Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to eliminate and remove unwanted hair.
The light from the laser is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light’s energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles. This damage kills the hair, and delays further growth.
Although laser hair removal delays hair growth, its removal is usually not permanent after just one treatment. Multiple laser treatments are generally needed for initial hair removal, including maintenance treatments.
SpaMedica is one of the best laser hair removal clinics in Toronto, Ontario. Our laser clinic is a pioneer of the procedure, and has been performing laser hair removal since 1997. In addition, SpaMedica has helped develop lasers used to reduce hair growth permanently. Patients who undergo laser hair removal at SpaMedica receive customized treatments utilizing different lasers and wavelengths that provide the best possible reduction results combined.
While individuals who opt for laser hair removal may do so for regular hair growth, many patients who opt for laser hair removal treatments do so due to excessive hair growth.
Excessive hair growth falls into one of two categories: hypertrichosis or hirsutism. Hypertrichosis is excess hair that grows in a normal or abnormal pattern, caused by genetics or illness, medication, hormones, or metabolic issues. Hirsutism is excess hair in women in traditionally male locations on the body, including the upper lip, chin, and jawline, or lower abdomen. Hirsutism can be caused by hormonal issues, tumours, medications, or genetics.
Our hair grows and sheds in cycles – three to be exact – and this can impact laser hair removal treatment.
The first stage is anagen, which is the growing phase. Each of our hairs are inside the follicles and deeply rooted at the dermal papilla and germinal matrix, forming the hair bulb. Blood vessels enter, bringing nutrients to the hair and causing growth. This first stage lasts around 4-6 weeks on the body and a few years on the head.
The second stage is catagen, which is the transition phase where the hair is preparing itself to shed. The follicle shrinks and detaches itself from the dermal papilla, lasting around ten days.
The third and final stage is telogen, the resting phase. This can last around 3 months. While the old hair rests, the new hair begins the growth phase and the cycle starts again. This is why multiple laser hair removal sessions are vital for satisfactory results. When at least eight sessions are performed, you will begin to see long-term results (this depends on your hair thickness and the laser you choose).
Ideal candidates are women and men who:
If you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal, consider one of the other nonsurgical treatments available at SpaMedica.
Laser hair removal treatment can be performed on the following areas of the body:
The cost of laser hair removal in Toronto starts as low as $99-$499 per zone, and a five-treatment package pricing is available.
There is no real downtime after laser hair removal. Some redness and swelling may occur after the treatment but will dissipate within the first few hours.
Permanent hair removal in Toronto takes 15-30 minutes per zone.
SpaMedica has the best selection of laser hair removal devices and laser wavelengths in Canada. Each Laser Hair removal program is customized to include the best possible combination of lasers, wavelengths, and technologies that will give the most effective permanent hair removal results in the fewest treatments with the lowest incidence of risk. At the time of your consultation, your consult coordinator will review the best combination of Lasers to provide the results you are looking for, including the LightSheer, GentleMax Pro, Triton, Elite, Vectus, Diolaze, and Motive ELOS Diode.
SpaMedica is Canada’s largest, oldest, and most respected private cosmetic laser center. Why are there so many laser hair removal devices available? The answer is simple: using only one laser will not give the best results. Superior laser hair removal and permanent hair reduction are only achieved by the customized combination of two or more of the following technologies that work in different, yet synergistic and summative ways to achieve the best results.
The new Triton, 3 wavelength 1064 nm NdYAG, 810 nm Diode, and 755 nm Alexandrite. The Triton has the world’s only synchronous double wavelength handpieces with the DuoLight, which includes the 810 nm Diode and 755 nm Alex in the same pulse, and the DuoDark, which fires the 1064 nm YAG and 810 nm Diode in the same treatment for best in class results.
Other Lasers that may be combined for your laser hair removal program include:
● Lightsheer 810 nm high-speed diode
● GentleMax Pro 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 755 nm Alexandrite
● Elite 755nm Alex and 1064 nm NdYAG
● The 810 nm Vectus 810 nm diode
● Diolaze 810 nm diode
● The IPL-Diode Motiv ELOS diode
SpaMedica’s patients are pleased with the numerous benefits provided by laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal provides a 50-85 percent reduction in unwanted hair after as little as five treatments for most patients. The results are permanent, so patients don’t have to wax or shave the areas again.
People experience excessive hair growth in different parts of the body. Laser hair removal can be done anywhere, so you can get the results you want, regardless of where the hair is located.
Some hair removal clinics only provide optimal results for people with lighter skin. SpaMedica’s innovative laser hair removal system works for all skin types.
Laser hair removals can be done quickly and do not require any significant downtime or alteration to your day-to-day routine following your procedure.
Most laser hair removal patients see permanent results after three to seven sessions.
People who undergo regular waxing treatments spend lots of money on hair removal. Laser hair removal is a cost-effective alternative.
Since different hair thickness and skin pigments or sensitivities require different lasers and treatment plans, it’s important to understand the Fizpatrick Skin Type Scale, which helps you determine your needs for optimal results.
There is a low amount of melanin in the hair, skin, and eyes. White, pale skin with reddish undertones and blonde or red hair with blue or green eyes. Your skin never tans but you easily get a sunburn.
Low to moderate melanin concentration wherein you have a cream-coloured or olive complexion with beige undertones. You might have freckles or moles, your eyes can be light blue, green, or brown, and your hair colour may vary from light to dark. You tend to burn but you are able to tan in the sun sometimes.
Moderate melanin concentration with light tan, golden, or an olive complexion and any hair or eye colour. You sometimes burn but gradually tan.
Moderate to high melanin in the skin, resulting in a caramel, tanned, or medium brown complexion. You have dark hair and hazel or brown eyes. You also rarely burn in the sun but easily tan.
High melanin concentration resulting in black or dark brown skin, dark eyes, and black or brown hair. You rarely burn in the sun and always tan well.
Consult with a professional from the SpaMedica team to learn which laser type and treatment plan is ideal for your complexion, hair thickness, sensitivity, and hair colour.
Laser hair removal comes with few mild risks. You can reduce the likelihood of complications by choosing SpaMedica and the expertly trained laser hair removal specialists.
Some skin irritation is normal following laser hair removal. This side effect generally goes away within several hours.
While rare, the laser can burn the treatment area. SpaMedica reduces this risk by using the proper combination of lasers and the ideal technique for laser hair removal.
It is possible to experience pigment changes after undergoing laser hair removal. This risk is greater for those with darker skin. Pigment changes are generally temporary and resolve themselves.
Scarring can occur even when the treatment is performed properly due to the necessary heat exchange between the laser and the hair follicle. There is always a small risk of a laser burn and a scar with any cosmetic laser treatment.
SpaMedica is seen as one of the best laser hair removal clinics in Toronto. We’ve been performing laser hair removal procedures since 1997 and have helped develop lasers used to permanently reduce hair growth. Patients who undergo laser hair removal at SpaMedica receive customized treatments utilizing different lasers and wavelengths that provide the best possible reduction results.
SpaMedica uses up to 14 different lasers for hair removal, depending on the patient’s needs. By combining lasers, SpaMedica provides patients with optimal results.
The Lightsheer Duet 810nm diode laser is recommended for patients with light, medium, and darker skin and dark hair. This fast-paced laser includes a suction-coupled handpiece that reduces discomfort during treatment.
The GentleMax Pro Laser is a combination of the GentleLase 755nm Alexandrite and the GentleYAG 1064nm Nd:YAG laser hair removal devices. The GentleLase 755nm Alexandrite is used for patients with lighter colour skin and brown or dark hair, while the GentleYAG is used for patients with darker skin and dark hair. By combining both devices with the GentleMax Pro Laser, SpaMedica can reduce hair growth for all skin types. The laser can treat large areas quickly and efficiently, speeding up the treatment time.
The Triton Laser combines three wavelengths in a single device. It is the only laser in the world that will release 2 wavelengths in the same pulse. This device contains the 755nm Alexandrite for light skin and dark hair, the 810nm Diode, and the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength for dark skin and dark hair patients. This device works on light and darker skin types and glides across the skin, quickly treating large areas. The dual-wavelength emission gives an 85% reduction in only 3 treatments.
The Diolaze 810nm high-speed diode laser is used for patients with light to dark skin tones. The high-speed laser maintains a short pulse duration and optimal high fluence and can treat large areas quickly.
The Elite Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser hair removal system is a dual-wavelength laser that combines the Elite 755nm Alexandrite laser and the Elite 1064nm Nd:YAG laser into a single device. While the 755nm is used for lighter skin and dark hair, the Nd:YAG 1064nm is recommended for darker skin and dark hair. Dr. Mulholland blends the two lasers to provide the best possible results.
The Vectus 810nm Diode Laser is used for patients with light, medium, and darker skin types and dark hair. This is the fastest diode laser hair removal system available and can complete the lower leg, chest, or back in 6-8 minutes.
The eMax laser combines intense pulsed light and bipolar radiofrequency to provide optimal laser hair removal. Hairs with little pigment and fine hairs respond to this system.
The Motif Vantage includes an 810nm diode laser with bipolar radiofrequency energy. This creates electrical optical synergy (ELOS). The hybrid laser reduces the risk of hypopigmentation and burns and can be used on darker skin types and to treat fine and light hair.
Home-based energy devices can provide some temporary home pulsed light reduction as well as shaving, waxing, and electrolysis.
SpaMedica’s highly trained laser technicians perform laser hair removal treatments. The process begins with a consultation to determine the right combination of lasers and wavelengths to use to achieve the desired effects. SpaMedica can use up to 14 different lasers for each patient, which is why they can perform some of the best laser hair removal in Ontario.
Then the laser technician trains a beam of light on the unwanted hair. This disables the hair follicles, so they cannot grow back. Hair grows in cycles so that patients come back for four additional treatments, spaced out every 8-12 weeks.
Prior to your laser hair removal, it is important to book a consultation with a clinician or dermatologist to determine if there are any concerns specific to your health status or skin type when it comes to laser hair removal. These considerations may include:
Patients need to take some steps to prepare for laser hair removal at SpaMedica. Patients should:
● Avoid sun exposure for two weeks.
● Avoid electrolysis, tweezing, and waxing for four weeks.
● Do NOT shave the hair on the day before and the day of the treatment, leaving stubbles for the technician to easily identify the borders of the hair-bearing skin.
Patients can leave SpaMedica immediately following the laser hair removal treatment. It can take one to two weeks to begin to notice the results; the full results aren’t apparent until after the final treatment.
Recovery is relatively simple following laser hair removal. Patients will often experience bumps and redness that generally go away within 8 hours but may last several days. Ingrown hairs also might take several days to express. Dead hair shafts will often eject out over the first 2 weeks.
Suntanning is not recommended for two weeks following the session. Patients should wear sunscreen when going out in direct sunlight as well.
Non-surgical, non-invasive fat reduction treatments with Coolsculpting, Evolve, or Sculpsure. Skin tightening and cellulite reduction pair well with laser hair removal.
Permanent hair removal in Toronto is not painful. SpaMedica uses lasers with built-in cooling systems that reduce discomfort. The laser technician can also provide a topical anaesthetic cream and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) during the treatment to minimize further pain.
The results of laser hair removal are permanent.
You should not wax or pluck in between laser hair removal treatments. Instead, you can shave to remove unwanted hair between treatments and ensure you do not shave 2 days before the next treatment, or long enough to ensure there is visible stubble.
Prior to your treatment, do not expose the treated area to the sun or to a tanning bed. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Do not pluck, wax or bleach your hair for six weeks ahead of your appointment, and shave the area the day or night before your appointment.
During your laser hair removal treatment, it is important to follow the safety instructions of your clinician. Wear protective eyewear, and request the use of topical anaesthetic if you are concerned about pain or discomfort.
After your treatment, do not irritate the treated area, and apply aloe vera to the area several times a day. If any crusting or scabbing occurs at the treatment site, do not pick it off; allow it to fall off on its own. Do not rub or scratch. If a crust develops, let it fall off on its own. You can apply ice to the area to relieve swelling and avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin (paracetamol is safe to take). Very hot baths, steam baths and saunas, and swimming in chlorinated water should be avoided for two to three days following treatment, as should very tight clothing.
No. It is best to wait three to four days after your laser hair removal to shave the treated area.
It is possible to have hair removed via laser hair removal from any part of the body except for the eyelids.
