Free yourself from painful, time consuming
and temporary methods of removing unwanted hair. Take advantage
of the latest technologies with the MeDioStar XT.
Laser hair
removal is the most effective method currently available to
provide fast and long lasting hair reduction. Laser hair removal
is safe and effective on all body areas and is used by both
men and women. This method not only rids you
of unwanted hair but also treats skin problems commonly associated
with other hair removal methods, such as ingrown hairs, shaving
bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae and minor skin infections.
HOW IT WORKS
The laser beam penetrates the skin to
heat the active growth center of the hair follicle, causing
permanent destruction. Only those hair follicles in the active
growth stage (anagen) are affected. Since 30-70% of hair follicles
are in the anagen stage (depending on body area), multiple
treatments spaced several weeks apart are necessary.
With
our Diode laser you can expect an 85-95% reduction after 4-6
treatments.
WHO CAN BENEFIT
The laser beam targets the melanin pigment
in the hair follicle and therefore is not effective on blond,
white or gray hairs. The ideal candidate has fair skin and
dark hair.
Darker skin types have more melanin
in the superficial layer of the skin, meaning the laser energy
is more likely to be absorbed causing heating of the skin.
The MeDioStar addresses this problem with its unique double-pulsing
technology and integrated skin pre-cooling. We can treat
all skin types as long as the hair is darker than the skin,
although we recommend a patch test on a small area to assess
response in individuals with very dark skin.
WHAT TO EXPECT
At your initial consultation we will
take a photograph for the records and then we will shave the
area to be treated. However, at subsequent sessions we request
that you shave the area 2 or more hours prior to the appointment
in order to minimize skin discomfort.
The laser pulses feel
like a warm “snap” against the skin which is usually well tolerated
and most people find that subsequent treatments are easier
to tolerate. For more sensitive areas we can use an anesthetic
cream to ensure your comfort.
Immediately after treatment the
skin will be a little red, but this will resolve after 1-2
hours. A few days to a week later some of the damaged hairs
will come to the surface and are then shed. Following this
you will notice that hair growth is reduced and that some
hairs have changed from coarse to fine. When a new cycle
of growth is apparent it is time to return for further treatment.
PREPARATION FOR TREATMENT
Sun exposure or tanning must be avoided
for 2 weeks prior to treatment to minimize the risk of side-effects.
Best
results are achieved if the hairs in the area of concern have
not been plucked or waxed for 4-6 weeks prior, but bleaching
or shaving can be continued until the day of laser hair removal.
AFTERCARE
The most important factor in preventing
side effects is to avoid sun exposure or tanning for 2 weeks
prior to and 2 weeks after treatment.
Usually, no other specific
care is required. If you see persistent redness or small blisters,
then apply antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, and call
us for advice or a follow-up visit to check your skin at no
extra charge.
CONTRAINDICATONS ( WHO CAN NOT BE TREATED)
Recent tanning or sun exposure
Pregnancy
Recent use of medicines that sensitize the skin such as Tetracycline
or Accutane
Active skin infection
Active herpes cold sores. If you suffer from recurrent herpes cold
sores, then a prophylactic dose of an antiviral agent can be prescribed
to help prevent an outbreak.
