Consultation is a vital part of your decision making process. Everybody’s needs are individual and we need to understand yours. Consultation and test patch are provided completely free of charge and the process takes approximately 45 minutes. It is not nor should it ever be used as an opportunity to sell treatment. Some people simply are not suitable for treatment with light based technology for example people with light sensitive epilepsy, certain skin conditions or are those taking photosensitive medications. Our main concern is the wellbeing of our clients and prospective clients and consultation allows for a thorough discussion with regard to your needs and suitability for treatment. Being made fully aware of the benefits, effects, side effects, risks, limitations and possible cost of any treatment allows you to make an informed decision with regard to your treatment and care. Skin type is determined genetically and is one of the many aspects of your overall appearance, which also includes colour of eyes, hair etc. The way your skin reacts to sun exposure is another important factor in correctly assessing your skin type. Recent tanning (sun bathing, artificial tanning or tanning creams) has a major impact on the evaluation of your skin colour and it is vital that this is discussed with the therapist before testing the skin.

Firstly you will be asked to fill in a form giving for your general details, any medical conditions you may have and medications you are taking either proscribed or bought over the counter. You will also be asked to complete a form which is used to assess your skin colour or Fitzpatrick Skin Type. Once you have completed these forms your therapist will take you into the consultation room to discuss your individual needs. You are more than welcome to bring somebody with you should you wish to do so and you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you would like.

Your therapist will discuss the information you have supplied on the form and ask you to tell her what treatment you would like, what results you would like to achieve and in what time frame. After assessing your suitability for treatment she will explain the treatment in detail and discuss a treatment plan with you. If you are suitable for treatment with light based technology you will be offered a test patch. This test patch is used to further assess your suitability for treatment. It is rare for clients to have a reaction to the test patch but none the less we consider it vital to the provision of safe and effective treatment. It is not unusual for prospective clients to feel nervous when having a test patch after all it is a new experience for most people who visit us. The test patch also allows you to experience the sensation and the procedure that will be involved in treatment. After your test patch you will be given aftercare and home care instructions. You will also be given a 'Consultation Information Pack' which reiterates the information you have been given.

Immediately after consultation and test patch you are free to book and appointment or return home and consider the information you have been given. Should you wish to return home you are then free to ring us to book an appointment at your leisure. Prospective clients are never coerced into treatment and none of our staff work on any form of commission. Only under exceptional and prearranged circumstances will we conduct a consultation, test patch and treatment on the same day. One of our founding principles was to provide ethical and professional treatment. We believe offering free consultation and test patch are fundamental to ensuring we deliver quality assured, safe, effective treatment and care.

No, laser hair removal is only suitable for hair containing dark pigment. We offer electrolysis to treat hair containing little or no dark pigment.

If your facial hair is either grey, Red or blonde then laser nor VPL is suitable as there wouldn't be enough melanin in the hair shaft to produce results, we would then recommend electrolysis at one of our Cristianos Clinics. Unfortunately, we do not carry our electrolysis on the Perineal area, however we will refer you to another supplier.

Hair follicles go through different stages of growth and not all follicles are active at any given time. Multiple treatments are needed to ensure all of the hair follicles are destroyed.

Yes, we need at least 3 days growth in order for the electrologist to use the direction of the hair itself to guide the probe into the follicle for a safe and accurate insertion.

No, once a hair follicle has been stimulated to produce a coarse hair i.e. at puberty it will continue to do so until the follicle is destroyed.

Yes, all of our clients have to have a test patch no matter which laser/IPL system is used. This is important for your own safety. There is no charge at Cristianos for consultation or test patch.

Yes, most medications are not listed as having 'Photosensitive' reaction as a side effect, if you check your data sheet with the specific medication it should be clear, if it is listed we cannot treat until 7 days after then end of the course.

Yes, make-up can be applied directly after laser treatment but not after electrolysis until after 24hrs.