FAQs on Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can liberate you from a lifetime of plucking, waxing and shaving. Dr Tan Hiok Hee of Thomson Specialist Skin Centre, explains more about laser therapy and available hair removal Singapore treatments.

Why are some people hairier than others?

Body hair is normal and plays a part in regulating our temperature. But some people are hairier than others (men are usually hairier than women) simply because they develop more androgenic hair. Some other reasons include hormone imbalance, genetics, going through pregnancy or menopause. Usually there is no underlying medical cause, however, in rare cases, it may be due to medications taken. If excess body hair is a concern for you, going for laser hair removal in Singapore is one of your options. Speak to us to find out more

What are the hair removal treatments available in Singapore?

There are many types of hair removal treatments in Singapore, ranging from traditional ones such as waxing to more advanced ones such as laser hair removal.

Temporary methods of hair removal include shaving, waxing, application of depilatory creams and plucking. The hair will grow back because the follicles and hair roots are not affected during the process. For many people, these methods are perfectly fine. In some patients, however, frequent shaving or plucking can result in irritation to the skin.

Permanent methods of hair removal result in destruction of the follicles and hair roots. Thomson Specialist Skin Centre uses the Gentlemax laser system. This form of laser hair removal makes use of an intense light source of a specific wavelength (long pulsed Nd-Yag 1064nm) to heat up and destroy the hair follicle selectively. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment within the follicle, and the heat generated in the process is enough to ‘burn’ the hair follicle without causing much injury to surrounding tissues.

The Gentlemax laser has an epidermal cooling system that allows for higher energy levels to be used safely in darker skin types, while reducing pain and discomfort.

Here at Thomson Specialist Skin Centre, we offer laser hair removal that has long-lasting results to liberate you from a lifetime of waxing, shaving and plucking.

What can laser hair removal treatments do (and not do)?

Laser hair removal can:

cause selective destruction of hair follicles.
achieve long-term hair reduction after multiple sessions of treatment.
cause some minor side effects such as swelling and pigmentation of skin in a minority of patients. These are more common among patients with darker skin.

Laser hair removal cannot:

achieve permanent hair destruction after one single treatment.
work equally well for all patients. Generally, patients with dark hairs and fair skin respond best to laser hair removal.
remove white hairs.

Laser hair removal helps patients achieve long-term hair reduction. However, it is important to note that one session is not sufficient to achieve permanent hair destruction and reduction.

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?

Avoid waxing and plucking hairs 2 weeks before laser hair removal and stay away from excessive sun exposure 4 weeks before the treatment. You will need to shave the hairs 3 to 5 days before your laser hair removal treatment. Do take note to inform your doctor if you have a history of herpes, as antiviral medications may be prescribed if areas like the lips and bikini line need to be treated.

What should I do after my laser hair removal treatment?

After laser hair removal, it is advisable to continue practising sun protection such as applying an adequate amount of sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Diligently apply the emollients prescribed by your doctor to soothe the skin.

What can I expect from my laser hair removal treatment?

It is advisable to be patient as you will need multiple sessions of laser hair removal to achieve significant hair reduction. The number of sessions depends on the area of treatment. The treated areas may not be completely hairless after laser hair removal but the remaining hairs may be lighter in colour and finer in texture. There may be a small risk of pigmentation after laser hair removal but this will usually resolve with time by practising proper sun protection. You should be able to see a 20% reduction in hair growth 4 to 6 weeks after each treatment.

NO MORE TAXING WAXING

Laser hair removal is an investment worth considering if excess hair is having a negative impact on your body confidence, or if frequent trips to the waxing salon are costing you too much time and money. Once you’re deemed a suitable candidate, the way forward should be smooth… just like your legs, armpits and bikini line after the treatment.

Interested in finding out more about hair removal treatments in Singapore? Find qualified, experienced and licensed Singapore dermatologists at the Thomson Specialist Skin Centre