Brazilian Hair Removal at the Skin Specialist Centre.

In the past, remedies for unwanted hair included plucking, shaving, waxing, electrolysis or chemical depilatories.  Some are painful, some are messy and all are only temporary.  Laser hair removal is a much more effective solution.  Our practice is the first in New Zealand to offer the high speed Lumenis LightSheer Duet for permanent hair reduction with exciting speed and amazing comfort.  The Lumenis LightSheer Duet uses state-of-the art diode lasers with vacuum-assist technology to remove unwanted hair and with greater speed and cover than other methods.  Each patient is offered a free test treatment area (test spot) on or near the area to be treated.

Benefits

We are the only centre in New Zealand providing this facility for patients' needs.  The Lumenis Lightsheer Duet uses vacuum-assisted technology, allowing us to treat patients without the need for anaesthesia or gels.  With this system, one can treat backs and legs in as little as fifteen minutes, which means that patients can return to work faster and there is no preparation time required.

Having four lasers to treat each skin and hair type ensures that your treatment is tailored.  In addition, as a specialist dermatologist centre we provide appropriate medical advice as to any underlying problems that may be contributing factors to your hair growth.  Dr McKerrow is highly experienced in laser treatments and will provide you with the best advice and treatment.  If appropriate he will arrange for you to undergo appropriate investigations to exclude any abnormal hormonal cause of excessive hair growth.

Alternatives

Gemini Nd:YAG, Cynosure Nd:YAG and Revlite EO Q-switched laser.

How Does it Work?

The high speed LightSheer Duet is a laser that produces a larger beam of highly concentrated light.  The light emitted 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 its ability to re-grow.  And with the large spot size, the process treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously, making the treatment much faster than traditional laser hair removal alternatives. 

 The LightSheer Duet has two handpieces - the first, the LightSheer high speed handpiece uses breakthrough vacuum assisted technology in combination with a diode laser light to allow rapid and comfortable treatment of large areas without the need for numbing creams.  We also have a standard handpiece with a chill tip cooling for smaller areas.  The LightSheer Duet allows the laser nurse and dermatologist to truly customize treatment for your hair type, skin type and lifestyle.  Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments.  This is because the laser works best when hairs are in an early growth phase (referred to as anagen) and all the hairs are not in this phase at the same time.

The appearance of the treated hair immediately following treatment will vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the procedure and the skin type.  Side-effects are rare and if they do occur are typically minor.  These may include redness and swelling around the hair follicle which are, in fact, positive clinical results and indicate that the follicle has responded to treatment.  Most people return to normal activity right away.

Who is a Candidate?

All patients are candidates.

What Can I Expect?

Permanent hair reduction.  Laser hair removal is offered every four to six weeks.  It is important to remember that the laser will only work on pigmented hair and will not work on grey, blonde or light red hair.  This treatment will not be as effective if performed on sun-tanned skin because the pigmentation created from this will be absorbed by the laser.  Intense pulse light (IPL) is not used as it is not as selective to the hair as a laser.   This is because IPL uses a broad band of light frequencies, rather than single wavelength.

Safety and Side-Effects

Side-effects are rare and if they do occur are typically minor.  These may include redness and swelling around the hair follicle which are, in fact, positive clinical results and indicate that the follicle has responded to treatment.

• Swelling - is temporary and not harmful.  Cold packs or an anti-inflammatory preparation may reduce the swelling.
• Bruising - is unlikely to occur.  If bruising occurs it will normally clear up in 1 - 7 days.
• Healing - there is always the slight possibility of developing a crust or blister.  This is superficial and rarely results in any scarring and is treated like sunburn or any other superficial blister.
• Pigment change - the treated areas will probably heal without any pigment change.  However, there is the slight chance that hyperpigmentation (darker) or hypopigmentation (lighter) areas may occur.  These are generally temporary, restricted to dark skin and will fade within 1 - 6 months.  Sun exposure must be avoided for three to four weeks prior to therapy and after, as exposure to the sun may intensify pigmentation.  It is rare that a change is ever permanent.
• Pain - with the introduction of the HS handpiece (22 x 35mm) and the vacuum application, discomfort is usually minimal.  However, using the traditional 9 x 9mm handpiece some patients do feel discomfort during the treatment.  Exposure is limited to an extremely short pulse.  Patients report that treatment feels like a rubberband snap.  This discomfort may range from mild to moderate and does not last long.  A mild burning sensation may last for up to one hour.  A cold compress or ice pack may be used if desired, and topical anaesthesia cream can be provided if required.
• Scarring - this is rare with dark skin patients.  It is important to follow all the post treatment instructions carefully in order to prevent infection.

Recovery Time

Recovery time is minimal and most people return to normal activity right away.

Does it Hurt?

The introduction of the Lightsheer HS (which stands for high speed handpiece) allows treatment without the need for anaesthesia or gels.  If the treated area requires use of the Lightsheer ET (spot size 9 x 9mm), there is mild to minimal discomfort.

Before Treatment Instructions

Discontinue any Aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication two weeks prior to laser treatment.  Sun-tanning should be avoided six weeks prior to treatment.  If patients have a history of recurrent herpes simplex or connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus or porphyria or are taking any medications which might respond to light sensitivity such as Isotretinoin (otherwise known as Roaccutane or Oratane) or Tetracyclines, please inform us.  If you have a history of keloid scarring or bleeding disorders, please inform us.

After Treatment Instructions

• Quick warm showers are recommended.  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.

Who Performs the Treatments?

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