Hair Removal for men in Launceston, TAS

Imagine not having to shave tweeze, wax or go through electrolysis again!

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology offers a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs, bikini line or any other body area. Based on technology used for nearly a decade in the treatment of port-wine stains and other birthmarks, IPL photo epilation has been performed safely for many years, effectively eliminating dozens of hairs with each pulse.

Unwanted hair refers to hair growth in areas on the body that are considered to be either unacceptable or unattractive. The darker the hair the more visible and therefore more of a concern.

Hair Elimination Using PhotoDerm MultiLight (IPL) can be used for the removal of unwanted hair from all skin types. It is intended to effect stable long-term, or permanent hair reduction in all skin types through selective targeting of the melanin in the hair follicles.

Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime.

A Short History
In many cultures women do not remove the fine dark hair that grows on the upper lips in fact in many European countries it is considered culturally acceptable to do nothing about hair on the legs, forearms, underarms, upper lip and fine sideburns or nipple area.

In ancient India, the thin line of dark hair on the upper abdomen, called the romaraji was considered a mark of great beauty. In our Australian society it has become fashionable to rid ourselves of excessive hair from sensitive areas of the body. Most of our culture considers excessive hair around the nipples, on the face and thick body hair on the torso (often an extension of the pubic hair line) or back to be abnormal hair growth for women, although it is extremely common.

Sometimes hair that grows in these areas has hormonal causes and is known in the clinical profession as hirsutism. We believe that unwanted hair is a health and social issue and not just a cosmetic one, since it can contribute to larger problems of low self-esteem and depression.

Can all hair be treated?
The PhotoDerm MultiLight (IPL) unique design offers you customised treatment according to your hair colour, texture and the location of body hair. Any hair with at least some pigment in it can be treated effectively. Generally speaking the hair must be darker than the surrounding skin for treatment to be effective. If the hair is lighter than the surrounding skin there is not enough Melanin in the hair shaft for treatment to be effective.

Is IPL safe for all skin types?
IPL is the first Photo Epilation procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned people such as those of Black, Hispanic and Asian descent. It is advisable for the darker skin types to have a test patch prior to treatment as unfortunately there is a higher risk of hyper or hypo pigmentation with this skin type.

How does IPL remove hair?
Highly controlled flashes of light are selectively absorbed by the Melanin in the hair filled follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair which damages or destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle, without damaging the surrounding tissue.

What Happens During the Treatment?
Your treatment begins by trimming away the hair above the skin. This is best done at home at least 2 - 3 days prior to treatment. You may shave or trim with scissors. If the hair is left long the hair will burn onto the skin causing unnecessary discomfort and also reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

You will be asked to wear protective eye wear as the light is very bright and although not as dangerous as a laser it is still be uncomfortable to the eyes. Next a cold gel is then applied to your skin and spread over the treatment site. The IPL handpiece is then applied gently onto the gel and pulses of light will begin. When the gel is removed, some of the hairs will wipe away with the gel but the remaining will be released from the follicle over the next 2 - 3 weeks. You will need to return sometime within the next 4 - 8 weeks for re-treatment.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or a pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band. This will feel a little more intense in areas where the hair is dense. Some areas of the face will also feel a little more sensitive than others eg. the upper lip is more sensitive than the sides of the face.

Immediately the area will feel like sunburn which will subside within the next two hours but usually before you leave the clinic, the discomfort has disappeared. The area may appear a little reddened but this should resolve within the next one to two hours. No local anaesthetic is required and most people tolerate the treatment well. However if you wish you may purchase some Emla Cream from the pharmacy and apply this to the area for one hour prior to treatment - this will reduce any discomfort that you may experience.

What results should I expect?
IPL technology has been proven to create permanent reduction in the number of regrowing hairs following each treatment.

The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your specific kind of hair and skin. A customised treatment program will be designed for you. Most people require a minimum of five sessions for effective hair reduction however some people will require more depending on other factors. A few people will be lucky to have permanent reduction in as little as only three treatments.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?
Although side effects are rare, you may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site but this typically goes away within 1 - 2 hours. On rare occasions, some blistering or bruising may occur, but typically resolves quickly. Also rarely the skin can become darker or lighter following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimise the risk of complications. Following the treatment, you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities immediately.

What is the process for treatment?
You will first require a consultation. This is to ensure that you fully understand the process of IPL Hair Removal and to make sure that you are suitable for the treatment.During your first visit a full medical history will be taken by trained medical personnel. You will also be required to sign a consent form prior to your course of treatments. The area for hair removal will be viewed and a quote given. Providing you meet the right criteria your treatment will be undertaken if you wish on the day or booked for another time.

Post Hair Removal Treatment Care

• Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for a couple of days.
• Highest factor sunscreen should be worn both summer and winter to protect the treated area against sunlight during treatment.
• Makeup may be worn immediately after treatment however if the skin becomes irritated with use leave alone for two to three days.
• Avoid rough sports or activities for 24 hours following treatment as the skin may be a little sensitive.

Who Performs Treatments?

• All Intense Pulsed Light (I.P.L.) treatments are performed by a registered nurse with training & experience with laser and IPL Light treatments.
• Dr Julie Ostberg and Anne Talbot R.N. have been using Lasers and I.P.L. for permanent hair reduction for 9 years now and therefore well experienced if this field.

How Much Will It Cost?
Costs will vary depending on the area being treated. A consultation is needed before treatment and a quote will be given at this time. Keep all your receipts as a tax rebate may apply.