LASER HAIR REMOVAL in Ottawa

Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to shaving, waxing, threading, electrolysis and plucking. It is for individuals who either wish to eliminate an overgrowth of hair or simply eliminate hair growth in unwanted areas. Laser hair removal technologies reduces hair growth quickly, safely and offers successful long-term results.

The most commonly treated areas for laser hair removal at Synergy Spa / Ottawa Cosmetic Clinic are the underarms, bikini and full Brazilian bikini area, upper lip, as well as larger areas such as legs and backs. But laser hair removal can be performed on any part of your body where you wish to permanently reduce hair growth, with the exception of the scalp and eyebrows.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal works by directing rays of light energy to the hair follicles, targeting the dark pigment in the follicle, destroying it and causing it to lose its ability to grow new hair. This explains why the darker and coarser the hair is, the better and quicker the results. It simply attracts more energy from the laser.

Individuals with lighter skin types also tend to achieve quicker hair reduction because the energy from the laser is directed to the dark pigment of the hair and not the skin. This also allows for higher settings during their laser hair treatments and thus quicker results. This being said, the Sciton Dual Laser used at Synergy Spa / Ottawa Cosmetic Clinic, uses a 1064 Yag laser, which is effective and safe on all skin types from very light to very dark complexion.

There are other advantages that can be found with Sciton Dual Yag Lasers. It is less dangerous to the skin than some other laser systems because it utilizes a chilling plate made of sapphire through which it fires. This technique assures patients that their skin obtains the optimal cooling prior to the firing of the laser and between the laser pulses. As a result, patients obtain a treatment which is much safer and less painful than with other hair removal lasers.

Another advantage of the Sciton Dual Yag Laser system is that it makes use of a scanner which is controlled by a computer in order to deliver the pulses of the laser. Because it is computer-controlled, it produces exact and precise pulse overlaps, ensuring that the entire surface of the targeted skin is in fact being treated.

Thanks to this sophisticated computer technology, the Sciton Dual Yag laser hair removal system offers customers precision, safety and optimization in laser treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Since only follicles in the active growth phase are targeted most patients require a series of treatments. Depending on the area being treated, we recommend between five and seven sessions one to two months apart for optimal results.

How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?

Patients needs to come to their appointment with a clean and hair free skin where the laser treatment will be performed. Patients should refrain from bleaching, tweezing or waxing the area to be treated for a minimum of four weeks prior to the first treatment. Alternative methods of hair management such as shaving and trimming can be used during this time.

What should I expect during my Laser Hair Treatment?

Most people experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, often described as a slight "snapping" sensation. Most people experience some mild redness and tenderness in the targeted area shortly after treatment. This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

No. Lasers cannot destroy all of the hair follicles permanently and so no one should claim to be able to do complete permanent hair removal. What we see is really permanent hair reduction. Most follicles are destroyed, while others are miniaturized into fine hair, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatments are needed for the best results, and the best interval for re-treatment depends on the hair cycle growth pattern in that area of the body. Age, ethnicity, weight, metabolism, medication and hormones all play a role in the location, resilience and thickness of hair. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict how many treatments each individual will require to achieve the best long term reduction in hair growth. We typically recommend a minimum of 6 treatments to achieve optimum results.

Laser Hair Removal Pre-Treatment Instructions:

• Avoid waxing, tweezing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment, and at all times between treatments.
• Avoid the use of exfoliant creams i.e.: Retin-A, Alpha-hydroxy, glycolic acid, etc. 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Full hair growth and stubble is required for the initial visit for proper assessment and documentation. After this visit you may shave between your laser treatment appointments.
• Avoid tanning, including self-tanning creams, for 2 weeks prior to each treatment. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater should be used on any area of sun exposed skin which you plan to treat.
• Shave the area to be treated within 24 hours prior to your appointment.

Laser Hair Removal Post-Treatment Instructions:

• The response, results and healing to laser treatments vary with each individual. Various factors include, but are not limited to, skin color, density of hair, treatment location, and post-treatment care.
• When showering and washing, pat dry, do not rub excessively.
• A cold pack may be placed over the treated area to reduce redness and swelling which can last 1-3 days. The area will usually heal within 5-7 days.
• Avoid using any harsh topical creams until the area is healed i.e.: exfoliants, Retin-A, Alpha-hydroxy, glycolic acid, acne creams etc.
• Avoid sun exposure to the treated area for 24-48 hours. After this time SPF 30 or greater is recommended on the treated area during the course of laser treatment. Avoid tanning, including self-tanning creams, for 2 weeks prior to each treatment.

To find out how easy it can be to have smooth, hairless skin, call us for a free consultation at 613-830-7615 or 613-824-5655. During that visit you will meet with our medically trained laser technician, your concerns and medical history will be reviewed, your questions will be answered and a patch test will be done to ensure that your skin can tolerate the treatment well.