Hair Reduction
OPL hair removal/reduction is an increasingly popular treatment. Women and men are choosing to reduce unwanted hair and minimise the need for shaving, waxing, or plucking. Our laser technology (ICON™) accurately, safely, and efficiently targets hair follicles, inhibiting their growth and supporting long-term hair reduction. The procedure is non-invasive and can assist in achieving smoother skin with reduced hair growth.
Our IPL/laser platform (ICON™) emits the specific frequency needed to target pigment in hair. The emitted light energy is attracted to the pigment and creates heat, which travels down the hair strand to the follicle. The resulting heat diffuses into the hair’s stem cells that surround and nourish the follicle. Hair stem cells are sensitive and susceptible to heat damage. Once the stem cells are damaged or destroyed, the hair follicle can no longer be sustained. It either becomes damaged (reducing regrowth) or destroyed (reducing the likelihood of further hair growth).
If hair follicles are only damaged and remain viable after a treatment, they may continue to produce hair, but it will be thinner and finer. Compromised follicles are more susceptible to damage from future laser treatments. Eventually, if not immediately, the treatment will achieve the desired effect.
Hair growth is cyclical and has four distinct stages: anagen (“growth”), catagen (“transition”), telogen (“resting”), and exogen (“shedding”). In the resting and shedding phases, the hair strand is not in contact with or near the follicle or its supporting cells.
OPL hair removal/reduction treatments require:
Hair with pigment (i.e., light brown, brown, red, or black). Grey or white hair lacks sufficient pigment for the laser to target effectively, and treatment in these cases is typically ineffective.
Several treatments at predetermined intervals to catch hair during a phase where the strand is connected to the follicle and heat can be delivered both to the strand and, crucially, to the follicle and stem cells.
The science behind light-based hair removal is well established. Laser hair removal treatments are relatively quick and, compared with ongoing long-term salon waxing or home shaving, more cost-effective. With our market-leading technology, you may notice a reduction in hair density and coarseness after the first treatment with many clients experiencing a greater reduction after subsequent sessions.
Lasers are powerful light‑emitting devices, and like all medical treatments, hair removal carries risks. Treatment cost should not be your only consideration when choosing a clinic. Our approach is evidence based, using the safest available equipment (Skintel®, the world’s first and only patented melanin reader). Treatments are delivered only by trained medical clinicians using conservative, industry recognised protocols. Our ICON™ equipment directs high light levels safely, consistently, and precisely for optimal melanin absorption. This supports results while maintaining safety. Our treatment schedule aligns with the four phases of hair growth and minimises the risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis or other complications.
Benefits
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Most people find the daily or weekly ritual of plucking, shaving, and waxing irritating, costly, and inconvenient. OPL hair reduction treatments reduce these burdens and their associated costs, with results that can be long-lasting for many people. Maintenance sessions may be required once or twice per year to maintain results.
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Light based hair removal is suitable for men and women, can be used on most body parts, and works for all hair types except where there is complete or near complete absence of pigmentation (i.e., grey or white hair). It is both versatile and effective.
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Our Skintel® melanin reader enables objective, accurate identification of everyone’s skin type. It eliminates subjective clinician classification errors. Because the laser targets melanin in both hair and skin, precise calibration of laser settings based on scientific measurement improves both safety and efficacy. Skintel® is patented and exclusively available in ICON™ based clinics.
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No chemicals, adhesives, shavers, or abrasives are used. There is no residue post treatment. The process relies on natural light energy, customised to your individual skin and hair.
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Post treatment, you may experience warmth similar to mild sunburn. Perifollicular oedema small rash like bumps may appear but typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Our ICON™ platform offers a low risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis and other complications, based on current clinical usage.
Pricing
Hair Removal Treatment Options
| Treatment | Single Treatment | Package of 6 Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Full Face | $79 | $380 |
| Lip | $29 | $140 |
| Chin | $39 | $185 |
| Sides of Face | $59 | $280 |
| Sideburns | $49 | $235 |
| Bikini | $69 | $330 |
| Brazilian (Female) | $89 | $425 |
| Buttocks | $89 | $425 |
| G-String | $79 | $380 |
| Lower Legs (Inc Knee) | $159 | $760 |
| Upper Legs (Exc Knee) | $169 | $810 |
| Full Legs | $289 | $1,385 |
| Underarms | $39 | $185 |
| Forearms (Exc Elbows) | $119 | $570 |
| Full Arms | $159 | $760 |
| Hands & Fingers | $39 | $185 |
| Neck | $79 | $380 |
| Shoulders | $99 | $475 |
| Chest | $129 | $620 |
| Stomach | $129 | $620 |
| Abdomen (Snail Trail) | $39 | $185 |
| Full Back | $199 | $955 |
| Half Back | $129 | $620 |
COMBINATION PACKAGES
| Treatment | Single Treatment | Package of 6 Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian + Underarm | $109 | $600 |
| Brazilian + Underarm + Lower Leg | $219 | $920 |
| Lip + Chin | $59 | $280 |
| Lip + Chin + Cheeks + Sideburns + Under Chin | $89 | $720 |
| Chest + Stomach | $219 | $900 |
FAQs
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ICON™ is equipped with the Skintel® melanin reader and adjustable settings, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types. Since most platforms are not suitable for skin types IV or V, our reader and precise customisation allow us to treat these types with certain conditions. Please call for further details.
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Treatment requirements vary by hair colour, thickness, type, treatment area, age, hormonal status, and ethnicity. Most clients achieve ≥80% hair reduction after three sessions. On average, six sessions meet patient expectations.
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Appointments are optimally scheduled every four to six weeks to align with hair growth phases. Shorter intervals may target hair in dormant phases, reducing overall effectiveness.
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Once a follicle is destroyed beyond its survivable threshold, it cannot regenerate, however, hormonal shifts (e.g. pregnancy, medication changes, puberty) may trigger new hair growth. Most cases of regrowth can be addressed with one or two touch up sessions.
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In most cases, results may be long lasting, although individual experiences can vary. Some people notice a substantial reduction after completing the recommended sessions, and maintenance treatments (around 1–2 per year) may be needed to help maintain results.
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Most patients report minimal discomfort. ICON™ includes advanced cooling technology to enhance comfort during treatment.
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ICON™ can treat legs, arms, underarms, bikini, chest, back, and facial areas with both large and small area precision.
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Temporary side effects may include redness, mild swelling or perifollicular oedema. These typically resolve within hours to a few days. Rare side effects such as mild irritation or temporary pigmentation changes are uncommon. The energy emitted is outside the ultraviolet spectrum, so cellular DNA damage risk is low. As with all clinical treatments, risks exist. Please complete all medical questionnaires honestly. Our clinic is led by doctors, registered nurses, and dermal clinicians. Ask any questions you need answered before proceeding.
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Shaving, Plucking, Waxing
Treatment areas must be closely shaved. Avoid waxing, plucking or electrolysis for at least three weeks prior to and during treatment sessions.Sun Exposure / Tanning Beds / Tanning Solutions
Avoid unprotected sun exposure (use SPF 30+, hats, long sleeves) for two weeks before treatment. Also avoid tanning beds and self-tanning products.Cosmetics / Retinoids / Exfoliants
Treatment areas must be free of cosmetics, sunscreen, or debris. Avoid creams containing retinol (Retin-A / Tretinoin), Vitamin A, and exfoliants for at least three days before treatment.Medications / Injectables
Avoid anti‑acne medication (e.g. Roaccutane) during the six months prior to treatment. Avoid blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, fish oil) 3–5 days before treatment. Avoid photosensitising medications (e.g. doxycycline and herbal remedies) for six months prior. Botulinum toxin or similar injectables should not be administered within two weeks post‑treatment. If you take warfarin or heparin, notify staff before treatment. If in doubt about any medication, please ask.Infections
We do not treat clients with active bacterial, viral, or inflammatory conditions in or near the treatment area. For facial treatments, clients prone to cold sores should begin antiviral medication (e.g. Zovirax) 3–5 days before treatment. -
Shaving, Plucking, Waxing
Avoid waxing, plucking or electrolysis while you are being treated. Shaving between treatments is permitted. Wear loose clothing for at least 12 hours after treatment. If underarms were treated, avoid antiperspirants for 12 hours post treatment.Sun Exposure
Avoid unprotected sun exposure post‑treatment. Use SPF 30+, wear protective clothing, and refrain from tanning beds, self-tanners or exfoliating products for at least two weeks.Texture & Tone
Redness, swelling or lumpiness may occur for up to 24 hours. Mild sunburn sensation may last up to four days. If you experience itching, stinging, irritation or tenderness, contact us. Avoid swimming, chemical exposure, hot showers, saunas, intense exercise or hot environments until recovery.Comfort
To reduce discomfort or swelling, use cool packs or aloe vera, but never apply ice directly or use fan cooling, which may dry the skin. Cleanse gently (e.g. QV wash or Jan Marini gentle cleanser) and apply moisturiser. Over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol is permitted. Avoid ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen), as it may increase bruising risk.Medications
For two months post-procedure, avoid anti acne medication (e.g. Roaccutane). Avoid blood thinners (e.g. aspirin) for three days post-treatment. Avoid photosensitising drugs (e.g. tetracyclines or herbal remedies) for two months. Injectables (Botulinum toxin etc.) should not be used at treated sites for two weeks. Notify staff if you take warfarin or heparin prior to treatment.
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Shaving, Plucking and Waxing
You need to ensure that the treatment area is closely shaven. For best results, avoid waxing, plucking and electrolysis in the three weeks prior to treatment and also for the whole of the period while you are undergoing treatment.Sun Exposure / Tanning Beds / Tanning Solutions
At no time should you have unprotected sun exposure (sunblock 30+ / hat / long sleeve shirt etc are to be used) during the two weeks pre treatment. Unprotected sun exposure includes the use of tanning beds and or self tanning creams / lotions / spray tans.Cosmetics / Retina A (aka Tretinoin) / Exfoliants
The treatment area needs to be completely free of all makeup / cosmetics / dirt / sunscreen etc. You should cease using creams and lotions that contain “Retinol” (aka Retina A / Tretinoin), Vitamin A and or exfoliants (in any of its forms including scrubs, peels etc), for the three days prior to treatment.Medications / Anti-Wrinkle Injectables
During the six months prior to your procedure anti-acne medications including but not limited to “Roaccutane” cannot be taken. Blood thinning medications including “Aspirin” and fish oil are to be avoided for the period three to five days prior to treatment. Photosensitive medications e.g. “tetracyclines” e.g. doxycycline and including herbal and natural remedies cannot be taken six months prior to treatment. Botulinums (Botox / Dysport / Xeomin) should not be injected two weeks prior to your treatment. If you are taking “Warfarin” or “Heparin” please raise these medications with our staff prior to treatment. If you have any doubt about the medication(s) you are taking please ask our staff, as some medications will make you ineligible for treatment.Infections
We do not treat clients who have active bacterial, viral or inflammatory conditions in or associated with and or connected with the treatment area. As a precaution, for hair reduction treatments of the face, we advise our clients who are prone to “cold sores” to take a cold sore treatment (“Zovirax” etc) three to five days immediately prior to treatment.
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Shaving, Plucking and Waxing
The use of mechanical epilation including waxing, plucking and electrolysis, while your treatment sessions are occurring, is to be avoided. You can shave between treatments. Wear loose clothing for a period post treatment of not less than twelve hours. If the under arms have been treated avoid the use of antiperspirants for a period of not less than twelve hours post treatment.Sun Exposure
Sun exposure post treatment can lead to “hyperpigmentation” of the treated area. It is essential that you avoid all unprotected sun exposure. You should apply 30+ sunscreen, use a hat, wear long sleeve clothing and not use tanning facilities, creams and lotions and or exfoliating products for a period not less than two weeks post treatment.Texture & Tone
Expect the treated area immediately post treatment and up to 24 hours to be red, swollen and possibly lumpy in texture. You will feel and look like you have a mild “sunburn” for a period up to four days post treatment. It is unlikely but not entirely uncommon that you may experience irritation, itching, slight pain, stinging and or tenderness. If you have any of these symptoms you should contact our clinic. Until the skin has recovered, avoid swimming, unprotected exposure to chemicals, hot showers, hot tubs, saunas, activities that cause excessive perspiration (gyms / exercise) and activities that raise core body temperature.Comfort
Similar to treating mild sunburn you will get some relief, reduce any discomfort and swelling by applying cooling (ice packs, aleo vera etc) to the treated area. Do not apply ice directly to the skin and avoid fan cooling which can unnecessarily dry your skin. Only use a mild cleanser e.g. QV wash or Jan Marini gentle cleanser and apply a moisturiser after cleansing. You can take over the counter pain relievers including “panadol”. Avoid “nurofen” as it can increase the potential for bruising.Medications
During the two months post procedure anti-acne medications including but not limited to “Roaccutane” should not be taken. Blood thinning medications including “Aspirin” are to be avoided three days post treatment. Photosensitive medications e.g. “tetracyclines” e.g. doxycycline and including photosensitive herbal and natural remedies cannot be taken for two months post treatment. Botulinums should not be injected in treatment sites for the period one week post treatment. If you are taking “Warfarin” or “Heparin” please raise these medications with our staff prior to treatment. If you have any doubt about the medication(s) you are taking, please ask our staff.