Laser hair removal is one method of treatment for the permanent reduction of unwanted body and facial hair.  Excessive hair growth for both men and women can negatively affect their quality of life. The feelings of embarrassment may impede their personal relationships and daily activities.

Laser hair removal has become an established effective treatment for excessive hair growth.  The Age-Less Clinic is the leading laser hair removal specialists in Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket and Toronto.  All lasers are FDA and Health Canada approved and is available to only specialists.

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal uses a method called selective photothermolysis which is a beam of highly concentrated light that is attracted to a specific color. The melanin or color of the hair absorbs the laser light at a specific wavelength and converts the laser into heat energy in the follicle.  This heat energy selectively destroys the follicular matrix where the cells are produced, inhibiting future hair growth.  Lasers can selectively target the dark, coarse hairs and leave the skin undamaged.

How long have lasers been used for hair removal?

Hair removal by lasers began in 1995, however many advances have happened since that time and laser hair removal has become a well established and effective treatment for permanent hair reduction.  Studies show that 80% of the cases benefit from laser hair removal.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Yes, since laser is a non-iodized form of energy, meaning that the energy level is too low to mutate cells, the treatment can only target the hair follicle.

The term “permanent hair reduction” is used when discussing the treatment of laser hair removal.  What does that mean?

While lasers for hair removal are approved by both the FDA and Health Canada, they do not allow the advertising and marketing for laser removal to state permanent hair removal.  The reason being is that laser hair removal technologies may provide you with permanent hair reduction of up to 90% give or take 10%.  This means you can expect most of the hair in the area being treated to be gone permanently, however we must acknowledge the possibility of the 10%.  If hair does regrow, it is much finer, softer and lighter and it can be treated with further treatments or electrolysis.

What areas can be treated?

All areas of the body can be treated effectively and safely.

Can all skin tones be effectively treated by laser hair removal?

The best candidates laser hair removal is lighter skin and darker hair, but with the introduction the Nd:Yag laser, hair removal for darker skin tones can be done safely and effectively.  The Nd:Yag is considered by experts to be the perfect laser for darker skin.  However, the darker the skin tone, the more concentrated the amount of melanin in the skin, which will increase the chance of burning, blistering and discoloration.  That being said, it is extremely important to look at the qualifications and experience of both the technician and the clinic to achieve effective permanent hair reduction with minimal to no adverse effects.

Even with the advancements in technology, darker skin tones will require more treatments that someone whose skin type is lighter.

How many laser hair removal treatments will be required?

There are many factors that determine the number of treatments that will be required to achieve desired look that you want.  Each person has approximately 5 million individual hair follicles, of which only 20% are head hair.  The amount of hair and the pattern of hair growth are highly influenced by the androgen hormone testosterone. Certain areas are more receptive or sensitive to testosterone than other areas of the body.  If your testosterone is within normal levels and your androgen receptor sensitivity is within normal levels, predictable guidelines have been established for number of treatments in which you will see results. Again this is not exact and maintenance treatments are always required.

Skin types 1 – 3:

Face – the face, upper lip, chin, cheeks, neck, chest and areola  have highly sensitive androgen receptors and may require as many as 12 – 20 treatments every 4 weeks before optimal results are achieved.  Maintenance treatments will be required.

Facial Laser Hair Removal

Bikini line, underarms and legs - These areas usually have thicker, darker terminal hair and grow much slower than the face.  Although androgen or testosterone sensitive, there are fewer hairs per square centimeter ( 60 – 70 compared to the face which is up to 500 hairs per square centimeter), and respond extremely well to the laser.  Six to eight treatments are generally required, scheduled every 8 weeks . Maintenance treatments will be required.

Skin types 4 – 6:
Darker skin tones require treatment at the same intervals but additional treatments may be required.

Why do I need multiple laser hair removal treatments?
Hair grows in stages.  For laser hair removal treatments to achieve permanent results the hair must be in its growing or active stage when treated.  If the hair is in resting, shedding or invisible stage and the hair is not attached to its matrix,  the follicle will not be affected by the laser light and the treatment will be ineffective. 
Depending on the area, a treatment schedule will be recommended for maximum effectiveness and results.

What are risks of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is more than just “zapping” unwanted hair, it is a medical procedure that requires training and experience and carries the potential risks of burning, blistering and discolorations.  It is important to check the credentials of the doctor and the technician performing the procedure.

Is laser hair removal painful?
There are clinics and companies that claim “painless” but in order to permanently damage the follicle matrix and stop the hair from returning, the energy/heat in the follicle must be high enough to do this.   Laser hair removal done at levels that do not completely cauterize the capillaries that feed the follicle and destroy the matrix are only a temporary fix.

The pain is compared to a snapping sensation, but the zimmer (chiller) which is attached to the laser cools the top of the skin so the treatment is comfortable.

What is the recovery from laser hair removal?
The treated area may look red and feel slighting tingly which may last for only a few minutes or for as long as  48 hours.  Ice packs, aloe vera, anti-inflammatory creams may be applied.  Make-up can be applied the next day.

The treated hair will take 2 – 4 weeks to fall out.  Wearing sunscreen is a must when having any type of laser treatments.

If I have a hormonal imbalance, will  laser hair removal still work?

While medical treatments such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgens help to stop the production of new hair growth, it cannot get rid of existing excess hair.  Laser hair removal and medication work well in combination but more treatments than average must be expected. Also, as you age and hormone levels fluctuate, maintenance treatments will be ongoing.

What lasers are considered the “gold standard” for permanent hair reduction?

755 nm Alexandrite: This laser is recognized for its efficacy and safety.  This laser is used for patients with lighter skin types, and its longer wavelength allows for deeper penetration into the skin. Multiple treatments have been proven to reduce hair up to 95%.

1064nm Nd:Yag: This is the safest laser used to treat unwanted hair on patients with dark skin.  At 1064nm, this laser penetrates the skin deeper than the other lasers, with less absorption at the skin, but it is also less effectively absorbed by the melanin of the hair.  Due to this, more treatments are required than the 755nm Alexandrite.

What lasers used at the Age-Less Clinic Richmond Hill, York Region, Toronto for hair removal?
The Age-Less Clinic Richmond Hill has only hospital grade lasers that are available only to physicians.  These lasers are extremely high powered and are highly effective and are not available in spas.  For hair removal, Age-less Clinic Richmond Hill carries the Cynosure Apogee Elite Laser and the Sciton Nd:Yag Laser.

Are laser hair removal treatments covered by OHIP?

Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic and is not covered under OHIP. However, employee health spending accounts may cover treatments since Age-Less Plastic Surgery and Laser Clinic in Richmond Hill falls under the guidelines as a medical clinic.

Laser hair removal should be preformed in an ethical manner and medical protocols must be followed.  Sessions performed at quicker intervals should be avoided, and promises of quick results and guarantees should not be pledged.

What is the cost of Laser Hair Removal treatments?

At the Age-Less Clinic, we consider each patients case on an individual basis.  We look at skin type and the size of the area to be treated.  Laser hair removal fees are based on the amount of time required to complete the area in a thorough manner. For individuals requiring many areas and on-going treatments we offer in clinic financing of 0%.  This allows our patients to base their decision on best treatment rather than best price.

Who is the Medical Director at the Age-Less Clinic Richmond Hill, Toronto, and York Region?

Dr. Marc DuPéré, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is the medical director of the Age-less Clinic in Richmond Hill.    Dr. DuPéré specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures of the face and body and cosmetic laser procedures are a large part of Dr. DuPéré’s cosmetic surgery practice.

Consultations for laser hair removal at the Age-Less Clinic in Richmond Hill, York Region and Toronto are complimentary!