Soprano Laser Hair Removal: Questions and answers
In the super hair removal mode it is painless, safe and
effective. Fast treatment with proven clinical results.
What is it used for?
For hair removal and long term hair reduction on all skin
types.
Dark hairs are most easily treated due to the large concentration
of dark melanin in these, which gives maximum absorption and
conversion of light energy to heat.
Very fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is
produced making it slightly less certain of permanent destruction
of the hair follicles. Grey (white) hair has almost no melanin and
cannot be efficiently treated.
The upper skin layer of the epidermis, also contains melanin and
the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light.
We are therefore unable to treat dark skinned and very tanned
individuals.
Who cannot have the treatments?
- Previous history of cancer, in particular skin cancer
- Pregnancy (including IVF)
- If you are on a photosensitive medication or herbal remedy/or
taking blood thinners
- Prolonged exposure to the sun or artificial tanning 4 weeks
before or after treatment
- Active Herpes Simplex (cold sores) in treatment area
- History of Keloid scarring (overproduction of scar tissue)
- Insulin Dependent Diabetes
- Very fragile or dry skin
- Epilepsy
Why is gel used?
To aid the gliding of the laser head across the skin.
How is the treatment carried out?
The applicator is placed in contact with the skin and either the
laser light is passed as the head is moved across the skin for
super hair removal or in static shots for normal hair removal.
Does it hurt?
Super hair removal is painless. Normal hair removal can produce
some mild discomfort. In both cases the treatment is assisted by
cooling heads.
What are the side affects?
The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after
treatment and very rarely small blisters as from excessive sun
exposure can occur. However, most patients experience no side
effects at all and the described skin reactions usually disappear
within hours to a few days.
Does the patient need to shave prior to treatment?
Hairs should be 1 to 2mm long when the patient comes in for
treatment so it is possible to mark out the treatment area. Long
hairs take up the energy and prevent all of it reaching the hair
follicle.
Therefore hair is trimmed just before treatment for maximum
transmission of the energy. If the hair is normally shaved and can
be seen when shaven then patients can shave right up to the day of
treatment although plucking and bleaching should not be done.
By avoiding epilation and waxing 4 weeks before treatment it
ensures as many follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can
be destroyed by the light.
Why do hairs 'grow after treatment?
Hairs are not vaporised by the Soprano treatment. The hair
follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the skin
and often becomes attached to the epidermis. They will fall out
after 1 to 4 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period
it will seem that the hairs are growing as the epidermis pushes
them out.
How long does the treatment take?
The facial treatment can take as little as 10 minutes whereas
both legs and/or an entire back take approximately 1½ to 2
hours.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair in the growth phase can be treated. The number of
hairs in this phase varies from 10% to 70% depending on the body
site. The lengths of the growth cycles also vary. For most patients
(unless there is a hormone imbalance) up to eight treatments is
sufficient to remove virtually all hairs on the body.
Facial hair may require more treatments. After the first
treatment most patients get a significant reduction in hair density
also new grown hairs tend to become finer. It is important to know
that the first treatment is believed to synchronize the anagen
(growth) phase of the non-anagen hairs. This may cause what seems
to be re-growth but which is actually just the sleeping hairs
starting to grow at the same time (new growth). This in turn makes
the next treatment(s) more effective.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients should avoid tanning 1 month ahead of and during the
entire treatment scenario to avoid excessive discomfort and
complications from excessive light absorption in the epidermis.
Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive
to UV light and strong sunlight should be avoided for 4-5 days.
Please do not apply deodorant, perfumed products or aromatherapy
products on treatment day.
* Please note the above treatment may not be
offered by every hospital. Please contact your local hospital
to check if the treatment/service is available in
your area.