Permanent Hair Reduction

Permanent Hair Reduction

Dr Martyn King | Cosmedic Skin Clinic | Staffordshire

Permanent hair reduction is a clinically proven laser treatment designed to significantly reduce unwanted hair growth on the face and body. At Cosmedic Skin Clinic, we use the Trilogy ICE laser platform, an advanced system that combines three laser wavelengths in a single treatment to target hair follicles at different depths and stages of growth.

This innovative technology allows effective treatment across a wide range of skin types and hair characteristics while maximising patient comfort through integrated cooling technology.

Laser hair reduction can help achieve smoother skin, reduce ingrown hairs, minimise shaving and waxing requirements, and provide long-term improvement in unwanted hair growth.

Summary

• Procedure time: 10–60 minutes
• Downtime: None
• Discomfort: Mild (Often described as a warm sensation)
• Anaesthetic: Not required
• Onset of results: 1-6 weeks
• Peak/final results: Progressive reduction throughout treatment course 
• Duration: Long term hair reduction
• Maintenance: Typically 6–10 sessions followed by occasional maintenance treatments

Pricing

Prices vary depending on the treatment area and size of the area being treated.

Typical Treatment Prices

• Upper lip: £25
• Lip & chin: £30
• Lower face: £40
• Decolletage: £40
• Neck: £40
• Underarms: £40
• Bikini line: £40
• Extended bikini: £70
• Chest or abdomen: £70
• Lower legs: £60
• Full legs: £100
• Lower arms: £50
• Full arms: £80
• Upper back: £80
• Lower back: £80
• Upper back: £80
• Multiple area packages: Available

💡 Final pricing is confirmed during consultation based on treatment areas and individual requirements.

How it works

The Trilogy ICE laser system combines three wavelengths within a single handpiece:

755nm Alexandrite Wavelength: Targets superficial hair follicles and is particularly effective for finer hair and lighter skin types.

810nm Diode Wavelength: Provides optimal penetration for most hair types and is considered the gold standard wavelength for laser hair reduction.

1064nm Nd:YAG Wavelength: Penetrates deeper into the skin and is particularly suitable for darker skin types and deeper hair follicles.

The laser energy is absorbed by melanin within the hair shaft and follicle. This heat damages the follicle's ability to produce new hair while preserving surrounding skin.

Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are required to effectively target follicles during their active growth phase (anagen phase).

What areas can be treated

Laser hair reduction can be performed on most areas of the body, including:

Facial Areas

• Upper lip
• Chin
• Jawline
• Cheeks
• Neck

Body Areas

• Underarms
• Bikini line
• Extended bikini
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Back
• Shoulders
• Arms
• Hands
• Legs

Common Concerns Treated

• Excessive hair growth
• Recurrent ingrown hairs
• Razor irritation
• Folliculitis
• Unwanted facial hair
• Hormonal hair growth patterns

Am I suitable?

You may be suitable if you:

• Have unwanted facial or body hair
• Experience ingrown hairs or shaving irritation
• Are looking for long-term hair reduction
• Have realistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes
• Are committed to completing a treatment course

The Trilogy ICE system can safely treat a broad range of skin types when appropriate settings are selected.

You may not be suitable if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have active skin infections in the treatment area
• Have recently used fake tan or undergone significant sun exposure
• Have certain photosensitive medical conditions
• Are taking medications that increase light sensitivity

A full consultation and patch test are required before treatment.

Pre-treatment advice

Before treatment:

• Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your appointment
• Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, or epilation for at least 4 weeks beforehand
• Avoid excessive sun exposure for 4 weeks
• Discontinue fake tanning products for at least 2 weeks
• Avoid bleaching hair in the treatment area
• Inform your practitioner of any medications or medical conditions
• A patch test will usually be performed before commencing treatment.

Post-treatment advice

After treatment:

• Apply SPF 30–50 daily to exposed areas
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds
• Avoid hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms for 24–48 hours
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours
• Keep the skin cool and well moisturised
• Do not wax or pluck hairs between treatments
• Continue shaving if required

Hair shedding is a normal part of the treatment process and usually occurs within 1–3 weeks.

Side-effects & complications

Laser hair reduction is generally safe when performed using appropriate protocols and settings.

Common (temporary):

• Mild redness
• Temporary swelling around hair follicles
• Warmth in the treated area
• Mild skin sensitivity

Less common:

• Temporary pigmentation changes
• Mild blistering
• Prolonged redness

Rare:

• Burns
• Scarring
• Persistent pigmentation changes
• Infection

The risk of complications is significantly reduced through proper assessment, patch testing, and treatment by trained practitioners.

Benefits

• Long-term reduction in unwanted hair growth
• Reduced need for shaving and waxing
• Smoother skin
• Fewer ingrown hairs
• Reduced folliculitis and shaving irritation
• Suitable for large and small treatment areas
• Quick treatment sessions
• No significant downtime
• Can treat multiple skin types using advanced laser technology

Advice from Dr Martyn King

Dr Martyn King, Cosmedic Skin Clinic, Staffordshire

“Laser hair reduction is one of the most popular and rewarding treatments we offer. The Trilogy ICE platform allows us to customise treatment according to skin type, hair thickness, and treatment area, helping to achieve excellent long-term results while maintaining patient comfort and safety. Completing the recommended treatment course is essential to achieve the best possible outcome.”