Other Treatments
IPL Hair removal
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a long term hair removal solution that can improve your self confidence and quality of life. Imagine not having to shave, tweeze, wax or experience the discomfort and inconvenience of electrolysis again...
Lumenis One is the most advanced and effective intense pulsed light (IPL) technology for long term hair removal. The Lumenis one IPL offers a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, chest, bikini line (including the ‘Brazilian’ area) or any other location on the body where there is dark hair growth. Lumenis One's unique design offers individualised treatment according to your hair colour, texture and location of body hair. Any hair with at least some pigment in it (black, brown and red) can be treated effectively.
How does the Lumenis One remove hair?
IPL treatments involve the emission of a wide spectrum of multiple wavelengths of light energy that are able to isolate, heat destroy and treat a number of different structures in the skin. Hair follicles below the surface of the skin contain pigment (melanin) that selectively absorbs the particular wavelength of light. The absorbed light then heats the hair, which damages or destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle all without damaging the surrounding tissues. By using a large spectrum multiple wavelength beam (unlike lasers that use just one wavelength) IPL is able to provide superior and permanent hair follicle destruction.
What is involved with a Lumenis One hair removal treatment?
It is important to avoid sun exposure or fake tan for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment. A few days prior to treatment, it is advisable to shave the target area. If you have been waxing you must wait at least one month before proceeding to IPL hair removal to ensure that the hair follicles are receptive to the pulsed light.
During the treatment, a cold gel is applied to the skin then the IPL handpiece emits pulses of light to the target area. This feels similar to the snap of a rubber band. No local anaesthesia is require as most people tolerate the treatment well. The Lumenis One handpiece also has a refrigerated cooling system built within so that it actually cools the skin during the treatment, allowing for maximum penetration and maximum skin protection. Treatment time with the Lumenis One machine is superior and quick due to the large and effective treatment head. After treatment, clients will need to avoid sun exposure for one month and use a sunscreen for several months.
What kind of results should I expect and how many treatments will I require?
There is no such thing as completely permanent hair removal with any machine or any type of treatment. IPL will cause a dramatic and permanent hair reduction, with remaining hair regrowth becoming finer and lighter. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your specific kind of hair and skin. Each person's hair growth pattern is different. IPL is most effective during the active stage of hair growth. Hence most IPL hair removal treatments begin at 4 – 6 weekly intervals. Treatment intervals may be changed as hair regrowth becomes finer and lighter in colour.
Are there any restrictions to treatment?
IPL is attracted to melanin pigment deeply concentrated in the actively growing bulb of the hair follicle. Hence this treatment is ineffective on blonde and light ginger hair as their follicles do not contain melanin.
IPL hair removal cannot be performed during pregnancy or lactation. Nor can it be done on recently suntanned (including fake tans) or sun over-exposed skin. Similarly, dark skin (Fitzpatricks 4 and above) cannot be treated with this technology as the melanin content in the skin is too high and there is a risk of burning. Certain medications will also interfere with IPL treatment by increasing the skin's sensitivity to light exposure. It is important to discuss your drug and medication history with your clinician.
Lumenis One IPL hair removal technology is at the forefront of permanent hair reduction.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, is a debilitating condition that affects three percent of the population. When sweating is extreme, it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, stressful and disabling. Excessive sweating can disrupt all aspects of a person's life, from career choices and recreational activities to emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.
Sweat is the body's temperature regulator. In hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body's normal requirements for cooling, sometimes four to five times more than is necessary or normal. This uncontrolled sweating can occur in various parts of the body including the hands, feet, or underarms.
Previously, a complicated surgical procedure known as a sympathectomy was the only remedy. Now there is a simple solution using a well known clinically approved injectable medication to correct excessive sweating. Due to the Therapeutic Goods Administration we are unable to name this medication.
The medication (also a popular wrinkle relaxing treatment) is commonly injected in the underarms to stop the activity of the sweat glands responsible for excessive sweating. The treatment takes no more than 20 minutes and is very well tolerated. Patients experience the benefits of less or no sweat in the underarms within days. The amount of time the injected medication remains effective may vary with the individual, however, 8 months is the average duration. It is advised to repeat the treatment when your symptoms return.
The ‘no sweat’ hyperhidrosis treatment is a simple, cost effective, nonsurgical solution for excessive sweating that will relieve embarrassment and restore self confidence.
Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)
Sclerotherapy is the injection of superficial spider veins and facial capillaries or telangiectases with a sclerosant solution. This chemical solution irritates the lining of the blood vessels causing them to collapse and eventually disappear.
Unsightly ‘thread’ or ‘spider veins’ on the legs are a common complaint of many women. They are usually asymptomatic, but in some women can cause pain or discomfort. Most often, they are just an embarrassment and limit the choice of clothing. They may be red or blue and occur singly or in clusters, giving them the appearance of a bruise.
Causative factors include oestrogen, a female hormone, which means most women will get them to a certain extent and may be evident during puberty, pregnancy or if undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Genetic factors also play a significant role, as does occupations involving prolonged standing. Trauma can be another precipitant - perhaps you can remember a tennis ball hitting you just at the site of a cluster of veins. Whatever the cause, they don't go away of their own accord.
Injecting the vessels with a sclerosant solution using very fine needles is the treatment of choice. Many vessels are injected during each treatment session which lasts approximately 20 - 30 minutes. Some pain or discomfort may be experienced with the treatment, however this subsides rapidly. More than one treatment session is usually required to achieve a significant improvement. The veins fade gradually over the ensuing weeks and further treatment may be performed in 4 weeks.
Bandages are worn for 48 hours following each treatment session. It is then helpful to wear a light support pantihose for a couple of weeks afterwards.
Sclerotherapy is also an effective treatment for facial telangiectases. These facial capillaries are aggravated by extremes of temperature, alcohol and hot drinks. The application of a local anaesthetic cream on the face prior to treatment will reduce any pain or discomfort. An ice pack will reduce any bruising or irritation after treatment.
Following sclerotherapy treatment, some pin-prick marks, bruising or red raised skin irritation is to be expected, settling after a few days. Skin damage due to the solution is very uncommon. Pigmentation (brown lines or spots) at the sites of treated blood vessels may result when blood escapes the treated veins. This happens infrequently and will usually fade with time.
After a number of years, new veins may appear in the treatment area as the causative factors are still at play. After all, we haven't stopped you being a female! These may be treated when convenient.
