Is laser hair removal permanent?
The Light Sheer Diode laser was the first hair removal laser certified by the United States F.D.A. to achieve permanent hair removal. This is the laser that we use in our clinic. Not all laser systems have been certified to achieve permanent results.

How does the laser stop hair growth?
Melanin is the compound that gives colour to hair. Our hair removal laser specifically targets the melanin in hairs. The laser destroys the hair and its surrounding follicle by literally vapourizing the hair without damaging the surrounding skin. Most hairs will be completely obliterated by the laser but those that are not completely eliminated tend to grow back finer and lighter in colour.

How many treatments will I need?
Most people respond well in three to five treatments. The laser can only effectively treat hairs in the anagen or growth phase, when the hair root is in the follicle. Essentially, the laser removes all of these growing hairs with every treatment. About half of these treated hairs will be completely and permanently destroyed. Not all of the hairs are actively growing at any one time and those hairs that are resting at the time of a laser treatment will need to be targeted with repeat sessions.

Can the laser treat hair anywhere on the body?
The laser is safe for any type of hair, anywhere on the body. Blonde or gray hairs are removed by the laser treatment but the hairs tend to regrow because there is not enough melanin in the hair follicle for the laser to focus on. Red hair does not always respond effectively to treatment so we recommend a test patch first. This enables you to see how effective the treatment will be before you proceed with a large area.

What is a laser?
The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplified through Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser emits a focused beam of high-energy light, which targets a specific colour. Our laser hair removal system focuses on the melanin in the hair follicle, which is what gives your hair its colour.

Are lasers safe?
What has made lasers safe to use is selective photothermolysis. This means the laser can focus specifically on the melanin in the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding tissues. Lasers can be used on almost any hair or skin colour but some skin types do need special treatment before starting laser procedures. It is very important to be examined by a doctor who is trained and experienced in the use of lasers before proceeding with any treatment. Our clinic offers free consultations in order for us to determine the best treatment for you, while giving you the opportunity to have all your questions answered.

Only trained health care professionals should use lasers. Our clinic offers treatments supervised by board certified dermatologists.

There are some other safety considerations we undertake. You will have to wear protective eyewear while undergoing treatment. Children should not be in the room during treatment. We advise not to proceed with laser treatments around the abdominal area during pregnancy.

What will I look like after treatment?
Your skin may look slightly pink in colour and sometimes crusting will appear in the area a few days after treatment. You will feel a sensation similar to mild sunburn over the first 24 hours after treatment. Some darker complected patients may notice temporary pigment changes. The hair may stay in the follicle for up to two weeks after treatment before it falls out, leaving smooth, hair-free skin.

What do I have to do before my treatment begins?
During the initial consultation, you will be asked to provide a complete medical history. Our registered nurse and dermatologist will assess your hair and skin colour and your medical history. If necessary, we will order blood tests to uncover any hormone related causes, which may be associated with excess production of body hair. Patients with darker skin types may be given a special bleaching cream to use three to four weeks prior to treatment. If you wax or pluck, you will have to wait four to six weeks before you begin your laser hair removal treatments. You will be asked to shave the area the day before your treatment.

What are the risks associated with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure. In certain cases, temporary pigment change will be noted, especially in more darkly pigmented patients. There is slight chance of crusting during the post treatment period, which is easily treated.