Laser Hair Removal

The Alpha Laser machine has a two-in-one laser diode and 3D IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to perform a wide range of treatments including hair reduction and skin rejuvenation.

Diode and YAG are both popular laser devices. Here at Divine MediSpa, we have the Diode laser as it is more effective to more skin types.

Diode laser destroys hair follicles by targeting melanin in the hair, whereas YAG lasers penetrates the hair through the skin cells. This makes the diode technology more effective for coarse and/or dark hair, and leads to shorter recovery time.

Diode is used on light and dark skin while YAG is used solely on darker skin.

Diode is better than other laser deices for hair reduction and permanent removal.

Alpha Diode can treat all skin colours light to dark by adjusting parameters.

A Diode laser reaches 808nm deep into the skin, reaching the hair follicle where hair growth occurs. The diode laser effectively cauterizes the blood supply to the follicle, leaving it unable to continue to grow more hair.

Lasers are a single, parallel wavelength (one colour) whereas IPL are a combination of different wavelengths (different colours) that scatter away from each other. The Alpha uses a Diode laser that travels 808nm into the skin. The different wavelengths in IPL ranges from 420nm-1200nm.

Laser Diode is ideal for darker course hair where as IPL would be more appropriate for fine vellus hair.

The Alpha has a built-in cooling system to minimize discomfort. You may experience some heat as both Laser and IPL create heat within the skin. The Alpha has multiple modes that can customize the treatment to further minimize discomfort.

The treatment length varies depending on treatment type and area. Small areas usually take less than 30 minutes. Larger areas may take up to 45 minutes.

The number of treatments required may vary depending on the individual. For hair removal, we usually recommend 8-10 treatments. For skin rejuvenation, usually 3-6 treatments.

One or more yearly touch up sessions may be required to maintain results.

Before coming to your appointment, avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks. Do not wax/pluck or remove hair (other than shaving) in the area you wish to treat for at least 6 weeks. Avoid using retinols and exfoliating acids in the treatment area for one week.

Wear light coloured clothing in treatment area and shave area the day before the appointment. Touch up shaving can be done at the Spa if needed, however if the entire area has to be shaved there will be a charge.

It is important to follow written instructions given to you after your appointment. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, sweating, exercises, saunas, hot tubs, swimming, restrictive clothing and products in the treatment area. You can use Aloe vera cream (without alcohol) to soothe treatment area.

Melanin is the pigment in the hair, skin and eyes of humans. There is generally more pigment in hair than there is in skin, allowing effective hair removal with a laser.

No, unfortunately we cannot treat grey or blonde hair with the Alpha laser. The laser is absorbed into the melanin in the hair which generates heat to destroy the hair follicle. With grey or blonde hair, there is very little melanin in the hair, therefore not enough heat will be generated to fully destroy the follicle.

Yes, it is very important to wear sunscreen after any laser treatment. Increased sun exposure without protection may cause hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Yes, there is usually 48 hours of downtime after a laser treatment. Downtime may vary depending on the individual.

If the Herpes Simplex is in the treatment area it will be stimulated by heat produced from the Alpha. You will be required to get a prescription from you doctor to take before the treatment to keep the Herpes Simplex under control.

If you are taking Accutane, you must wait 6 months after stopping the medication before starting any laser or IPL treatments.

If you are taking Tetracycline or St John’s Wart you must wait 2 weeks after stopping the medication or herb before starting any laser or IPL treatments.

Both IPL and Laser cannot treat over tattoos (including microblading and permanent makeup) as it will lighten the pigment in the tattoo. Tattoos are to be covered up during the treatment and areas around the tattoo can be treated.

You must wait at least 4 weeks before any laser or IPL treatment if you have excessively tanned skin from the sun, tanning beds or tanning creams.

No. Lasers and IPLs create light that is absorbed by pigment in the skin to create heat. This light cannot determine the difference from natural or artificial pigment. Ensure all results from tanning creams are removed from skin prior to treatment. You may use tanning creams again 2 weeks after treatment.

The protocol for laser hair removal is

4-6 weeks between 1st & 3rd session

6-8 weeks between 3rd & 4th session

8-10 weeks between 4th & 5th session and thereafter

However, this does depend on individual hair growth.

The protocol for IPL treatments are:

For skin rejuvenation & hyperpigmentation: 3-6 sessions, once every 4 weeks

For Vascular lesions: 3-6 sessions, once every 4 to 6 weeks

For Acne treatments: 6 weekly sessions