Permanent Hair Removal
Everything You Need to Know
You may be envious of how the celebrities look, nice hair, great skin, and they are always seen without any stubs or hair around the face, armpits, and legs. Even when they are at the beach, it's flawless. Not everyone is born without unwanted hair, and in order to be hairless flawless, you might want to consider going for a Permanent Hair Removal Procedure, and eliminate the need for messy and painful waxes, shaving and hair removal creams.
At The Aesthetic Studio Clinic & Surgery, we use Laser and IPL/BBL photoepilation treatments for quick, safe and virtually painless permanent hair removal.
IPL and laser hair removal treatments are non-invasive procedures that use specific wavelengths of light to remove unwanted hair gently and effectively. These Light based treatments target the melanin in the hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The light bypasses the skin and heats the hair, right down to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.
Popular requested areas for permanent hair removal include the face and upper lip, underarms, bikini area, arms, legs, back and buttocks, chest, shoulders, neck, stomach, hands and areola. Treatment of the forehead hairline can also improve the appearance and attractiveness of the face. If you have unwanted hair on a body part not mentioned above, just ask us and we'll propose a solution for you.
PL/Laser hair removal is a gentle, safe, quick and effective to remove unwanted hair, with great long lasting results. Most patients report no more discomfort than a quick pinching sensation. Each session reduces the growth, density and thickness of hair at treated sites significantly and incrementally. Due to the natural growth cycles of your hair, four to six treatments spaced six weeks apart are generally required for a completely successful course of laser hair removal or IPL hair removal treatment.
Eliminate the need for messy and painful waxes, shaving and hair removal creams. At The Aesthetic Studio Clinic & Surgery, we use Laser and IPL/BBL photoepilation treatments for quick, safe and virtually painless permanent hair removal.
Permanent Hair Removal Options:IPL/Laser hair removal
IPL/Laser hair removal is a gentle, safe, quick and effective to remove unwanted hair, with great long lasting results. Most patients report no more discomfort than a quick pinching sensation. Each session reduces the growth, density and thickness of hair at treated sites significantly and incrementally. Due to the natural growth cycles of your hair, four to six treatments spaced six weeks apart are generally required for a completely successful course of laser hair removal or IPL hair removal treatment.
Repeated sessions reduce the growth and thickness of hair at treated sites. Laser and IPL hair removal is suitable for most skin and hair tones. Our doctors will prescribe the appropriate treatment based on your needs.
What You Need To Know About BBL Hair Removal
Sciton BBL ® hair removal uses a broadband light to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to routine shaving and waxing. This advanced technology is an improvement over the older, painful hair removal treatments and delivers long-lasting results. The Sciton BBL ® treats more than one hair at a time, making it possible to treat both small areas on the face as well as larger areas such as back, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. During BBL ® hair removal, a cold gel is applied to the treatment area. An anesthetic cream may be applied also to the treatment area, but is usually not necessary. Some patients mention a slight stinging during treatment, comparing the sensation to that of a rubber band snap.
BBL Hair Removal (a type of IPL) Hair removal with Broad Band Light (BBL) is another method of reducing and eliminated unwanted hair. This treatment uses the science of light to significantly reduce hair by targeting and injuring hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin.
HOW DOES BBL HAIR REMOVAL WORKS
BBL is short for Broad Band Light. It is a treatment that removes hair through a process called photo-epilation. This is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, where light energy is absorbed into the target hair follicles while sparing the surrounding, healthy skin tissue. While it is still a light source, BBL works differently than conventional laser systems. Instead, BBL systems use a broad light spectrum of light with wavelengths ranging from 590 to 1200 nm (green, yellow, orange, red and infrared). The wavelengths emit light energy in carefully timed pulses to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. At the same time decreases the risk of skin damage and minimise pain.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED
During the treatment, a gel is applied to the treatment area in order to focus the light energy and cool the top skin layer. A handheld device is then placed on the skin and the treatment begins. The light energy heats and damages the hair follicle, typically causing follicle to stop functioning. BBL technology allows your doctor provide a procedure that is gentle and non-invasive.
BBL systems can also be customised to your specific skin colour, hair colour and hair density. It can be used on a wide range of hair colours, from light brown to dark black hair. It also removes hair from all skin types. Complexions from porcelain white through olive to dark brown. Hair on most parts of the body can be treated, no matter how deep the follicles reside. Sensitive areas like the lips, ears, nose, underarms, and bikini line can usually be easily tolerated.
BBL can also treat very large areas at one time. Approximately 100 to 200 hairs can be treated with each flash of the light. Larger patches of hair on the legs, back and chest can be treated quickly in a single session. It can also be used for small delicate areas as well. Because of the length of time associated with other hair removal treatments, BBL may be a fast way to achieve a hair-free look.
As with other laser procedures, multiple treatment sessions are typically required for long-lasting hair removal.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
Other than keeping the treated area protected from sunlight for a few weeks, you can return to your full, normal routines immediately. Slight redness similar to a mild sunburn may occur. This usually disappears over a few days.
When using BBL for laser hair removal it is very important to be minimise strong sun exposure for minimum 1 month. If you are likely to be tan (e.g. just after a holiday) after being exposed to sunshine, our 1064 NdYAG laser hair removal would be the appropriate choice of systems to be used.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
You may need to be treated from 6-8 times at intervals of 4-6 weeks. There are three phases of hair growth - anagen, catagen and telogen. Only hairs in the active growth phase, anagen, can be successfully treated. Some larger areas of the body may need a few extra treatments.
WHAT SHOULD I DO PRIOR TO A HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
Before an initial BBL hair removal consult, it is best to leave an area unshaved so that our doctors can see what color and texture your hair is, which will help determine if you are a good candidate for hair reduction treatments.
Once it is decided that you are a good candidate for BBL hair removal, for maximum effectiveness it is recommended you shave the area to be treated prior to your BBL hair removal treatment. However, you should avoid waxing, tweezing and bleaching the hair prior to hair removal treatments and during the course of treatment because these grooming activities can decrease the effectiveness of the BBL hair removal treatments. Hair needs to be present in the follicle for laser or BBL treatments to be most effective. Since waxing or plucking pulls hair out of the follicle, recently waxed or plucked areas will not be suitable for treating.Wear comfortable clothing on the day of treatment.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
Post Treatment Response
Hair has three phases of growth: active growth phase, an intermediate non-growth phase, and a resting phase with no hair follicle present. Duration of hair growth cycles vary with the location on the body. The BBL can only eliminate the hair that is currently in an active growth cycle so multiple treatments are necessary over a time span (4-6 week intervals) to remove hair from most areas. Final results may not be apparent for several months post treatment.
Post Treatment Care
Following a BBL hair removal treatment you may experience some redness and slight swelling in the area that has been treated; however, this should subside within a few hours. Any post treatment discomfort may be relieved by Paracetamol or similar mild analgesic.
A cold compress or an ice pack can be used after treatment to provide comfort. You may shower with cool water on the treatment area 8 to 12 hours after your BBL hair removal treatment.
The unwanted hair begins to fall out over one to two weeks. Keep the treated area clean, use a least SPF 35 sunscreen over exposed areas when outdoors, and do not use tanning beds or self tanners while undergoing treatments.
You may shave the treated area after 3 days following a BBL hair removal treatment. Do not pluck or wax or use a chemical exfoliant between treatments. Do NOT shave or trim the treated area for the first 3 days.
If the treated area is irritated, the area should not be rubbed with a face cloth or towel. Avoid scrubbing. The area should be patted dry.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Hair Removal
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BBL/IPL AND LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
BBL (or IPL) is a broad band light that emits energy in consistent and carefully timed pulses. Laser hair removal technology emits light in a sudden burst of energy. BBL hair removal is typically more comfortable than laser hair removal.
2. HOW DOES BBL HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
BBL or IPL hair removal works by emitting pulses of intense light into the targeted hair follicles. The light is then absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and is converted to heat. The heat loosens the hair and disrupts the cells responsible for growing new hair.
3. DOES BBL (IPL) HAIR REMOVAL WORK? IS IT PERMANENT?
Yes, BBL hair removal is very effective at reducing unwanted hair. Although it is more accurate to call Laser hair removal or BBL (IPL) hair removal permanent hair reduction rather than removal. 100% removal cannot be guaranteed with any hair removal technology but significant permanent hair reduction is achieved with BBL hair removal.
BBL hair removal is considered permanent. Once the hair follicle is killed, it can no longer grow.
4. DOES HAIR EVER COME BACK AFTER LASER REMOVAL?
The hair that is in the active growing phase when the Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal treatment is performed does not come back once it is killed, but new hair growth may occur from follicles that were not in the active growing phase and that is the reason why 6-8 sessions are recommended to achieve the hair reduction that patient's desire.
5. ARE HAIRS THAT POP OUT DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENTLY GONE?
Hairs that pop out from the skin after treatment indicates that those hair follicles have been killed and generally do not come back.
6. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE HAIR THAT IS ALREADY GROWING WHEN YOU HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
It is normal for some hair to continue to grow after a BBL hair removal treatment. Some of these hairs are being released from the recently disrupted follicle, and some are from dormant follicles that were not in the active phase at the time of the BBL hair removal treatment. This normal hair cycle is why BBL hair removal consists of 6-8 recommended treatment sessions per treatment area, approximately 4-6 weeks apart depending on the area that is being treated.
7. HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Since hair follicles grow and regrow in a cyclical fashion and only growing follicles are affected by BBL or Laser hair removal treatments, all hair removal technologies require multiple sessions to ensure maximum effectiveness. Typically, patients will need to have 6 – 8 BBL hair removal treatments to achieve their goals, however, depending on the hair texture and color and the patient's skin type several more session at times may be required. Packages of treatments are available.
8. HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE UPPER LIP AREA?
The minimum number of treatments for upper lip hair reduction is 6 to ensure that all hair follicles are treated in the active growth phase, however, typically more than 6 BBL hair removal treatments are necessary for the upper lip because the hair on the face is finer and lighter which may require more treatments.
9. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BBL HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
During the initial hair removal consult, the esthetician will review your medical history including any medications you may be taking, known allergies, sun and tanning exposure history, pregnancy history and any medical conditions you may have.
If there are no contraindications to undergoing BBL hair removal , the doctor/nurse will shave the treatment area if it has not already been shaved, and then will apply a cool, conducting gel to the treatment area to help cool the outer skin layer and to provide optimum skin contact with the BBL treatment head for maximum effectiveness. She will then gently apply the surface of the BBL treatment head in a systematic manner to the entire treatment area. She will periodically ask if you are doing ok and depending on your response and the response she observes as she provides the treatment she will adjust the BBL settings accordingly to achieve the most effective result with the least amount of discomfort.
10. WHAT OCCURS DURING A LASER BIKINI LINE HAIR REMOVAL?
In addition to the above steps for BBL hair removal, the doctor may ask the patient if she would like a topical anesthetic agent for bikini hair removal treatments. Most women do not need a topical numbing agent for bikini hair removal but if the area to be treated is a Brazilian hair removal treatment, most women will opt for a numbing cream to be applied to the treatment area. This is routinely done as long as there are no allergies to the anesthetic agent.
11. HOW LONG DO HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS TAKE?
Smaller areas such as the lip and chin take as little as 5 minutes. Underarms and bikini hair removal treatments take approximately 15 minutes. Larger treatment areas such as the back, arms or legs take longer, from 30 to 45 minutes (for both arms or both legs).
12. IS BBL HAIR REMOVAL SAFE?
Yes, LHR or BBL hair removal is a very safe procedure. The procedure, however, should be as administered in a medical licensed facility by a certified, experienced physician. BBL Hair Removal is safe to be used on all body parts, including the face, neck, décolletage, back, underarms, bikini line, legs and arms.
13. HOW DANGEROUS IS LASER TO THE EYE IF YOU HAVE HAIR REMOVAL?
Light from a laser or broad band light technology can be harmful to the eyes and wearing special safety eyewear is necessary at all times during either a laser or BBL hair removal procedure. When having BBL treatments, protective eyewear is provided to every patient to insure eye safety. The eyewear that is provided is specific to the treatment being done to ensure that proper eyewear is used for the specific wavelength involved in the treatment.
14. DOES BBL HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
LHR or Broad Band Light hair removal is not a pain free procedure, but most patients tolerate the treatments very well with little discomfort. It has been said that the BBL hair removal treatment feels like a band snapping effect or pin pricks with a warm sensation. Treatments are adjusted to each patient's pain tolerance. Laser hair removal is commonly more painful than BBL hair removal.
15. MEDICATIONS TO AVOID BEFORE BBL HAIR REDUCTION TREATMENTS:
Avoid medications or preparations such antibiotics that make your skin more sensitive to light. Additionally, the use of skin care products such as Retin-A, Differin, Renova, glycolic or alpha-hydroxy acid preparations can cause you skin to be more sensitive than normal to light based therapies and should be discontinued a week before BBL treatments.
16. CAN PREGNANT WOMEN UNDERGO LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal, IPL or BBL hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women. There have been no studies evaluating hair removal in pregnant women.
17. HOW EFFECTIVE IS BBL HAIR REMOVAL?
BBL hair removal is a very effective procedure to dramatically and significantly reduce unwanted hair on a permanent basis if patients are properly selected based on their hair color. BBL does not tend to work well on extremely light colored hair.
If you are unsure if you would be a good candidate for BBL hair removal contact our office at (+65) 6737-1100 today and schedule a complimentary hair removal consultation with our experienced esthetician.
18. HOW EFFECTIVE IS BBL HAIR REMOVAL AFTER ONE TREATMENT?
BBL is effective after one treatment but one treatment only will NOT treat all the hair follicles in the treated area because hair grows in 3 different stages. You will see a significant reduction after one treatment, but patients need at least 6 treatments to ensure that all follicles are treated when they are in their active growing phase over the course of a series of treatments. BBL or laser hair removal only works on hair that is in an active growing stage. At any given time an average of 30% of our hair may be at rest. When this hair becomes active again it will grow and further hair removal treatments will be needed.
19. CAN BBL HAIR REMOVAL AFFECT AREAS NOT TREATED?
No, BBL hair removal can not affect non treated areas.
20. HOW MUCH DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL COST?
BBL hair removal treatment costs vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. The Aesthetic Studio Clinic & Surgery has very competitive pricing on all BBL hair removal packages. Call us today at (+65) 6737-1100 to learn more about BBL hair removal treatments and their cost or to schedule a hair removal consultation.
21. WHO DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS?
At the Aesthetic Studio Clinic & Surgery, BBL hair removal can be done by Doctors trained in the use of laser or Broad Band Light (BBL) technology.
22. HOW EFFECTIVE IS BBL HAIR REMOVAL COMPARED TO ELECTROLYSIS?
Electrolysis is effective at removing unwanted hair, however, it is very time consuming since it removes only one hair at a time and typically it is more painful than BBL hair removal.
23. DOES BBL HAIR REMOVAL WORK FOR MEN?
Yes, both are as effective in men or women for reducing unwanted hair.
24. DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK ON THE PUBIC AREA?
BBL hair removal works on all areas of the body that has unwanted hair including the face, chest, abdomen, pubic area,(bikini and brazillian areas), legs, arms, hands and feet.
25. CAN BBL HAIR REMOVAL WORK FOR BLONDE HAIR, OR WHITE HAIRS?
Prospective clients frequently ask "does laser hair removal or BBL hair removal work on blonde hair?" BBL hair removal works best on dark to medium hair color. The lighter the hair the more difficult it is to treat, and this is specifically the case with blonde or white hair.
Since the laser looks for dark pigment to kill the hair follicle, white hair is hard to see, so BBL hair removal is Not recommended for white hair, however it can be effective for gray, coarse hair.
(All Laser, IPL or BBL hair removal technology is poor at treating blonde hair, despite what some hair removal companies suggest.)
26. CAN YOU GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON PUBIC HAIR, BUTTOCKS, SCOTUM?
You can undergo BBL hair removal on any part of the body that has hair including the pubic and buttock areas..
27. CAN YOU HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON HEAD HAIR?
Yes you can have laser hair or BBL hair removal done on head hair, but keep in mind, it is considered to be permanent.
28. CAN YOU REMOVE YOUR FOREHEAD BABY HAIR BY LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
No, vellous hair (baby fine hair) cannot be removed by laser or IPL/BBL technology.
29. CAN A WOMAN GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON THEIR CHEST?
Yes, it is safe to get laser hair removal or BBL hair removal on the décolletage and breast areas.
30. CAN LASER HAIR REMOVAL BE DONE TO THE ENTIRE VAGINAL AREA?
LHR or BBL hair removal can be done on the area of the external female genitalia, in the area that Brazilian waxes treat.
31. WILL LASER HAIR REMOVAL HARM TATTOOS?
BBL hair removal is not indicated in areas of tattoos since the laser looks for pigment, and may cause burns in the area of a tattoo or cause fading of the tattoo.
32. HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BETWEEN HAIR REMOVAL SESSIONS?
It varies depending on the location of the body but typically at 4 to 6 week intervals.
33. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE DOCTOR IS PROPERLY REMOVING HAIR DURING HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS?
Clients frequently ask how you know if laser hair removal or BBL hair removal is working during the hair removal session. Your doctor will monitor the response you have to the treatment. Patients with coarse hair may experience edema (swelling) around the hair follicles which is called peri-follicular edema or sometimes referred to as a "chicken skin appearance". Peri-follicular edema is a sign that the hair follicle has been affected and is a measure that the treatment is successful.
Another sign that the hair removal treatment is working is a slight odor when the hair follicle is being destroyed.
34. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR BBL HAIR REMOVAL IS DONE RIGHT?
For hair removal treatments that are effective you should notice a reduction in the amount of hair and the coarseness of the hair immediately after the first treatment. You won't have to shave as much and you may have less problems with razor burn or ingrown hairs. As the next treatment date approaches you will then notice more hair which reflects new hair growth in follicles that were dormant during the previous treatment.
35. CAN I SUNBATHE BEFORE OR AFTER BBL HAIR REMOVAL?
No, you should avoid sunbathing, tanning beds and self tanning products prior to and after BBL hair removal treatments because this technology looks for color (pigment) and this could put you at risk for complications such as burning the skin if you are tan.
36. CAN I SHAVE BEFORE A LASER HAIR REMOVAL CONSULT?
Before an initial BBL hair removal consult, it is best to leave an area unshaved so that the esthetician can see what color and texture your hair is, which will help determine if you are a good candidate for hair reduction therapies.
Once it is decided that you are a good candidate for BBL hair removal, for maximum effectiveness it is recommended you shave the area to be treated prior to your BBL hair removal treatment. However, you should avoid waxing, tweezing and bleaching the hair prior to hair removal treatments and during the course of treatment because these grooming activities can decrease the effectiveness of the Laser or BBL hair removal treatments. Hair needs to be present in the follicle for laser or BBL treatments to be most effective. Since waxing or plucking pulls hair out of the follicle, recently waxed or plucked areas will not be suitable for treating.
37. CAN I LEAVE A LITTLE BIT OF STUBBLE BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Generally a little stubble is recommended so the laser can see the hair follicle better, but no more than the thickness of your fingernail.
38. CAN I SHAVE AFTER BBL?
You may shave the treated area after 3 days following a BBL hair removal treatment, but do not pluck or wax or use a chemical exfoliate between hair removal treatments. Following BBL hair removal treatments the skin in the treated area may be a bit sensitive so it is best NOT to shave or trim the treated area for the first 3 days.
39. ARE INFECTIONS COMMON AFTER HAIR REMOVAL?
Infections are not usual after BBL hair removal treatments; however herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following treatments in both individuals with a prior history of oral herpes simplex (sometimes referred to as "fever blisters") and in individuals with no prior history of the virus. Should an oral herpes infection occur our physicians can prescribe an antiviral agent such as Acylovir.
40. AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL MY LEGS ARE REALLY RED, IS THIS NORMAL?
Erythema, or redness in the area of hair removal treatment may occur. Generally, the redness will only last several hours. Additionally, edema (or swelling) may occur around the hair follicles and is called peri-follicular edema and is a sign that the hair follicle has been successfully treated in coarse-haired individuals.
41. CAN YOU DEVELOP HIVES FROM LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Uticaria (itching) or a hive-like appearance is also associated with the thermal light affecting the surrounding skin following a BBL hair removal procedure. These symptoms usually subside in a few to several hours. A cool compress placed on the area provides comfort. The treated area should be cared for delicately for at least 12 hours following BBL hair removal; limited activity is advised as well as no hot tubs, steam, sauna, or shower use during this time.
True allergic systemic reactions are rare.
42. CAN LASER HAIR REMOVAL CAUSE CANCER?
Laser hair removal has never been shown to cause cancer.
43. DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL OR BBL HAIR REMOVAL WORK ON PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)?
Yes, Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal are effective hair reduction therapies for women with PCOS who deal with the problem of hirsutism or unwanted hair growth. Many women we treat who have PCOS are quite pleased with the results of BBL hair removal. It is advised that women with PCOS should consult their primary care provider regarding medications to help keep their hormones in a more normal state so that new hair growth will be minimised.
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