Laser Hair Removal

For Women, Men and Teens of all Skin Tones and Types

Lasers have become the most effective method in rapid gentle removal of unwanted hair. It is a simple process with amazing results and a relatively comfortable and inexpensive method when compared to electrolysis or waxing. At The Laser Clinic it is our priority to make sure that all of our clients are well-informed during their complementary consultation. We are fully committed to providing the safest and most advanced treatments available.

Laser Treatment - What is it and how does it work?

A laser produces a focused beam of highly concentrated light which is then absorbed by the melanin in the hair surrounding the hair follicle. The pigment in the follicle absorbs the laser energy and converts it into heat, which selectively damages and disables the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed for only a fraction of a second. The duration is determined in order to be effective on the hair follicle while leaving no damage to pores or skin structures. Some of the hair is shed immediately after treatment; the rest is shed over the next 2 to 3 weeks.

All hair grows in cycles that consists of three stages-- the Anagen phase (active growth), Catagen phase (dormant growth) or Telogen phase (fall-out stage). Hair can only be permanently destroyed in the Anagen (active) phase when the hair follicle has an abundance of colour and is being fed by blood vessels. The heat generated from the laser light seals off the blood vessels to these active hairs. 50 - 85% of hair are in the active growth phase at one time.

Typically 25-35% of these hairs contain enough pigment to be permanently reduced. Hairs that survive will come back, usually weaker and finer in texture. The treatment program takes a phased approach to laser hair reduction to coincide with the Anagen phase of hair growth to maximize the effectiveness of each treatment.

Why Choose lasers over other hair removal systems?

Laser systems are one of the most versatile and the best laser hair removal systems on the market using the latest technology in laser hair removal. Laser Systems can rapidly treat large areas without the limitations of older technologies.

Lasers can treat the fine hair on a woman's upper lip just as easily and effectively as the coarse hair on a man's back. The cooled handpiece increases clients comfort and minimizes the adverse skin reaction commonly seen with other lasers. Research shows that the decreased melanin absorption of longer wavelength lasers is an advantage because it reduces epidermal heating and damage, allowing patients with darker skin to be treated without causing hyperpigmentation.

Are there any possible side affects?

Clients experience few lasting side effects with laser treatments. The most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn. Applying additional cool packs after treatment will minimize this reaction, and applying a sunscreen after treatment with a minimum of SPF 30 will add extra protection for the skin. In rare instances, a blister or bruising may occur but this typically resolves quickly. To prevent infection we recommend applying Polysporin to the blister to minimize infection.

How many treatments will I need?

Everyone's hair grows differently depending on age, weight, metabolism , hormones, hair thickness, the area treated, medications, ethnicity and other factors.

Typically thick dark hairs require 3-6 treatments over a year. For optimal long-term benefits treatments are phased to coincide with your hair growth cycle to maximize the percentage of reduction per treatment. After that, touch up treatments can be performed for any new growth.

What do Laser Treatments feel like?

As the name implies, the handpiece cools and soothes as it glides along your skin. When the pulse of light is delivered some clients experience a mild pinching, or stinging sensation. It often reminds clients of the snap of a rubber band. No local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, however some clients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.

Preparation Guidelines Prior to Laser Treatment

If you are currently on the medication Accutane, or gold therapy in the last six months, please let us know. This medication can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the laser.

It is very important to inform us if you have had any Permanent Makeup, Tattoos or artificial fillers. Botox is fine but Artecoll or Gortex may not react well with the laser. The laser light will be attracted to the permanent color and possibly remove it. This area needs to be avoided. Please stop using self-tanning lotions or sprays 8 to 10 days before treatment.

If you have had Microdermabrasion or glycolic acid treatments done recently it is also important to let us know. This makes the skin more vascular and more sensitive. Extra cooling of the skin is required.

Please shave the area to be treated one or three days prior to treatment. It is ideal for the tops of the hair to be showing so that the area being treated is recognizable.

Facial hair does not always need to be shaved; sometimes it just needs a little trim. Your laser specialist can help you with this. Please make sure you wash off all make- up prior to treatment. Avoid using long lasting lipstick or any makeup that do not remove easily the day of the treatment.

Remove jewelry, especially in the area to be treated, as it may absorb or reflect the laser light.

During the treatment you will be asked to wear protective goggles specific to our laser’s wavelength.

If you have a history of herpes it is recommended you contact your physician and begin a course of profilactic anti-viral therapy.

What To Expect After the Treatment

KEEP IT COOL, KEEP IT CLEAN, KEEP IT OUT OF THE SUN (or use sunscreen minimum 30 SPF)

For the next 24 to 48 hours be extra gentle with your skin. Avoid anything very hot. For example hot tubs, saunas and even hot leather seats can cause a burn. Use tepid water.

Make sure the area is cooled very well by using cool gel packs on the treated areas.

Avoid the use of deodorant or excessive underarm movement until there is no irritation or redness. You may feel like you have a mild to moderate sunburn. Avoid direct sun exposure after your treatment. If you do go in the sun, protect the treated area with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher.

A minor crusting or peeling of the surface layers of the skin is not unusual. A Blister is rare but possible. Cool gel packs, witch hazel, aloe vera and Polysporin may help with redness or inflammation of your skin. Avoid irritating products like Retin-A, Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents.

It will look worse before it gets better. But it does get better. The root of the hair takes 2- 3 weeks to fall or grow out. Meanwhile it may appear as if the hair is growing.

Once there is no visible sign of irritation or redness you can resume all normal activities. After 4 days you may shave or trim.

To maximize the next treatment it is important not to wax or pluck and to come in for a follow up during the anagen (growing stage), usually 5-12 weeks after initial treatment depending on the area.

Only hairs in the anagen phase are expected to not return. Expect 15-30% reduction with each treatment. Some individuals will experience a greater percentage of reduction. This is also dependent on the hair color and density and tolerance. Expect 3-6 treatments to achieve 85- 95% reduction. Fine, light or gray hairs may be finished off with electrolysis.