Gemini KTP laser - Laser Hair Removal

The Gemini laser emits two different wavelengths - 532nm and 1064nm.  Each targets different skin conditions and problems.  The 1064 wavelength is for laser hair removal, as well as spider leg veins, deep facial veins and venous lakes.  Laser hair removal reduces hair growth for the long term.  Multiple sessions are required to achieve longer lasting results.  Results are going to depend on the area involved and the skin type.  Each patient is offered a free test treatment area (test spot) on or near the area to be treated.

Benefits

 Four different lasers are used at the Skin Specialist Centre for laser hair removal.  Intense pulsed light is not used as it is not as specific to the hairs as lasers and has more chance of affecting the skin, as opposed to lasers.

Alternatives

Lumenis Lightsheer Duet, Cynosure Nd:YAG and Revlite EO Q-switched laser.

How Does it Work?

The light emitted by the laser is well absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles.  During the procedure the laser pulses for a fraction of a second ,allowing the hair to absorb the light and heat up.  As it heats up, the hair shaft and bulb are damaged which significantly impedes the hair follicle's ability to re-grow.  The laser works best when the hairs are in an early growth phase (referred to as anagen), and unfortunately all hairs are not in this phase at the same time.

Who is a Candidate?

All skin types are suitable for this laser.  It is an ideal laser for dark skinned individuals because the wavelength (1064nm Nd:YAG) is, fortunately, minimally absorbed by melanin in the skin, thus offering the safest and most effective laser treatment for such patients.

What Can I Expect?

Permanent hair reduction.

Safety and Side-Effects

The Gemini laser has contact cooling, thus allowing the skin to be cooled during the treatment and reducing the likelihood of skin damage.  During treatment, the laser produces an intense but gentle burst of light that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the target.  The light produced by the laser generates heat within the target, destroying it without causing significant thermal injury to the surrounding skin.  Complications, although rare, can occur with any laser procedure.  The following adverse effects can occur with laser hair removal.

• Scarring - although rare, can occur following any laser procedure.
• Blistering - during treatment may be an indication of sun exposure.  Blistering can occur during the first three days following the laser procedure.  Blistered areas should be kept moist with an ointment until healed.  Blistering is overall rare and although it may occur in patients with light skin, it is more likely to occur in patients with darker skin (skin types IV to VI).
• Other acute changes commonly associated with laser treatment may include scaling or scabbing.  Any blisters or scabs resulting from laser hair removal should not be picked or scratched as this could result in scarring.  If a blister or scab does occur, apply antibiotic ointment or vaseline and contact the laser nurse.
• Pustules or papules - may develop in the first few days following treatment.  The affected areas should be kept clean and treated with care.
• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated area) - occurs in 2% of patients and hypopigmentation (excess lightening of the treated area) can occur for up to three months in around 5% of patients.  The above pigmentations are most commonly observed in darker skin types (skin types IV to VI).

Recovery Time

The recovery time is minimal.  There may be redness and swelling at the laser site.  This usually subsides within a couple of hours.

Does it Hurt?

Laser hair removal is associated with a small amount of discomfort.  It feels like a rubberband snapping on the skin.  The discomfort is reduced during the procedure by the tip of the laser which has a contact cooling tip, and also with a cold air machine which is blown over the area at the same time.  Topical anaesthesia can be provided if necessary.

Before Treatment Instructions

Hair should not be waxed or plucked for at least six weeks before treatment.  The area to be treated needs to be shaved the day before or the morning or the afternoon of the procedure.  Do not tan the area for at least six weeks before treatment.  If you have a history of cold sores, particularly for treatment of the upper lip or chin hairs, we need to be informed so that we can give you appropriate medical therapy to avoid a reactivation of the herpes cold sore.

After Treatment Instructions

• Quick warm showers are recommended.  If areas are treated other than the facial area, hot baths are not advised for 24 hours.
• If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an antibiotic ointment and please contact the laser nurse or dermatologist. The area should be kept lubricated with vaseline or an antibiotic ointment to prevent crusting or scabbing of the tissue.
• Cold packs or any other cooling preparation may be used to ease temporary discomfort.
• Prolonged sun exposure is to be avoided for four weeks before and after treatment.  If, however, this cannot be done, then total sun block (not a sunscreen) should be applied.  If further treatment is needed a commitment to stay out of the sun is necessary.
• Makeup can be applied as long as the skin is not broken.  Mineral makeup can also serve as an additional sunblock.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our specialist laser nurse, who is uniquely skilled in laser hair removal.