Xlase Plus Diode Laser applicator has been designed in response to the high demand for the removal of unwanted hair in all body areas. It offers the ability to treat large areas fast with high efficiency and comfort.
A few short sessions, usually 6-8 are required in order to permanently reduce hair, with just touch ups that may be required over time.
Diode laser hair removal is one of the most comfortable procedures for permanent hair reduction.
The Diode applicator is also considered the "gold standard" of hair-removal lasers as it can be used to treat all skin types effectively and with the fewest number of treatments.
How does the diode laser system work?
The system emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by the melanin located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed for only a short fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is long enough to damage the follicle, without damaging the surrounding tissue, thanks also to the contact-cooling handpiece, that protects the skin by conductive cooling during the laser energy delivery.
How does Xlase Plus hair removal compare with other hair removal methods?
Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a frequent basis and none of those methods can successfully reduce ingrown hairs. Diode Laser Hair Removal offers permanent hair reduction and treatment of ingrown hairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect on consultation and patch test?
I will go through a lifestyle questionnaire, medical assessment and accurate skin typing analysis, relevant questioning regarding skin tanning history, informed consent followed by patch testing in the area where treatment is desired.
The ideal outcome of the patch test is that the skin and hair will respond "normally" (there will be no excessive redness, blistering, swelling or pigmentation changes.)
Skin types 1-3 can be treated 24 hours after successful patch testing and skin types 4-6 can be treated 1 wk after successful patch testing.
Can tanned skin be treated?
Suntanned clients are advised to avoid treatment until the tan has faded. Therefore avoid sun exposure 4-6 weeks before treatment and tanning cream must be discontinued 2 weeks before treatment.
Treating sun tanned skin may result in hypopigmentation (white spots) or hyperpigmentation (dark spots) which may not clear for 2-3 months.
Is the treatment painful?
The treatment is virtually pain free with most people tolerating the treatment very well referring as it to be like an elastic band pinged against the skin.
Difference between IPL and LASER?
LASER is monochromatic meaning that the light emitted is only one wavelength (colour). It is coherent meaning the light is made up of waves all of the same wavelength and in phase (i.e. in step with each other); ordinary light contains many different wavelengths. LASERS use one wavelength to selectively target one chromophore, which is melanin. This allows for deeper penetration and the energy is directed straight to the target and not absorbed by the other chromophores in the laser pathways.
By doing this LASERS will not cause harm to the surrounding tissue when used properly.
IPL is not LASER, it is a broad spectrum of wavelengths (like a bulb) and can't be focused to a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths are emitted at one time only some are effectively absorbed by the hair follicle, causing sub-standard results.
IPL is not monochromatic therefore only a small percentage of these colours are effective in hair removal. IPL is not coherent and so again making it less effective in the treatment of hair reduction.
With IPL emitting broad spectrum wavelengths that are absorbed by various chromophores within the skin obtaining enough energy to destroy deep targets like hair is a challenge. Smaller targets such as pigment and vascular problems absorb the majority of the energy. To heat deeper targets, higher energy is needed which increase the chance of burns, pigmentation changes, blistering and potentially scarring.
LASERS can therefore treat all skin colours whereas IPL can cause skin burns to darker tones.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most refer to it being felt like an elastic band pinged against the skin. All my clients comment that waxing is painful and why didn't they have pain free diode laser sooner!
Does the diode laser work on dark skin?
The diode laser system safely and effectively treats all skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I - VI). For darker skin types, appropriate parameters are set: generally lower energy and lower pulse lengths are set to prevent epidermis damage. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, people with all skin types can benefit from diode laser hair removal.
Are the results permanent?
The diode laser is proven to work in hair removal and permanent hair reduction on all skin types. To achieve a satisfactory level of clearance, 6-8 treatments are typically required.
Laser is only effective when targeting the hair in the anagen (growing) stage. There is an estimated 10-70% of hair in the anagen stage at any given time. This is the reason why treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks and up to 6 treatments can be needed on body areas and up to 10 treatments on the face.
The range of outcomes can be summarised as fewer hairs, thinner hairs, slower regrowing hairs and lighter hairs
Growth delay/permanent hair reduction that provides a few months of hairless skin is far more reliably achieved than permanent hair removal.
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE TREATMENT
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Avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks before and after treatment
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You must avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment
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Do not use depilatory creams 1 week prior to treatment
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Tanned skin cannot be treated also the use of tanning cream must be discontinued 2 weeks before treatment.
AFTER TREATMENT
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Immediately after treatment there may be redness and swelling at the treatment area, this may feel like mild sunburn
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The application of iced water during the first few hours after treatment will reduce any discomfort
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The application of aloe vera gel can continue at home
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Make up can be used immediately after the treatment unless there is epidermal blistering
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Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation, use sunscreen SPF 30 or greater at all time throughout the course of treatment.
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Avoid picking or scratching the treated area. Do not use any other hair removal treatment methods that will disturb the hair follicle at the treatment area for 4-6 weeks after treatment. Only shaving or depilatories may be used.
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Anywhere from 5-19 days after the treatment, shedding of the surface hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is NOT new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping with a wet cloth or loofa sponge.
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After the underarms are treated, use a powder instead of a deodorant, for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation.
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Avoid hot baths and heat treatments for the fist 24 hours