Faq's and aftercare

How does it work?

The Lightsheer Diode system is designed to remove unwanted hair through selective photothermolysis. The process involves local selective absorption of an intense light pulse at wavelengths that are absorbed by the desired targets (hair follicles) but not by the surrounding tissue.

What does the consultation and test patch involve?

The consultation involves watching a short audio presentation about the treatment and then a laser operator will examine your skin and hair type for suitability. A test patch is carried out to determine the best treatment settings and to avoid over-dosing the skin. If any adverse effects are experienced on the test patch area, we may need to re-assess your treatment programme.

Who carries out the treatment?

All of our treatments are carried out by fully qualified laser practitioners. Each operator will have passed an in-house examination on laser hair reduction and completed the Core of Knowledge training, which focuses on Health and Safety issues. Our clinic is medically supervised by registered nurses who are accredited with a BTEC in laser hair reduction.

How do I know if I am suitable for laser treatment?

Because the laser targets pigment, the hair ideally should be dark. The laser does not work on white, grey or blonde hair, and is less effective on very fine/vellus dark hair. (in these cases a course of electrolysis would be advised instead). We can treat fair, Mediterranean and Asian skin types providing the hair is darker than the surrounding skin.

Any medical conditions can be discussed with our nurse at your consultation.

Will all of the hair be permanently removed in one session?

No, because hair grows in different cycles. Only the hair in the growing stage (anagen stage) is in the hair follicle and it is only hair in the anagen stage that causes damage to the hair follicle.

Most people will need a course of about 6 treatments. Follicles that have been permanently damaged will not produce any more hair.

How often will I need treating?

After a treatment the treated hairs take about 2 weeks to shed from the skin. Re-growth then usually occurs at about 4 weeks later, so we recommend that each treatment is about 6 weeks apart. This may vary depending on the treatment area.

How long does a treatment take?

The Lightsheer Diode System has a 1.2 cm x 1.2 cm tip so many hairs are treated at a time. A bikini line can take as little as 15 minutes and a top lip less than a minute. Larger areas such as full legs or back and shoulders can take up to 1 hour per session.

Does it hurt?

Everyone's pain threshold is different. As treatment settings vary according to individual skin and hair types, so do the levels of discomforts. Most people can tolerate the sensation. At Bodilight we can provide the option of a topical anaesthetic. This will be discussed at your initial consultation.

Can I still wax between treatments?

You cannot remove hair from the follicle between treatments (e.g. waxing, plucking, threading etc). Shaving and / or trimming is allowed.

Are there any side effects?

Immediate redness and some swelling to the skin are short term side effects following each treatment and this usually settles within a few hours. There may be a fine superficial brown scale or gravel rash to the skin and this can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks before completely disappearing.

Less common side effects are:

Hypopigmentation - (whitening of skin). This is rare and may take several months to fade.
Hyperpigmentation - (darkening of the skin), which can take months to disappear.
Mottling - (capillary matting) can occur in fair skin types where very high powers may be necessary and the effects may be long lasting.

Is there anything I should avoid before and during my treatment course?

Do your best to minimise sun exposure to the area being treated, recent sun exposure can put your skin at risk. If we have to postpone your treatment, because we will not be able to treat you until your tan has faded, hair reduction may be less effective. Sun exposure includes sun beds and self-tanning creams.

The pigment melanin that the laser targets is also found in the skin. Melanin production is stimulated by sun exposure.

Do not apply aggravating creams to the skin before or in the course of treatment, this includes glycolic acid (Aha creams) and Retin-A cream. Also be sure to tell us if you have been taking any tablets for acne such as Roaccutane, for any period in the year before treatment.

Is the treatment safe?

The treatment is approved by the DFA, who have deemed it safe. Our clinic is registered with the Healthcare Commission, a governing body responsible for monitoring independent hospitals and clinics in the UK. The light produced by the laser is in the infra-red end of the light spectrum as opposed to the UV end. This type of light is non-carcinogenic. Lasers have been used in the medical profession for 15 years and no long-term side effects have been reported.

48 hours after treatment you should:

Avoid perfume, body lotions, after-shave, make-up and deodorant. You may use Tea-tree deodorant which is free from alcohol, perfume and aluminium. This can be purchased in the clinic.
Avoid heat treatments such as hot baths or showers, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis.
Use an aftercare product such as Tea-tree hand and body lotion or aloe vera gel which can be purchased at the clinic.
Avoid restrictive clothing or excess friction on the area.
Avoid cardiovascular exercise and swimming as the chemicals in the water may cause irritation
Avoid facial and body treatments until the skin has returned to normal.
Do not apply ice-packs as this can shock and traumatise the skin.
Notify the clinic of any change in medical conditions, medication or pregnancy.
Do not hesitate to call us if you have any adverse reactions

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to solve your unwanted hair problems. Our popularity depends upon very low pricing without sacrificing the quality of treatment.

If you have any queries or comments please do not hesitate to contact the clinic. If you are pleased with our service and your results please ask about our voucher referral scheme for friends & family.