How to choose a clinic

Sold on the idea of laser IPL/VPL/LHE hair removal? The next step is to choose your clinic with care:

Always choose a clinic, which is registered with The Healthcare Commission. Ruby Lasers and IPL/VPL/LHE systems fall into the category of Class 4 laser products and as such their use has to be regulated by The Healthcare Commission for the use of specially controlled techniques. for the use of specially controlled techniques.

It is the responsibility of the local (CHAI) Officer who will be only too pleased to supply details of the registered clinics and the lasers/IPL systems that they use. This registration covers the safety aspect of the use of lasers/IPL systems but does not have any bearing on the effectiveness of the treatment.

As a condition of this registration, treatment protocols may only be drawn up and signed off by the clinic doctor. Treatment can then be performed by a trained laser clinician. The certificate of registration and the clinician’s training certificate must, by law, be displayed in the clinic. Never go to an unregistered clinic.

Ask for a 'Client Guide'.

Check which laser/IPL/VPL/LHE system is used and that you fully understand its clinical capabilities.

Avoid any clinic, that doesn’t offer a free consultation and a test patch to check the way your skin reacts to the laser/IPL. A professional clinic will take the time to determine the treatment most suited to your individual needs and to make sure you know all about what it will involve before the course begins.

If you have either a dark complexion or very blond or grey hair, Ruby laser treatment will be unsuitable for you as your hair does not contain the pigment called melanin required to absorb the light energy. Beware of any clinic, which advises you to the contrary!

Make sure you understand how you will be charged for the treatment. A good clinic will allow you the option to pay as you go, instead of in advance. Remember that laser treatment offers a long lasting solution and, with this in mind, is likely to be more cost effective in the long run than short-term hair removal techniques, which need to be repeated on a regular basis.