Laser Hair Removal machine

Laser Hair Removal

Hair Removal by laser became commercially available in the mid 1970s. Laser and light-based methods, sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, are now most commonly referred to collectively as “laser hair removal”. Our trained and specialized Doctors at TheSmartSkinClinic in Malta have years of experience and you will find they are as conscientious and fussy as you are about your hairy problems.

Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, cleavage, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.

Laser hair removal works through selective photothermolysis (SPTL) or ‘burning’ with the use of light. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, (melanin), in the area that causes hair growth, (the follicle), while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This leads to a reduction in the hair-producing capabilities of the skin, so that a reduction typically between 20% and 80% is seen with each treatment. Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed, which is lucky for us Maltese as most of us are cursed with this obnoxious hair colour! The above also means that Laser works best with dark coarse hair.

Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination. People with tanned skin are discouraged from having treatments. How much energy is absorbed will be determined by the skin colour. Tanned skin will usually absorb excess amounts of light energy and can cause burning or discoloration after treatment. Therefore, to treat a tanned patient, the laser energy must be turned down to prevent burning. This, in turn, decreases the effectiveness of the light energy to kill unwanted hair follicles.

Some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments, including itching, redness and swelling around the treatment area. These side effects should not last more than three days. Some level of pain should also be expected during treatments. Unwanted side effects such as hypo- or hyperpigmentation or, in extreme cases, burning of the skin, flare of acne, swelling around the follicle, scab forming, purpura, and infection can also occur but are usually temporary.

The efficacy of treatment is dependent upon the skill and experience of the Doctor performing the laser, and the choice and availability of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the procedure. It is common to require touch-up treatments, after the initial set of 3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart, and the number of touch-ups is usually individual dependant.

It is always recommended that for up to 3 days after the Laser Hair Removal treatment is done a burns cream is used and our Doctor at TheSmartSkinClinic will recommend the most effective preparation. This will soothe the area and minimize the redness which appears post treatment. Exfoliation with either an exfoliating cream or an exfoliating pad on the area treated in order to help stubborn burnt hair fall off is also recommended.

It is important to note that Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators, though technically not a laser, use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light and are less effective than Laser. At TheSmartSkinClinic in Malta we are committed to offer only the best technologies as has been evidenced by research bodies worldwide. Therefore we only do REAL Laser Hair removal.