Laser Hair Removal

Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal works by destroying the cells responsible for hair growth. The underlying process is called 'selective photothermolysis' ('photo' means 'light' and 'thermolysis' means 'breakdown of molecules by the action of heat').

During the treatment, a laser emits a specific low-intensity light wavelength that is absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the basal stem cells in the follicle. These cells are critical for hair growth - without them, new hair will not appear, so your skin will continue to look smooth for months at a time.

Depending on your skin type, one of two light wavelengths are used:

Lighter skin types (I – III): Alexandrite laser (755 nm)

The Alexandrite is one of the most widely used hair removal lasers. Operating at a shorter wavelength of 755 nm (near infrared), it is best suited for treating lighter skin types.

Light skin is firstly treated with a short pulse width of 10 msec. Once the hair becomes finer, a more aggressive pulse width (5 msec) is used.

Thicker hair requires a lower fluence than finer hair. As a general starting point, thicker hair is treated at 20 joules / cm², reducing to as low as 15 joules / cm² for denser areas (e.g. men's facial hair).

The largest possible spot size (18 mm) is used to increase efficacy. Repetition rates over 1 Hz may be chosen depending on your level of comfort.

Darker skin types (IV-VI): Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm)

A longer wavelength, combined with a longer pulse width, is more suitable for darker skin types. As such, the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is used for skin types IV-VI.

In general, we begin with a pulse width of 30 msec and a repetition rate of 1-1.5 Hz. 30 joules / cm² is the default fluence, but this can be reduced to 20 joules / cm² for thicker hair.

The spot size is determined by the size of the treatment area. For example, a smaller spot size of 10 mm may be used on areas like the face, bikini, and underarms, while a larger spot size of 15 mm might be used on your legs.

There are many different types of laser hair treatments, with variation in performance, safety, and price. Cynosure® is generally regarded as one of the best laser manufacturers in the world, providing laser technologies at the cutting-edge of modern science.

Cynosure® Elite laser, used at VL Aesthetics, is clinically proven and cleared by the FDA. The machine allows for a wide range of power settings and pulse widths so as to achieve optimal results - something that other lasers with fixed parameters are not able to do.

The Cynosure® laser treatment can remove hair from any part of your face or body, including your upper lip, chin, legs, underarms, bikini, arms, chest, and back.

Women usually choose to treat their bikini area, legs, underarms, and face, while men commonly choose their chest, back, and beard / neck area.

Treatments can take from 15 minutes to 75 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.

The length of the results can vary from person to person. In some cases, hair is removed permanently and no more laser treatments are necessary. In other cases, a maintenance treatment might be required every 3 months.

At your Free Consultation, we’ll talk you through the results you can expect.

Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal is clinically proven and cleared by the FDA - a status attributed to only the most effective products. The treatment works on all skin types, including light and dark skin. You must be over the age of 18 to have the procedure.

Very safe. Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal is FDA cleared - a status attributed to only the safest products.

However, although the treatments are very safe, they are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, people who have recently had certain facial procedures, or people with particular allergies.

We carry out a full medical assessment before starting your treatment, so if you are not suitable, we will find out before your treatment begins.

Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal is generally quite painless, but its effects can vary from person to person - some patients describe a range of sensations during the treatment, from tingling to the snapping of a rubber band.

Perifollicular Oedema, or hair follicle swelling, is a perfectly natural side effect of every laser hair removal treatment. In 90% of patients, the swelling will disappear after about 15 minutes. In very rare cases, it might last for several days and cause itching. If this does occur, we recommend alleviating the symptoms with Aloe Vera or 1% hydrocortisone cream.

We do not recommend Cynosure® Laser Hair Removal if you use fake tan, your skin is currently unnaturally tanned, or if you are planning a sunny holiday during your programme. This is because, for the treatment to work correctly, your skin tone should stay consistent from your first session to the last.

When you start your laser treatments, your skin tone is evaluated and a baseline laser setting is selected specifically for this tone. After each session, the settings are optimised depending on the results of the previous session. If however, you happen to go on holiday to the sun, use sunbeds, or apply a self-tanner in between your sessions, this will alter your skin tone and will cause the skin to react differently to the new settings, thereby affecting the results of your treatment.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments work in similar ways - they both use selective photothermolysis to destroy the basal stem cells in the follicles, thereby inhibiting hair regrowth.

However, IPL treatments do not utilise a specific low-intensity light wavelength - the beam used during an IPL treatment is composed from a large range of wavelengths, including high-intensity wavelengths. As such, IPL treatments cannot apply the fluence and pulse widths required for optimal selective photothermolysis, making them much less effective than lasers - Eventually, IPL will provide similar results, but it will take much longer, and the results will not last as long.

Yes. At your Free Consultation we can organise a payment plan that suits you.