Refrigerated aloe vera gel can be extremely soothing and can be applied as often as needed!

Side Effects

There may be some temporary redness of the treated area for up to one day. It is not normal to expect blistering, crusting or scarring. People with darker skin may occasionally experience temporary discolouration of the skin which will resolve within 2-6 months, though this is far less common than with many other devices.  Any discolouration should be immediately reported to staff, as with medical treatment from Dr Teska, the duration of discolouration can be dramatically shortened.

How many treatments are necessary?

Most people will require a series of about six treatments, usually spaced six weeks apart. Some people with underlying hormonal problems may require maintenance treatments.

How much does it cost?

Laser hair removal varies in cost depending on the time taken/area being treated, and the type of laser device being used.

Dr Teska charges $400/half hr for laser hair removal with either machine. Treatments with Dr Teska are booked at a minimum charge of $200.

To discuss laser hair removal with Dr Teska and arrange a test patch with the Mini Gentlelase, a consultation is required. Initial consultations with Dr Teska are charged at a reduced fee, (see Consulations page) and are usually Medicare rebatable, especially for those with recurrent folliculitis, abscesses or ingrown hairs.

From time to time we offer special laser hair removal promotions on our promotions page. Please check that page for our current promotions. It is also worth subscribing to our newsletter if you wish to be notified of any future promotions!

The time for all laser hair removal treatments starts on entering the laser room, and ends on leaving the laser room.  That is, it is a cost of using the room and equipment, not just the equipment. It is therefore advisable to be makeup free (if having your face lasered) and already shaved (eg if having your legs shaved) as the time taken to do these preparations will be charged for.

Who performs the treatment?

All laser hair removal treatments at Skin Temple are performed only by our trained and insured medical staff.  Please note that we no longer employ Dermal Therapists to perform any laser or skincare procedure at Skin Temple.  In particular, please note that Dr Teska performs all laser eyebrow shaping (all skin types) as well as hair removal in darker skinned or suntanned persons.