Award winning dermatology service, with over 20 years of experience
Short waiting lists, on some occasions offering same week appointments
Safe environment, in Care Quality Commission approved facilities
Conditions
LASER HAIR REMOVAL CANTERBURY & KENT
Laser hair removal works by permanently destroying actively growing hair follicles so that the end result is permanent hair reduction. A short burst of laser light is pulsed onto a section of the skin’s surface. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, where it heats and destroys the hair and, if the hair is in the growth stage, this heat is transmitted down the hair shaft to the bulb and bulge of the follicle, the two areas important for hair regeneration, thereby causing its destruction. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair because it contains more pigment to absorb the laser light. Fair hair and red hair can respond to treatment but white hairs will not since this hair colour contains little or no pigment. Electrolysis is an alternative treatment available at Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic for these. Applying pigment to the hairs makes no difference and does not give any better results.
HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
Actively growing hair follicles will be permanently destroyed, so for some people we can say that the end result is permanent hair reduction. However, the laser will only affect actively growing follicles and has no effect on dormant or ‘resting’ hair follicles. Therefore, it is always possible that new hair growth may take place in the future from the unaffected hair follicles.
During treatment, most people experience no more than a slight stinging sensation. People with darker hair and skin will feel the laser more as their skin will absorb more energy. In this case more attention will be paid to cooling the skin, before and after treatment, to minimise skin reactions. The most common after effect of laser hair removal is redness of the skin that can last for a day or so. Occasionally dry crusting can occur and clears up within a few days. Because each individual’s skin responds differently we always carry out a careful pre-treatment test patch procedure to ensure that no unexpected reactions take place during a full treatment.
Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of the patient; patients must wear protective goggles, a rigorous set of procedures is in place governing the safe use of the lasers which are maintained according to a strict schedule; the clinic is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000.
The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is a recognised Laser Training Centre; our staff are trained to a very high standard and regularly update their clinical knowledge and skills. The laser treatments are offered by a female doctor and laser therapists.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
You should stop plucking, waxing or threading 2-3 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving, cutting the hair or use depilatory creams. Ideally hair should be about 1mm long for treatment. It is important that you do not have a suntan during the laser treatment – whether natural or artificial.
HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
A rough guide is an average of 4-6 sessions over a 12 month period. The exact number will vary depending on where the hair is, what has been done to the hair in the past and, of course, the response of the individual. Hormonal circumstances will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses.
CAN ANYONE HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types, your hair just needs to be dark enough to attract the laser. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair because it contains more pigment to absorb the laser light. Fair hair and red hair can respond but white hairs will not, since this hair colour contains little or no pigment. Electrolysis is available for these. At Stratum Dermatology clinics we offer laser hair removal for men and women.
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE?
Laser hair removal at the Stratum Dermatology Clinics is safe. We work with leading experts in the field of dermatology to ensure you have the best experience and treatment. Stratum clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients on Doctify.
HOW LONG DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL LAST?
We recommend a course of at least 8 treatments of laser hair removal to get the desired results, however this depends on your hair type. During your free consultation your treatment options and recommended course length will be discussed. The treatment can produce permanent hair reduction of up to 90%.
WHAT AREAS OF HAIR CAN I REMOVE WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Hair removal lasers are able to remove hair anywhere on the body where the hair has enough pigment to attract the laser light. Brief pulses of light energy damage the follicles preventing hair growth. The most common areas for hair removal include sensitive areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line, to larger areas such as the arms, legs and back.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
Laser hair removal isn’t described as painful but more like an elastic band flick. As your treatments go on, this feeling will lessen as there are fewer hair follicles to target. During your free consultation, you will have a patch test where you will be able to feel the sensation of the lasers before treatment starts.
WHAT SHOULD I DO FOLLOWING TREATMENT?
Your practitioner will provide you with detailed advice post treatment specific to the area you had treated, however the following advice is common following laser hair removal.
Avoid sunbathing – you will also need to let your therapist know if you are going on holiday during your course of treatment
Apply moisturiser containing a high SPF daily
Avoid very hot showers or saunas for 24 hours
Don’t go to the gym or do strenuous exercise for 24 hours
You can reapply your makeup following treatment
Avoid using harsh scrubs as part of your skincare routine
Wait 1-2 weeks before using fake tan
During your laser hair removal treatments, don’t pluck, wax or dye the hair, you can however shave or use hair removal creams
REQUEST A CALL BACK
Please fill in this form and one of our team will give you a call back to arrange a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists.
What our Customers Say
WHY CHOOSE us FOR laser hair removal IN canterbury?
Here at Kent’s leading private skin and laser clinic, our experts are specialists in all aspects of dermatology, skin cancer, anti-ageing and beauty treatments. We are one of the few skin clinics in the UK where all medical consultations and treatments are provided by specialist doctors with Dermatology experience and laser training.
Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring the best level of treatment is provided to you in a safe environment. Our Clinical Lead Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, the British Laser Medical Association, the British Hair and Nail Society, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and is certified by the Consulting Room. We have won many awards including the WhatClinic Patient Service Award in 2019 and the ghp Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2019.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Process:
Book Assessment
Book a consultation and patch test by filling out our online form or giving us a call. You can also book a full skin health check with a consultant at the same time.
Appropriate Treatment Identified
Visit our clinic where one of our skin experts will carry out a thorough consultation to help understand your needs and answer any questions you may have. They will also perform a simple patch test to ensure suitability for treatment and discuss your individual treatment plan
Treatment Begins
Begin your treatment with trusted experts in dermatology, knowing you’re in safe hands and in care quality commission-approved facilities.
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