Frequently Asked Questions

The laser fires short pulses of light which can feel warm against the skin surface. We use a powerful cooler to lower the skin surface temperature ensuring that most of our clients experience no more than mild discomfort. After initial consultation and at your discretion, we will require you to do a hair removal test patch, this is to check that the laser and your body will react in a positive way to the treatment – this will need to be carried out at least one week before the treatment starts. As long as there’s no adverse reaction after the test patch, then the hair removal treatment can continue.

Lasers  work best on dark hairs on fair skin as the darker pigmentation in the hair absorbs the light more effectively. Vale Laser Clinic offers 2 lasers:  We offer pure Alexandrite laser which works well on skin types 1 to 3 with fairer hairs able respond to the laser energy. We also offer  Nd;Yag laser treatment which is effective for darker hair on darker skin type 4 and 5.  Our Motus Pro has the Moveo handpiece which offers patented technology for pain free laser hair removal and can treat darker hair on darker skin tones.

Unfortunately, pale blond, fair red, white and grey hair have little or no melanin and do not respond to laser.

For smaller areas such as lower face to underarms, appointments are 15 minutes.  most appointments are 30 minutes but actual layering is only a few minutes.   We can treat a full body in 60-75 minutes.

On average 6-8 sessions which are needed every 4/5 weeks. The exact number of treatments will depend on hair colour, skin colour, hair density and hair growth cycle. Fairer hair or dark skin will require more treatments.

Laser hair removal is very safe as long as it’s performed by trained professionals on adequate machines. After the first session, the treated area may feel hot and will probably be red or swollen. Do not use any perfumed products on the skin for 48hours after treatment and when cleansing use a good antibacterial soap. Protect your skin from the sun for the first two weeks after treatment, then use sunblock for the following 6 weeks. Cold compresses or Aloe Vera gel will help to sooth the area, do not use ice packs direct to the skin.

The tattoo removal laser fires short bursts of energy which can feel a little uncomfortable, no more than having the tattoo in the first place and has been described as being flicked with an elastic band. We provide a cooling system to reduce any discomfort as much as possible. After initial consultation and at your discretion we will require you to do a tattoo removal test patch, this is to check that the laser and your body will react in a positive way to the treatment – this will need to be carried out at least one week before the treatment starts. As long as there’s no adverse reaction after the test patch, then the tattoo removal treatment can continue.

Sessions can be anything between 10 to 45 mins depending on the size and colour of the tattoo which is being treated.  Sessions are usually 6 weeks apart.

This depends on the outcome required, for example if the tattoo is to be removed completely then a lot more sessions will have to take place rather than if the tattoo just needs to be faded slightly to allow for a cover-up, the size and colour of the tattoo are also a factor in how many sessions are needed.  Amateur tattoos can be quick to remove taking 1-4 sessions whereas professional tattoos can vary considerably and can take 10-12 sessions. These factors will be discussed and a rough idea will be given in the initial free consultation appointment.

Vale laser Clinic will always be on hand if you need further advice on the healing process.

Laser tattoo removal is very safe as long as its performed by trained professionals on adequate machines.  After the first session the treated area may feel hot and will probably be red or swollen. Do not use any perfumed products on the skin for 48hours after treatment and when cleansing use a good antibacterial soap. Protect your skin from the sun for the first two weeks after treatment, then use sunblock for the following 6 weeks. Cold compresses or Aloe Vera gel will help to sooth the area, do not use ice packs direct to the skin.

Very dark tattoos will probably remain swollen for a few days, over the next seven days slight blistering may form followed by a scab or thin crust, any scabs or crusting should be allowed to fall off on their own or scarring may occur, over the following few weeks the unwanted tattoo will start to fade, this is the bodies way of removing the unwanted ink particles.

Client Information Sheet for tattoo removal with pre and post treatment advice.

The laser/IPL fires short pulses of light which can feel warm against the skin surface.  We use a powerful cooler to lower the skin surface temperature ensuring that most of our clients experience no more than mild discomfort.  After initial consultation and at your discretion we will require you to do a test patch on the area to be treated, this is to check that the laser and your body will react in a positive way to the treatment – this will need to be carried out at least one week before the treatment starts. As long as there’s no adverse reaction after the test patch, then the skin rejuvenation treatment can continue.

The intensive light can cause slight swelling and redness in the treated area, especially in areas where the skin is very thin or especially fragile. However, any redness or soreness typically subsides within a few hours after the procedure. Hot showers, hot baths and saunas are to be avoided for 24 hours. Do not use any perfumed products on the skin for 48 hours after treatment and when cleansing use a good antibacterial soap. Protect your skin from the sun for the first two weeks after treatment, then use sunblock for the following 6 weeks. Cold compresses or Aloe Vera gel will help to sooth the area, do not use ice packs direct to the skin.  Vale Laser Clinic will always be in hand to discuss the healing process and offer further advice.

Usually between 3-5 sessions to see the maximum benefit of skin rejuvenation although the treatment of some smaller lesions or veins my clear with just one treatment.

There are contra-indications (reasons why IPL may not be suitable for you), such as:

• Recent sunburn
• Recent sun exposure or sunbed
• Fake tan on the treatment area
• Pregnancy
• History of seizures
• Severe dermatitis or eczema (within the treatment area)
• Active infections
• Roaccutane (oral acne medication) use in the last 6 months
• Herpes 1 or 2 (within the treatment area) If you have a history of herpes close to the area being treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication before the treatment.
• Very dark skin
• Use of Photo sensitising medications
• If put on a course of antibiotics, please contact the clinic before treatment

It is important to protect your skin from direct sun exposure over the series of your treatments and it is highly recommended to use an spf30+ sunblock.  Sun beds and sunbathing are to be avoided. Photorejuvenation treatments can be carried out all year round as long as you are not planning to be in full sun exposure immediately following a treatment.