Health - Laser, IPL and wax hair removal experts

Introduction

Hair removal is a popular cosmetic practice that is used by both men and women, usually for elective reasons. The motivation is to provide a longer lasting and smoother result than what can be performed at home by shaving, in order to achieve the hairless aesthetic that society today deems beautiful. The areas typically targeted are legs, armpits, pubic regions, back and chest, upper lip, and eyebrows. Removing hair can be performed by a variety of methods:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - uses broad-spectrum visible light emitted by a xenon lamp that targets the melanin pigment in the hairs. The light energy is absorbed as heat which warms the hair, thereby damaging the follicle. After about one or two weeks, the hair will fall out naturally. The method is most effective for dark hair on light skin, where the contrast differential is greatest, such as pubic hair and eyebrows. It is least effective for peach-fluff hair on darker skin.
• Laser - uses a laser (the type depends on the skin colour) that is calibrated specifically for the melanin in the basal stem cells in the hair follicle, damaging it with short controlled pulses that usually leaves the surrounding skin relatively unaffected.
• Waxing - uses hot molten wax that then is peeled off, leaving a smoother result than shaving as the hair is removed at a lower point and consequently takes longer to grow back.

With all methods, several sessions may be necessary to remove all the desired hair from an area. Also, patients should expect that there will be eventual regrowth, some methods taking longer than others.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

There are risks involved with all cosmetic procedures, where patients and even staff can be harmed. Accidents can occur due to:

• Inadequate staff training, experience and supervision in the use of specialised equipment, application of medication and drugs, or assessing the suitability of patients.
• The mis-matching of patients to procedures. Many procedures are only suitable for certain people or need to be tailored to the patient. The frequency of the laser needs to be precisely calibrated to the patient’s skin colour.
• The use of malfunctioning technology or outdated methods.
• Unusual allergic or other unexpected extreme reactions to cosmetic procedures in some patients.

For both IPL and laser hair removal, the use of intense light can result in redness and tender skin, bruising, blisters and burns. Side effects are exacerbated for people with darker skin colour, as there is less contrast between the melanin in the hair and the epidermis. This can lead to pigment changes. Another risk group is those that are sunburnt or have recent sun tans.

Experts in the field of hair removal can provide opinion on:

• Whether the standard of care provided by a hair removal clinic’s staff was reasonably competent, particularly about issues of negligence and malpractice.
• Whether a patient was adequately warned about possible side effects and whether an individual’s side effects are more severe than one can reasonably expect with hair removal.
• Whether patients were overpromised about the effectiveness or longevity of the hair removal process.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement in the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPLs) Sources and Lasers for Cosmetic or Beauty Therapy

In 2012, a Laser/IPL working group was established by the Radiation Health Committee to examine the options for how to promote the safe use of cosmetic lasers and IPLs in the industry.

What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

Before embarking on laser hair removal, people should make themselves aware of some side effects of this therapy, as well as some myths that surround the process.

Relevant Cases Lepedjian v Evolution Laser Clinic Tope Ryde (General) [2013] NSWCTTT 604

A patient sought a refund of over $10,000 for his laser hair treatment that actually resulted in stimulating even more hair growth than what he originally had.

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