We’ve all heard the stories and received the emails – sign up today for this one-off special offer and avail of an incredibly low-cost “special offer”… getting anything up to 60% or 70% off a product or service… but have you read the small print? We’re beginning to hear more and more horror stories and stories of rip-off offers that are making us think twice about that impulse purchase.
It’s all very well for actual products or maybe even the likes of hotel breaks (if you are extremely flexible as to when you can travel!) but for some services it is just not possible to honour them to a high enough standard and it’s beginning to bring some industries into disrepute.
One such industry and area for concern is laser hair removal which has become incredibly popular in Ireland. We talked to the experts at Therapie Clinic to get some tips…
Therapie Clinic is recognised as the leader in laser hair removal in Ireland, having carried out over 200,000 treatments to date and using only the most advanced technology on the market (using medical-grade lasers as opposed to IPL which is commonly used elsewhere and incorrectly positioned as “laser” hair removal).
We spoke with Gabbi Perrozzi, Manager of Therapie Clinic, 41 Roches Street, Limerick:
Q. What do you think of this internet craze and cheap deals on laser hair removal?
Gabbi: We are seeing more and more new clients coming to us after being tempted by cheap “deals”. They are left extremely disappointed with very poor results, with hair-growth continuing after their course of treatment. In some extreme cases we have seen people come to us after suffering burns and also excessive pigmentation on the skin, after going to a less reputable or inexperienced clinic. People have got to be aware that not only is it effectively money down the drain but laser can also be dangerous in less capable and trusted hands.
Particularly in this difficult economic climate, people are feeling very hard done by and essentially “conned” which is affecting the entire industry as the trust factor is being lost. It’s quite a concern.
Q. What should we look out for when having laser hair removal?
Gabbi: If you are going to go for laser hair removal, you want the best, safest, and fastest possible treatment. You also want the most cost-effective. This is why Therapie Clinic uses only medical-grade lasers – we get the results. IPL is commonly used elsewhere but this can take much, much, longer to deliver inferior results, sometimes taking up to 20 treatments.
Q. What is IPL?
Gabbi: Many clinics offer IPL (intense pulse light) which is technically not laser at all. IPL uses a less intense, broader spectrum of light which means a less effective treatment, slower results and more sessions.
Q. What makes Therapie Clinic special?
Gabbi: Therapie Clinic uses the Candela Alexandrite and Soprano XL BLU machines, which are medical-grade lasers and the most effective laser machines in the world. Medical-grade lasers mean superior results, quicker treatment times and most importantly of all patient safety.
In addition, at Therapie Clinic, the first step is a free consultation and patch test to ensure the client is compatible to laser. We also offer a price match guarantee, which means that clients are aware they are getting the best possible treatment at the best possible price.
Q. How does it work?
Gabbi: The medical-grade laser emits wavelengths of light, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair (melanin). If the surrounding skin is relatively light compared to the colour of the hair, then the entire energy of the laser will be concentrated in the hair shaft, effectively destroying it without affecting the skin or follicle. This is why laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark coarse hair, which has the most pigment.
Q. What about fair hair?
Gabbi: Red heads and blondes can also avail of laser hair removal at Thérapie Clinic with the revolutionary MediLase system. This treatment uses pure ultrasound to remove all hair colours permanently and is ideal for removing hair on sensitive or pigmented areas such as eyebrows, ears, nose, nipple and upper lip.
Q. What’s the typical treatment required?
Gabbi: A minimum of six treatments is generally recommended depending on the area to be treated. Most clients book in for one area but invariably upgrade and come back for more… effectively throwing away the razor!
Q. Do you have a final piece of advice?
Gabbi: Do your research! While laser hair removal is entirely safe, you want to use a reputable and trusted clinic and should really go to a specialist. Therapie Clinic has been in business for 11 years now. Patient safety is our number one priority, as is delivering superior results, every time, for each and every client.
For a free consultation, call Therapie at 1890 650 750 or visit: www.therapieclinic.com.
