Laser & IPL Technology Available at Chester Laser Clinic

Here at Chester Laser Clinic we offer a range of Laser and IPL options to suit many concerns on all skin types. Choosing the right treatment is often a difficult task, but with our broad experience and extensive training in the latest Laser and IPL technologies, we can advise you on the most suitable treatments, tailored to give you the best results.

Laser or IPL for skin treatments?

Using only medical grade laser and IPL technologies, available in the best dermatology clinics, we offer an extensive range of treatments suitable for any skin type. While lasers can be used for vascular conditions, doctors agree that medical-grade IPL systems such as ours can provide better results for conditions such as rosacea, thread veins, or sun damage, without bruising or crusting on the skin, commonly caused by lasers. Many medical studies have also proven that IPL provides exceptional results for conditions such as superficial pigmentation and acne, making it the preferred option for these treatments. For skin conditions such as leg veins that are too deep for IPL systems to give effective results on, we would recommend laser treatment using our Nd: YAG Laser.

IPL or Laser for Hair Removal?

For hair removal, laser and IPL systems can achieve brilliant results over a broad range of skin types. They operate at different wavelengths, with lasers using one single wavelength, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) using numerous different wavelengths. As a result, IPL is more commonly used for hair removal due to the range of wavelengths that target each hair follicle. Additionally, specific lasers are highly successful for treatments on fairer skin types but are too harsh for treatments on darker skin types. IPL systems are versatile and can be used successfully on a wide variety of skin types, whilst providing less painful treatment in some cases when compared to certain laser wavelengths. Therefore, depending on your hair and skin type, we may advise the use of IPL to ensure you receive the best treatment. Providing both laser and IPL services for over 12 years, you can be certain that we will give professional, unbiased advice, with your best interest in mind. Your individual consultation will allow us to recommend whether laser or IPL is the most suitable treatment for you.

How does it work?

The laser system delivers a pulsed beam which is absorbed at the base of the hair shaft. Here it is converted to heat, thereby disabling the hair follicle.How does the laser destroy the hairs? Our hair grows in cycles, with three stages:

• Anagen (where the hair grows in length)

• Catagen (resting)

• Telogen (shedding, where the hair falls out)

Not all the hairs are in the same stage at the same time. If this were the case, we would have no eyebrows every 4 months! Laser treatment is most effective during the anagen phase, where the hair is attached to the root. The number of hair follicles and the length of the anagen phase vary; the first treatment will only damage some of the hair follicles. A few weeks later, previously resting follicles will enter the growth phase, so it will be necessary to have another treatment to target these hairs.

How many treatments will I need?

It varies from person to person, depending on the hair and skin color. We generally recommend a course of six to eight treatments, four to eight weeks apart. This is because each hair goes through a growth cycle, as explained above. As only a fraction of the hairs in a given region is in the anagen phase at any one time, sessions need to be repeated to capture hairs entering the anagen phase. During your initial consultation, the nurse will complete a thorough assessment, discuss desired outcomes, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to meet your individual requirements.

Is laser hair removal treatment permanent?

The treatment achieves long term permanent and stable hair reduction. On average an 85-90% hair reduction is achieved. With each successive treatment, you will notice a difference in the density of hair growth. Once the initial treatment period is complete, you may find a few hairs appear over a period of time. Top-up treatments may be required (typically once or twice a year).

How long must the hair be?

We ask you not to do anything to the hairs prior to a test patch so a full assessment may be made. Once you start your course of treatment, we ask you to shave the area the day before your treatment, so that no more than 2mm of hair is visible above the skin

Can I still remove hair between treatments?

Yes, you may shave or trim the hair between treatments. However, you should not bleach, pluck, thread, wax or in any way remove the hairs form the follicles for at least four weeks prior to treatment. This will help ensue as many hairs as possible will be attached to their roots. We discourage the use of depilatory creams as they can sometimes irritate the skin.