Toronto Laser Hair Removal Overview

Introduction

The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.

Laser hair removal is the only method for PERMANENT hair reduction.

Getting Started

Patients interested in laser hair removal should consult a dermatologist who will make an assessment of: Skin type, Hair color, Thickness and location of hair, Presence of tan, Previous hair removal methods, Medical history, Presence of tattoos or moles in the treatment area.

After the preoperative evaluation, the appropriate laser and treatment settings can be determined. Realistic patient expectations should be discussed including the need for multiple treatment sessions, the potential need for maintenance treatments, and the possibility of variable responses to treatment.

Preparation

Before treatment, patients are advised to avoid tanning and sunless tanners. Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher should be used. No plucking, waxing, or electrolysis should be done, although shaving or depilatory creams can be used. The site to be treated may be shaved one to two days prior to laser treatment.

Laser hair removal should be performed under the direct supervision of a dermatologist, a physician who specializes in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of hair and hair diseases, and who is trained to help manage hair and skin problems.

The Procedure

A large area of the skin can be treated at one time making laser hair removal cost-effective and faster than other methods. Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin that is absorbed by dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles. Since hair cycles as it grows, repeated treatments are necessary to destroy about 80 percent of the hairs. Lasers with longer wavelengths, such as the Cutera CoolGlide lasers, have the ability to treat darker skin types including African-American skin.

The laser pulses feel like the snapping of a rubber band or warm pinpricks against the skin. Ideally, the immediate response is vaporization of the hair shaft. Slight swelling and redness around the hair follicles appear within a few minutes.

Post Treatment

After the laser hair removal treatment, the area may appear a bit red and swollen. Ice packs may be applied to the skin following treatment, and over-the-counter pain relief medicine may be taken as needed before and after treatment. If localized blistering occurs, a topical antibiotic ointment is applied once or twice daily until healed. A mild topical steroid cream may be applied to reduce swelling and redness. Patients are instructed to avoid sun-exposure and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 after the laser treatments. Cosmetics may be applied to the treated skin.