Laser Hair Removal
Also known as IPL hair removal and laser hair reduction
Laser hair removal is a convenient, noninvasive method for permanently reducing or removing unwanted facial or body hair. It leaves the skin looking smoother and silkier than waxing, electrolysis or razors and is a gentle technique that can treat larger areas effectively with minimal discomfort and with no downtime. Today, laser hair removal is one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed in Canada.
When to Consider Laser Hair Removal
If you have unwanted facial or body hair that makes you feel self-conscious or limits your ability to wear certain clothing
If you have dark hair and light skin
If you are looking for an alternative to waxing, electrolysis, shaving and bleaching
Considerations
Pros
Both large and small areas of the body are effectively treated
May make skin color and complexion more uniform
Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of 3 to 8 sessions
Cons
Multiple treatments are usually required to produce satisfactory results
Patients with darker skin may not respond well due to inadequate discrepancy between skin and hair colors
Blonde or gray/white hair is less responsive due to lack of ample pigment in the hair
These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering laser hair removal. If you want to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your esthetician.
Are you a good candidate for a laser hair removal?
The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider laser hair removal:
You have unwanted hair on part of your body such as your underarm, bikini line or back
You have unwanted hair on part of your face such as your chin, upper lip or cheek
You are looking for an alternative to waxing, electrolysis, shaving and bleaching
You have dark hair and light skin
Darker hairs will absorb more of the laser light and lighter skin allows more transmission of the laser light into the hair follicle. Age, ethnicity, medication, hormone levels and body area affect the length, coarseness and color of body hair, which in turn will influence the results of any cosmetic laser treatment.
Laser hair removal is safe for all parts of the body, including the face, but a protective eye cover is usually used.
Permanently removing or reducing hair on the legs can save time, money and aggravation on shaving and waxing.
Detailed Procedural Info
How is a laser hair removal procedure performed?
Before your laser hair removal treatment, protective eye wear will be placed over your eyes to prevent injury to your corneas or retinas. The hair that will be undergoing treatment needs to be shaved the day before or day of. To protect the outer layers of your skin, a cold gel is applied as well the handle cools to -8 degrees Celsius. This will also make the treatment more effective by facilitating laser light penetration through the skin.
During the treatment the Intense Pulsed Light depletes the hair follicle of moisture, causing it to burn and die. The IPL hair removal adopts the photo-thermal therapy and it can be selectively absorbed by the target while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. IPL hair removal therapy eliminates the unwanted hair from the hair root to the tip.
During the procedure, your technician may use ice packs to soothe the treated areas and diminish any discomfort.
Multiple sessions are required for optimal results. Usually three to eight are needed initially, but additional treatments at later dates should be expected, especially if you have endogenous hormone secreting states or exogenous hormone use.
Most estheticians recommend treatment intervals of four to eight weeks, depending on:
Your gender, age, hair type, and hair growth pattern
The body region being treated
The laser or light-based device selected
What are my options?
There are a number of devices for laser hair removal. The most successful use a low-energy laser beam to disable the active growth hair follicles. The following variables affect laser or device hair removal:
Skin color
Hair color and thickness
Area of the body treated
Device type
Wavelength and fluence used
Spot size and pulse width
Skin temperature and cooling
Treatment timing
At Fleur’t Studios we use the The DermaLase IPL by NuBody Equipment Sales Ltd. Health Canada Approved with it’s large sapphire crystal head that allows us to treat clients quickly and the built in cooling system keeps them comfortable.
Using superior components and quality German made bulbs, the DermaLase IPL is effective at treating all skin tones for both Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation.
Preparing for Your Procedure
How do I prepare for a laser hair removal procedure?
Your esthetician will provide you with pre treatment instructions and answer any questions that you may have.
Pre Laser Hair Removal Instructions:
Wear sunscreen and/or avoid the sun for 4 - 8 weeks prior to treatment ( CANNOT BE PERFORMED WITH A TAN)
Avoid tweezing, waxing, or electrolysis for 4 weeks prior
No treatments while pregnant
Shave 24 hours prior to treatment
No tanning products 2 weeks prior to treatment
Post Laser Hair Removal Instructions:
No excessive exercise that will cause profuse sweating for 24-48 hours post treatment
No hot baths or showers for 24 hours post treatment
Wear sunscreen on treated areas
Questions
Q: How many treatments will I need for Hair Removal?
A: 6-8 treatments depending on the area. Some future touch-up treatments may be required, due to hormonal or other medical reasons.
Q: When will I see some results?
A: Approximately 20% reduction of hair per treatment.
Q: Are There Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?
A: The side effects are minimal. Some people experience temporary redness, itching, and swelling of the skin right after treatment. These side effects usually go away within a few hours, and most can be soothed by applying aloe vera to the treated area.
In rare cases, some people may see scars, burns, or blisters. But these side effects usually occur only in people who do not follow the proper aftercare plan.
Q: How long does Laser Hair Removal take?
A: Most laser hair removal procedures take fifteen to thirty minutes; however, a longer time period may be required, depending on the area being treated.