How does the system work?

The energy from the light source is taken up by the pigments (Melanin and Haemoglobin) in the skin, hairs and blood vessels. Selective filtration makes the energy uptake specific for melanin (600 to 950 nanometres) or haemoglobin (530 to 950 nanometres); thus the system can be used for hair removal, vascular lesions and pigmented lesions.
Hair removal is accomplished by the generation of heat from light in the melanin, which is then transferred to the hair follicle (root). Pulse times of this applied light have been chosen to destroy the hair follicle by heating for at least 1millisecond (one thousandth of a second) to 70 degrees centigrade.

Why is gel used?

It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment to assure an optimal optical transmission of light from the applicator to the skin. The gel also provides a cooling effect

How is the treatment carried out?

The Applicator (hand-piece) is placed in contact with the skin surface and the light pulsed through it onto the skin. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated.

Does it hurt?

As the light energy is absorbed by the pigments (melanin and haemoglobin), the pain depends upon the concentration of melanin in the epidermis and the hairs combined. Consequently it hurts more in dark skinned people and those with dense, dark hairs.

No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the pain as moderate and acceptable (as if a rubber band is snapped against the skin).

Does the patient need to shave prior to treatment?

Hairs should be 1 to 2mm long when the patient comes in for treatment so it is possible to mark out the treatment area. Long hairs take up the energy and prevent all of it reaching the hair follicle.
Therefore hair is trimmed just before treatment for maximum transmission of the energy. If the hair is normally shaved and can be seen when shaven then patients can shave right up to the day of treatment although plucking and bleaching should not be done. By avoiding epilation and waxing 4 weeks before treatment it ensures as many follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light.

Why do hairs 'grow' after treatment?

Contrary to other treatments, hairs are not vaporised by the Pulsar treatment, the hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the skin and often become attached to the epidermis.
They will fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing as the epidermis pushes them out.

How many treatments are necessary?

Only hair in the growth phase can be treated. The number of hairs in this phase varies from 10 to 70% depending on the body site. The lengths of the growth cycles also vary. For most patients 4 to 8 treatments is sufficent to remove virtually all hairs.  However this can vary depending on hair colour,density of hair and treatment area.  Treatments are usually spread either one, two, or three months apart depending on the area.
After the first treatment most patients get a significant reduction in hair density also new grown hairs tend to become finer. It is important to know that the first treatment is believed to synchronise the anagen (growth) phase of the non-anagen hairs. This may cause what seems to be re-growth but which is actually just the sleeping hairs starting to grow at the same time (new growth). This in turn makes the next treatment(s) more effective.

How do I prepare for treatment?

Patients should avoid tanning 1 month ahead of and during the entire treatment scenario to avoid excessive discomfort from excessive light absorption in the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light and strong sunlight should be avoided for 4-5 days.

How long does a treatment take?

The facial treatment usually takes 10 minutes whereas both legs and an entire back take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is it permanent?

Most authorities would agree that using current laser and light technology it is possible to permanently remove hair. Histology studies have found destroyed and denatured hair follicle cells post treatment. A recent study showed that the percentage reduction in hairs after one treatment at 9 weeks was 52.6%