- 42 Chalmers St Dunfermline KY12 8DF
- 01383 733363
Q-Switched Lasers that generate a high-powered beam of laser light in an extremely short pulse are the most suitable lasers for tattoo removal treatments. The very short pulse of high-powered laser light is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, breaking them down into smaller pieces, enabling your natural immune defenses to absorb and disperse the ink. A gradual fading of the tattoo occurs over a series of treatments.
How is the treatment carried out?
The skin will be cleaned and then the laser applicator is passed over the tattoo releasing quick pulses of light. An audible ‘clicking’ noise is often heard as the ink particles shatter. After treatment, a soothing lotion and a light dressing may be applied. During treatment, protective eyewear will be provided.
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. Change to skin texture and scarring is possible, though uncommon, and is more likely if any grazes are not allowed to heal naturally. There may be a loss of the natural tanning ability in the area treated, which usually improves with time.
Treatment time varies depending upon the size of the tattoo but generally is between 10 – 30 minutes.
Why get laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the most effective method of hair removal available that can be used almost anywhere on the face and body. Unlike other methods such as waxing and shaving laser hair removal gives long-lasting results. The hair will become finer and softer meaning less visible and the growth will slow down more and more with each treatment.
How does it work?
Our laser emits a beam of intense light that is attracted to colour. In the case of laser hair removal, it is attracted to the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The energy is absorbed and converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles that produce hairs. This damage slows and eventually stops future hair growth.
Is it permanent?
While many other services will say that Laser hair removal is permanent at Julia Hart Skin Clinic we insist on being open and honest with our clients. Laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods however it usually isn’t permanent. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well.
Am I suitable?
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types. No laser is suitable for white or grey hair.
The laser converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle, the heat can feel like a quick, sharp pain which is more painful on thinner skin. Pain can be worse when body temp is raised so don't do any excessive exercise immediately before your appointment and try not to run late as this may cause an elevation in your temperature. We have a cooling system that directs cool air right where the laser is pointing and also precools the skin. This is found to be very helpful in reducing any discomfort.
Two or three weeks after your first treatment you should start noticing a difference in the amount of hair present. It can take around 6 treatments to see the full result but occasionally you may need a course of 8. Speak to our therapist about how often you attend appointments as this will offer the best reduction in hair growth as it will target your hair follicles during different stages of their growth.
The skin must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours before the treatment. We don't recommend Electric razors as the hair is usually still left too long.
Do not tweeze, wax, pluck or use depilatory creams on the area to be treated. Only shave the area.
The treatment area needs to be clean and free from makeup, lotion, deodorant, and sun cream.
The skin should not be exposed to sun or sunbeams 4 weeks before treatment.
Fake tanning products should not be used 3-4 weeks before treatment and should be thoroughly exfoliated 2/3 days before treatment to remove any trace of the fake tan.
The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours so no gym, saunas, hot showers, or sunbathing. Ignoring this increases the risk of creating spots by creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply leading to spots or skin breakdown.
Not usually however the most common reason for stimulated hair growth is when a certain type of finer hair, known as vellus hairs is stimulated. This is why we do not recommend laser hair removal for fine downy hair on the face.
Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided 2 days before and after treatment. Stronger retinol should be avoided for 5 days. chemical peels should be avoided 2 week prior to and after laser
Avoid natural or fake tanning 1-2 weeks after laser.
Broken capillaries/ spider veins/ facial telangiectasia
Broken capillaries (also known as spider veins, or facial telangiectasia) are little red thread-like blood vessels that are visible on your skin. They aren’t broken per se – they develop when the walls of blood vessels that lie very close to the surface of your skin weaken and expand, so they become more visible.
Causes include sun damage, rubbing, extreme temperatures, harsh skin care treatments, and irritation. Combined with a predisposition towards them forming (genetics, pregnancy, rosacea, or any other number of conditions) and the chances of them developing at some point during your life increases.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any effective over-the-counter treatments for broken capillaries. IPL treatments, available now in our Dunfermline clinic, are the safest and most effective way to treat them.
IPL for Rosacea
Rosacea is a common and chronic skin condition that can present in numerous different ways. The common presentation is redness, increased sensitivity, and visibly broken blood vessels on your face. More rarely small, pus-filled bumps can also present.
Lasers are very effective at reducing many of the signs and symptoms associated with Rosacea. They work by using the heat from wavelengths of light to collapse the visible, tiny red blood vessels.
Redness is reduced, the skin becomes less reactive and more tolerant, and as a bonus, IPL also triggers the production of collagen resulting in the improvement of overall skin texture.
IPL also helps to alleviate pustular rosacea.
Acne and IPL
If you have acne and you are looking tried and tested solution to get rid of it, then IPL may be the solution you need. With just a few sessions, IPL treatments can clear up even the most extreme cases of facial acne.
Each treatment begins with a protective cooling gel being applied to the targeted area. This will help keep the top layer of the skin safe from the heat without preventing the IPL flashes from penetrating the skin.
The IPL device is pressed to the treated area and a flash of light is emitted into the skin. The tip is moved along the skin, emitting a flash at every different point. The treatment ends with the skin being wiped clean and the patient given a post-treatment product to help with the healing process.
With alternatives like oral antibiotics that can be harmful to some patients, IPL therapy is a safe and easy option for acne removal. We also recommend a consultation with Julia or Sherri to help guide you through a treatment plan to ensure you have amazing long term results – and BEAUTIFUL SKIN!