Laser Hair Removal Bournemouth Poole Dorset

Excessive facial and body hair can be an extremely embarrassing problem or just simply an inconvenience for both men and women .

Our private clinic is able to offer you:

• Individual friendly personal attention in a relaxed atmosphere

• Complete guarantee of client confidentiality

• Highest standard of quality treatment with a reputation of excellence

• Discretion and understanding at all times

• Highly qualified, experienced and dedicated staff

• Healthcare Commission Registered

How does Intense Pulse Light (IPL) compare with laser (ruby)

The latest research carried out concluded that intense pulse light was found to be nearly 4 times more effective than laser. Intense Pulse Light is much kinder to the skin.

The Power of light

The IPL system is an extremely precise, revolutionary, state of the art system that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. Unlike electrolysis where the therapist has to identify and probe each hair follicle, pulsed light uses a prism, which treats many hairs at once.

How does it work?

The system works by emitting a pulsed light beam, which is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The light is pulsed or ‘turned on' for only a fraction of a second. The duration of the pulses are carefully determined so that enough energy will be absorbed by the hair follicle to disable it, but not too much energy so that excess heat is transferred to the surrounding skin.

New growth, not re-growth

The body's hair development works in three stages, anagen - the growing phase, catagen - the resting phase and telogen - the shedding phase. This means that the amount of treatable hair depends on how many hairs are in the active growth phase (anagen) and how long the cycle lasts. Age, hormone levels, treatment area and certain medications can affect the growth, length, coarseness and colour of the hair. Light can only work on the hair in the active growing phase, not all the potential hair can be treated at any one time. As other hairs will enter the growth cycle at different times additional treatments may be necessary. The number of hairs in the anagen phase varies from 20% to 85% depending on the body site. Some clients may require only three treatments whereas others may require five or more. Naturally a reduction occurs after just one treatment.

During your private and confidential consultation a personal treatment programme will be discussed and developed to best fulfil your individual hair removal needs.

Who can be treated?

Dark hairs are most easily treated due to the large concentration of dark melanin in them, which gives maximum absorption and conversion of light energy to heat. Very fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is produced making it slightly less certain of permanent destruction of the hair follicles. Grey/white hair has almost no melanin and may not be effectively treated. The upper skin layer of the epidermis also contains melanin and the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. It is therefore necessary to treat dark skinned and tanned individuals with less energy to avoid generation of excess heat. The IPL system computer has pre-programmed treatment suggestions for different hair and pigment types.

As the light energy is absorbed by the pigment the sensation experienced depends upon the concentration of melanin in the skin and the hairs combined. Consequently the sensation experienced is greater in dark skinned people and those with dense dark hairs. The sensation may vary from just a warm sensation on the skin to a mildly uncomfortable sensation, similar to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.

How long does the treatment take?

This will naturally depend on the size of the area being treated. A facial treatment may take between 20 - 60 minutes whereas and entire back may take as long as 3 hours. Advice on treatment time will be assessed for each individual before treatment proceeds.

How often do I need treatment?

Treatment interval times for best value for money are as follows:

How long must the hairs be prior to treatment?

Hairs should be roughly I to 2mm long when the patient comes in for treatment so it is possible to mark out the treatment area. Long hairs take up the energy and prevent all of the heat reaching the hair follicle. Hair is therefore trimmed just before treatment for maximum transmission of the energy. If the hair is normally shaved and can be seen then patients can shave right up to the day of treatment. Plucking/waxing should not be done, if the hair is not in the follicle it is impossible to treat it. Bleaching is also not advisable because the heat will not be channeled down the hair shaft as no colour will be present. By avoiding epilation and waxing 4 weeks before treatment it ensures as many follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light. Seek advice during the consultation if this will not be possible.

How to prepare for a treatment?

Patients should avoid tanning on the treatment area roughly one month ahead of treatment to avoid excessive light absorption in the skin. Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light and strong sunlight should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. High factor sun lotions can be used.

How is the treatment carried out?

The glass prism is placed in contact with the skin surface; this means that every flash emits the perfect energy every time to give the best possible results. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated.

Why is gel used?

It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment to assure optimal optical transmission of light from the applicator to the skin.

What happens to the hair after treatment?

Contrary to other laser treatments, hairs are not vaporised by the Intense Pulse Light treatment the hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicle and often become attached to the epidermis. They will fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed . During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing but the epidermis is pushing them out.

How can you tell if the treatment has worked when the hairs are not removed immediately?

After treatment the hairs are often loose within the follicle and can easily be pulled out with tweezers. A red ring around each follicle is often seen a few minutes after treatment. These two things are good indications that sufficient heating of the follicles has taken place. However they are not always seen but many patients have enjoyed successful treatment results without the post-treatment signs.

“Reduction in hair growth is amazing”

“I have found Zena very friendly and professional. The reduction in hair growth after three weeks is amazing, even better than I expected. I would recommend the treatment to anyone looking for permanent hair removal.” Christopher (Bournemouth)

“A boost to my personal confidence”

“I am a natural brunette with fair skin and the area to be treated was facial. The treatment has proved very successful and the facial hair in question has greatly reduced. This has resulted in a boost to my personal confidence and saved me a great deal of facial preparation time. I am very pleased with the results and have no hesitation in recommending Advanced Cosmetic Centre.” Josie (Broadstone)

“Treatment has changed my life”

“This treatment has changed my life. I no longer need to have my tweezers by my side at all hours of the day and night. Zena is the ultimate professional at all times. I really look forward to my treatment sessions both for the results they achieve and the way I am treated.” Sue (Wimborne)

“I had my bikini line removed and the treatment was not painful, and I'm thoroughly pleased with the results, and would recommend it!” Cathy (Bournemouth)

“I feel more feminine”

“I would recommend Pulsed Light to anyone anxious or embarrassed about excessive body hair. I changed my attitude to myself – I feel more feminine and confident and take more interest in my appearance. Worth it!” Caroline (Bournemouth)

“Having suffered from dark tough facial hair for the past 22 year I am overjoyed with the loss of hair from the treatment. My skin is completely different now in texture and feels wonderful. No need for aftershaves or balms.” David (Bournemouth)

“Wonderful treatment”

“I wish to thank Zena for the wonderful treatment I had with pulsed light. My face was pretty bad and now it's looking very good. The dark facial hair is gone and I don't mind people looking at me now. Pamela (Bournemouth)

“Fantastic Results”

“It's amazing how it works and with fantastic results I had. From the bikini line I've gone on to have the rest of my body zapped.” Julie (Canford Cliffs)

“Disappeared completely”

“The result of a couple of treatments is amazing and it's so good to know that the treatment is permanent. My bikini and underarm hair disappeared completely after 3 treatments and on the legs there is hardly any hair left. The nicest thing is that Zena really cares that you get the best treatment to suit you.” Lucy (Poole)

“Recommend it to anyone”

“I've been bleaching, plucking and waxing facial hair for 17 years, which has made the hair growth thicker and courser. Pulsed light killed the hairs – they have not regrown – it really works. I would recommend it to anyone for whom body or facial hair is an issue” Alison (Swanage)

“Fantastic Result”

“Fantastic result on my ‘Toes' after years of hiding them I'm at ease to take my shoes off anywhere without embarrassment.” Dawn (Ferndown)