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VENUS CENTRE VEIN CLINIC - Dr Chris Lekich

• Veins and Treatment - The Facts
• Making an Appointment
• Micro Sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous Laser Ablation
• Graduated Compression Stockings
• Who should treat your veins

COSMETIC

• Anti-Wrinkle Injection Treatment
• Dermal Fillers
• Hyperhidrosis
• Laser Hair Reduction
• Venus Disclaimer

BEAUTY

• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical Peels
• Waxing
• Lashes
• Hot Stone Massage
• Remedial Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Rationale Products

CHILD MINDING

LASER HAIR REDUCTION

What is this Procedure?

Laser Hair Reduction is a process by which a white light laser is used to reduce and retard the growth of hair in the affected area. The laser is absorbed largely by melanin, which is found at the base of each hair shaft. The absorption then helps retard the hair growth from the root. Most patients feel a tingling sensation during treatment that is easily tolerated.

What are optimal results?

As a result of treatment, you should see an 80% or greater reduction in hair growth. Treatment is successful on most clients but individual results may vary.

Who can have Treatment?

The success of treatment is dependant upon both your skin type and hair color. Dark skin may not be treatable, with waxing as another option for hair reduction.

In our experience, permanent hair reduction cannot be achieved by all clients. The majority of clients in this category are those who are female and have fine facial hair, or members of both sexes who are experiencing varying levels of hormonal activity. Females with hormone imbalances or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are recommended to consult an Endocrinologist for evaluation and possible medical treatment prior to Laser Hair Reduction. Such clients tend to have excess hair growth secondary to their medical condition and may require both medical treatment as well as continual Laser treatment in order to achieve the best results possible.

Some clients want to have the full course of treatment, while others prefer to reduce hair growth to achieve comfort eg reduction of heat in summer. Usually clients who commence treatment under the age of 25 or during puberty may require additional treatments. Clients who leave a long period of time between treatments will not achieve optimum results.

What skin and hair type is this procedure the most successful on?

Permanent hair reduction is most successful on clients with fair skin and dark hair. Usually coarse hair responds better to treatment than fine hair.

How many treatments do I need?

Most clients require between 4 to 8 treatments to achieve optimal results. Some other clients need further treatments. This will be dependant on both your skin type and hair color, with a full cost estimate available on the first consultation. Usually 6 treatments are required to permanently reduce the hair, with the timing of these dependant on the growth cycle of the hair. Best results are obtained on clients who have follow up treatment immediately after the hair starts to grow. For areas above the neck this normally occurs within 4 - 6 weeks after laser treatment, with all other areas this normally occurs within 8 - 10 weeks of the last treatment.

At the VenusCentre, if you require more than 6 treatments, then the 7th is free of charge.

Do I need to do anything before I have treatment?

Yes

• Stay out of the sun for at least one month before treatment and always use sun block with an SPF factor of 30+. Application of sun block covers accidental sun exposure such as driving, exercising outdoors and that incurred during normal activity.
• Sun exposure before and after treatment can affect your results, increase the risk of hyper/hypo pigmentation and burns.
• Do not wax or bleach for at least one month before and during treatment, you may however, shave in between treatments. Please ask your clinician whether shaving the day prior to treatment is an option.
• Do not use Retin A for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Do not use Roaccutane for at least 6 months prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment Care for Laser Hair Reduction

• Apply the soothing gel (available from our clinic) to the treated area twice per day for 3-4 days.
• Redness is common for a couple of hours and up to a few days after treatment, and is a natural response. This is of no concern but can indicate that treatment is effective. Regular application of the soothing gel will dramatically improve recovery time.
• Until redness has subsided, avoid the following:
• Use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliants or creams (Retin-A and AHA) and aggressive scrubbing of the treated area with loofah sponges.
• Extremes of water temperatures: wash in tepid water.
• Shaving.
• Swimming in pools/spas with multiple chemicals or chlorine.
• Activities that cause excessive sweating and perspiration.
• In the unusual case of crusting or swelling of the treated area, apply the soothing gel. Please advise us of this immediately. Do not pick the skin in these areas as it may lead to infection.
• For a period of up to 2-4 weeks after treatment, the hair in the treated area may have the appearance of stubble. This is not new hair growth but is the remnant of treated hair being expelled from the follicle. Allow this hair to fall away from the skin by gently rubbing with a warm wet washcloth. You may shave during this period.