Laser Hair Removal
Let's face it, excess body hair can be unsightly and embarrassing.
Shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide temporary fixes
that are inconvenient, irritating, messy and only temporary.
Electrolysis is time consuming, sometimes painful, and is useful only
in removing hair from small areas.
Excess and unwanted hair is a common problem. Women frequently
experience this condition on the face, especially the upper lip or
eyebrow area, in the bikini area, under the arms or on the legs. Men
often wish to rid themselves of hair on their back or chest. They too
may have unwanted hair between their eyebrows or on other parts of
their face.
Advanced technology lasers and light sources are rapidly changing
hair removal treatment, providing gentle, non-invasive and long-lasting
solutions to unwanted hair. Among laser and light-based devices, the
LightSheerTM Diode Laser System and the IPLTM provide safety, superior
results and patient satisfaction.
how does it work?
The
LightSheer laser is a strong light that is absorbed by the color of the
hair follicles. This causes hair to fall out and prevents it from
re-growing. It is necessary to treat a particular area several times to
permanently remove most of the hair in that area.
how effective is it?
Three
treatments reduce the number of hairs by sixty to eighty per cent. The
remaining hairs that grow are finer and lighter in colour. The
effectiveness increases with more treatments.
is it painful?
Most
people find the laser much less painful than electrolysis. A numbing
cream can be applied to the skin prior to the laser treatment. This
significantly reduces the discomfort associated with the treatment.
Many people can tolerate the laser without numbing of any kind. It is
not necessary to use needles for any part of the procedure.
how is the procedure done?
It
is done here in our office. It is important not to wax, pluck, or have
electrolysis within 6 weeks of the treatment. The area should be shaved
one to two days before the procedure.
what areas can be treated?
Almost
any area can be treated. This includes the moustache, beard, neck,
chest, back, arms, legs, back, buttocks, ears, forehead and genital
areas. Any color of skin can be treated, although the laser works best
on dark hair on light coloured skin. The laser does not work for blonde
or white hair.
what happens after the procedure?
You
will notice redness around the hair follicles. You may bathe, shower,
swim and exercise normally after the treatment. You will notice tiny
hairs coming out of the hair follicles. This is the dead hairs being
removed from your skin and is not a sign of the hairs regrowing.
How often are the treatments done?
Every 4 to 12 weeks.
What are the Potential Risks?
There
is a small risk of increased or decreased skin pigmentation (color) in
the areas that are treated. This is nearly always reversible.
can the laser cause cancer?
There is no known risk or association with laser hair removal to cause skin cancer or other types of cancer.
is this treatment covered by health insurance?
Rarely, private health insurance will cover the cost of laser hair removal, be sure to ask your insurance company.
who does the treatment?
A
physician or qualified laser technician operates the laser. For added
safety, the laser is always operated under the supervision of Dr.
Hester who is always available for assistance.
what if I would like more information?
You
may set up a consultation with one of our staff members to answer your
questions in detail. Any questions that they are unable to answer, Dr.
Hester will gladly answer for you.
