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.
Midtown Skin Studio is a leader in laser hair removal in Maple Ridge, British Columbia and has been performing laser hair removal for several years. Patients who undergo laser hair removal at Midtown Skin Studio receive customized treatments utilizing different 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.
Growth Stages:
Hair grows and sheds in three cycles and this can impact laser hair removal treatment.
The first stage 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 to 6 weeks on the body and a few years on the head. The second stage 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 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.
Ideal candidates include women or men who:
– Have unwanted hair on their arms, legs, back, bikini line, or face.
– Have unwanted hair that has some pigment colour, either brown, light brown or black.
– Understand that 50 to 85 percent of unwanted hair can be permanently removed.
– Are willing to commit to several treatments.
Laser hair removal treatment can be performed on the following areas of the body:
– Upper lip
– Chin
– Neck & beard line
– Shoulders
– Underarms
– Arms
– Chest
– Stomach
– Back
– Bikini line
– Buttocks
– Legs
– Thighs
– Lower legs
A popular misconception is that laser hair removal prices are not affordable, when in fact the typical cost of laser hair removal will be much more affordable than other methods of hair removal when you cosider the long term costs. Not only will you ultimately save money with laser hair removal in the long run, you will also have smooth skin at all times, with no more ingrown hairs.
The price of laser hair removal depends on a variety of factors: the amount of hair you want to get rid of, which body part you are treating with the laser and the kind of laser used. The cost of laser hair removal can also be estimated by the amount of time a laser hair removal session takes. The cost of laser treatment depends on the body part that needs laser hair removal. Generally speaking, smaller treatment areas, such as the face or underarms, cost less, whereas larger areas, such as the back or legs, are more expensive. The cost of laser hair removal may also depend on how responsive your hair is to the laser procedure and how many laser hair removal treatments you will need.
Depending on the above factors, the cost of laser hair removal may vary greatly. It’s important to note that each person is unique and all patterns of hair growth are different.
There is no 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 takes 15 to 30 minutes per zone.
Midtown uses Triton, which is the world’s first patented multi-wavelength workstation, Triton is the only hair removal option that combines the three most popular wavelengths in one platform, using Fusion Technology, for permanent results on different skin types. 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 combination of wavelengths addresses hair removal at different stages of the hair growth cycle. This means that deep hairs can be treated at the same time as newly emerging follicles. Thus, patients can see greater results in fewer sessions.
The laser hair removal procedure used by Midtown Skin Studio in our Maple Ridge clinic is not painful. We use lasers with built-in cooling systems that reduce discomfort. The laser technician can also provide a topical anaesthetic cream during the treatment to minimize further pain.
You should not wax or pluck in between laser hair removal treatments. Instead, you can shave to remove unwanted hair between treatments but it’s important that you do not shave the hair the day before the next treatment, leaving stubbles allows the technician to easily identify the borders of hair-bearing skin. You should not wax the affected area for 6 weeks before your laser hair removal session as the laser requires a hair follicle target to work.
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 do not shave the area the day or night before your appointment.
During your laser hair removal treatment, it is important to follow the safety instructions provided by our specialist. 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 and allow it to fall off on its own. Please note that you can apply ice to the area to relieve swelling. It’s important to avoid using saunas or taking very hot showers or steam baths. Swimming in chlorinated water should be avoided for at least three days following treatment, as should wearing very tight clothing.
No. It is best to wait at least three 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.