Permanent Hair Reduction

The ELOS hair removal system is used for the removal of unwanted hair. Treatment sessions are performed with the Aurora device which uses ELOS technology, a combination of two different types of energy – light and radio frequency. Both of these ranges supplement each other and together provide selective thermolysis to the targeted areas.

Light is selectively absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. This raises the temperature of the hair follicles and destroys them without damaging skin. On average, hair in the treated area will fall out within 1-3 weeks. Not all hair follicles are destroyed in one treatment. Those in the growth phase are more susceptible, whilst those in the resting phase are less susceptible. As hair cycles through growth and resting phases, several treatments are required to catch the hairs during the correct phase, generally 4 – 6 weeks apart.

Blonde hair can be treated with the Aurora, unlike most other hair removal systems. This is because the Aurora has a Radio Frequency component as well as Light Frequency. As blonde hair has no pigment to absorb the light we are relying solely on the Radio Frequency to destroy the hair by sending an arc through the hair follicle. The radio frequency alone is not as effective in hair removal as combining it with Light Frequency. This means more sessions are required, but there has been good feedback on reduction of blonde and downey type hair.

Cycle Of Hair Growth:

All hair growth has three phases - Anagen (growth), Catagen (Transition) and Telogen (Resting). The length of these phases varies for different parts of the body. Hair can only be successfully treated in the Anagen phase, hence the need for multiple treatment to achieve maximum hair loss.

The numer of treatments needed depends on the hair colour and location on the body.

What To Expect Immediately After Treatment:

• Redness and heat usually appear immediately following treatment. This will subside within a few hours. You will need to apply ice-packs to the treated area immediately after and at regular intervals for the rest of the day. Swelling, if it occurs at all, usually happens the following morning, and in most cases will subside within 1 - 5 days.
  
• Areas of pigmentation in the treated area may initially darken, then lighten as the skin sheds (7 - 14 days). People with dark skin may lose some pigment or have increased pigment in the treated area. This will be temporary but may last several months to a year.
  
• In very rare cases, the treated area may blister or crust. This will usually heal in about 5-10 days without scarring unless rubbed or picked. If blistering does occur, please contact the clinic. We may prescribe an antibiotic ointment.
  
  
• Your skin will be fragile for the first 3 - 4 days. Take special care when cleansing the skin during this time. Avoid using facial/body scrubs, washcloths or buff puffs.

In all cases it is imperative to use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day to prevent further damage. We have a selection of sunscreen and skin care products that can be purchased from the Skin Institute. Your consulting nurse can give you advice and start you on a suitable skin care regime for your skin type and requirements.

People with sun tanned or sun burnt skin cannot be treated for at least a month.

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