The Skin Specialist Centre

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.

About

Lumenis Lightsheer Duet is the ultimate system for laser hair removal.  It is faster and more comfortable than any other comparable cosmetic laser on the market today.  There are numerous cosmetic lasers designed for hair removal, but very few can match the performance or features of the Lumenis Lightsheer Duet.  Two spot sizes are provided with this laser - the Lightsheer ET with a spot size of 9 x 9mm, and the Lightsheer HS with a spot size of 22 x 35mm, which is the largest of any comparable systems.  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 in combination with the diode laser light, allowing us to treat patients without the need for anaesthesia or gels and with the system one can treat backs and legs in as little as fifteen minutes, which means patients can return to work faster and there is no preparation time required.

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 (22 x 35mm), the process treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously, making the treatment much faster than traditional laser hair removal alternatives.

The LightSheer Duet provides you with two handpiece choices depending on your needs - 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;  and the Lightsheer Duet ET handpiece with chill tip cooling for smaller areas (9 x 9mm).  The variation in spot size allows us to customize treatment for each patient's hair type, skin type and lifestyle.

Who is a Candidate?

All patients are candidates as this laser treats all skin types. 

What Can I Expect?

 Permanent reduction of hair.

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 hyperpigmentation.  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/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.  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.