Laser Hair Removal
Explore laser hair removal, a long-lasting solution for reducing unwanted hair, offering smooth skin and minimised hair growth through safe and effective laser technology.
Treatment Time
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What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for a reason. It’s safe, effective, and can dramatically reduce unwanted hair on your body. At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology, we use medical-grade lasers to treat a wide range of hair and skin types, providing results that last and keep your skin safe.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle, stunting hair growth at the root. It works best on dark hair and lighter skin, but our clinic has a wide range of lasers to safely treat all skin tones, including darker skin.
Treatments can be performed on most areas of the body, including:
- Legs, arms, back, chest, and buttocks
- Bikini line and underarms
- Certain areas of the face
Your first step is a complementary consultation with one of our specialist nurses. During this session, we’ll assess the area you’d like treated, discuss how many sessions you might need (usually 4-10 sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart) and check for any existing skin conditions that could affect the treatment.
To get the best results from your treatment, it’s important to prepare your skin beforehand. The area should be shaved the night before, and any sun exposure or fake tanning should be avoided for at least two weeks prior to treatment. Similarly, waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis should be skipped during this period to ensure the laser can target the hair follicle and deliver the best possible results.
After your laser hair removal session, your skin may feel a little warm or sensitive, similar to mild sunburn. Avoid applying perfume to the treated area and try to skip alcohol or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, so we highly recommend using SPF 50 on any exposed areas.
Before booking your first treatment, we recommend a free consultation with one of our specialist nurses. During this session, we’ll assess your hair and skin type, explain how the process works, and give you a clear idea of how many sessions you might need to reach your goals. If you’re ready to start, your first treatment can often be done on the same day, depending on the clinic schedule.
Laser hair removal is generally very safe when performed by trained medical professionals. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary redness or mild irritation
- Rare pigment changes, especially for darker skin tones, this is why it’s important to choose a clinic experienced in treating darker skin, and which has a wide range of lasers
- Reduced risk of ingrown hairs compared with shaving or waxing
- Permanent or near-permanent hair removal is possible for most patients with paler skin tones and hair with dark pigment
- Long term time saving, eradicating the need for shaving, waxing or other temporary depilatory activities
- No more worrying about whether you’ve shaved your legs before running out the door to the beach, or wearing a shorter skirt or shorts.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe a mild rubber-band snap sensation. Cooling devices and topical anaesthetics make treatments very manageable. If you’re used to waxing, tweezing or epilady-type devices, you should tolerate laser treatment well.
How long should I wait between sessions?
We recommend 6–8 weeks between sessions for the best results, though this can vary slightly depending on the area and hair growth.
How often do I need treatments?
Permanent hair reduction usually requires 4–10 sessions. Some patients may need occasional top-ups later.
Can laser hair removal be done during pregnancy?
We do not perform laser hair removal on pregnant patients. Treatments can safely be done after pregnancy.
Is laser hair removal right for me?
Laser hair removal is suitable for most people, especially those with dark hair and lighter skin, but we can safely treat all skin types. A consultation will determine if it’s the right option for you.
Can I do laser hair removal if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. Our specialist nurses will assess your skin before treatment and choose the safest laser for your skin type. We can adjust settings to make sure the procedure is as comfortable as possible while still achieving the best results.
Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
