Laser Hair Removal Toronto

Laser hair removal results in the permanent reduction of hair growth and can be performed almost anywhere on the body.

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What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by harnessing the energy of light to heat and permanently destroy hair follicles. Hair follicles must be in the active growth phase in order to be targeted. This is why multiple laser treatments are required, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to target each hair follicle in its growing phase. Any skin type is a candidate for laser hair removal at Compass Dermatology, but the hair itself must be brown or black.

Laser hair removal is best performed during the winter months when skin is untanned and sun exposure is minimal.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in hair and is most effective in the removal of brown or black hair. Blond, white, and grey hair cannot be treated with laser hair removal at this time. Broadband light (BBL) is used for laser hair removal in lighter skin types. The Nd:YAG laser safely targets hair in darker skin types. Laser hair removal simplifies your daily routine and avoids the skin irritation and ingrown hairs that can result from shaving or other methods of hair removal. Waxing or plucking should be avoided during laser hair treatment because these hair removal methods remove the hair by the root and leave no target for the laser.

The advantages of laser hair removal performed at Compass Dermatology include:

  • The permanent reduction of hair growth.
  • The ability to remove unwanted hair almost anywhere on the body.
  • Most people are able to resume their normal activities the day after a laser hair removal procedure.
    Any downtime for laser hair removal patients is minimal.
  • Laser hair removal is relatively free of discomfort.
    Compass Dermatology’s patients report that laser hair removal is no more uncomfortable than waxing but results in the permanent reduction of hair growth.

You save time, energy, and discomfort.
Following your laser hair removal treatments, you won’t have to shave or wax the treatment area. You just get to enjoy your smooth skin.

A series of sessions is needed to permanently reduce the amount of hair growth in a single area. Your sessions with Compass Dermatology will be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.

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Our Comprehensive Approach to Laser Hair Removal

The first step when considering laser hair removal is a consultation with one of Compass Dermatology’s expert laser estheticians. Your medical history will be taken. Certain medications, including common blood pressure medications and antibiotics, increase your sensitivity to lasers. Your skin type and the colour and thickness of the hair in the area to be treated will determine your unique treatment parameters. You will then meet with one of our board-certified dermatologists and the appropriate laser for your skin type and hair colour will be selected.

You may be asked to shave the areas to be treated the day before your laser hair removal session with Compass Dermatology. You should avoid sun exposure and application of self-tanning creams, since these can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. During the procedure, you will wear protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe from the intense laser light.

Treatment is associated with mild discomfort, often compared to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin. Many of Compass Dermatology’s patients find that treatment of more sensitive areas, such as the underarm or bikini areas, is more comfortable following the application of a numbing cream. Our dermatologists will ensure all steps are taken to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

How permanent is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal at Compass Dermatology results in the permanent reduction of hair growth. Hair follicles must be in the active growth phase in order to be targeted. This is why multiple treatments are required, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart in order to target each hair in the correct phase of the hair growth cycle.

How effective is laser hair removal?

The Laser hair removal technology used at Compass Dermatology is extremely effective at permanently reducing unwanted hair. One study of laser hair removal followed up with a group of patients eleven and a half years after treatments and found that nearly 88% reported lasting improvements. To achieve ideal results, it's important to undergo the recommended number of treatment sessions at the correct frequency. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most patients who have done so will be free from any hair in the treated areas for many months or even several years.

After your procedure at Compass Dermatology, treated hair will not immediately fall out; you will lose it over several days or weeks. Laser hair removal does not result in complete and permanent hair removal (though hair reduction is permanent), and you may require maintenance treatments. Results vary, but typically any future hair growth is finer and lighter than the original hair before laser treatment.

How many sessions do you need for laser hair removal?

In order to most effectively reduce hair growth, repeated treatments are needed. Depending on how your hair responds to the laser and where the hair is located, you may require 5 to 7 sessions to permanently remove the majority of hair from a treated area. The legs and arms typically require more sessions than the underarms and bikini area. After your initial hair removal sessions at Compass Dermatology, maintenance laser treatments may be needed in the future.

Does laser hair removal treatment hurt?

Laser hair removal devices use a laser to heat the hair follicles, which damages them, resulting in permanent hair reduction. The heat created as the laser light heats the hair shaft causes mild discomfort, similar to what you might experience when waxing. The sensations experienced depend somewhat on the part of the body being treated. For sensitive areas, like the bikini line, our patients at Compass Dermatology often find a numbing cream very helpful. In any case, undergoing laser hair removal creates a lot less discomfort in the long run than other hair removal methods, like shaving, that have to be done frequently.

Which areas are okay for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatment at Compass Dermatology can be performed on almost any area of the body. Common areas for laser treatment include facial hair (for example, on the upper lip) and body hair on the legs, underarm, and bikini line. Certain kinds of facial hair removal, however, aren't possible, since it is not safe to use laser treatment too near the eyes.

How long does laser hair removal take?

The time required for each laser hair removal treatment at Compass Dermatology will depend upon which areas you want to have treated. A small area, like the upper lip, can be completed in a few minutes. Larger areas may take the laser technician more than an hour to complete. Keep in mind that the laser hair removal process will require multiple treatment sessions for the greatest effectiveness.

Is at-home laser hair removal safe?

You may have seen products advertised that promise laser hair removal at home. These kinds of devices are newer and diverse, so there is not as much data about their effectiveness and safety as there is with clinical-grade devices. See this recent study for a summary of the research to date. You should keep in mind, though, that lasers are powerful instruments that can do damage to your skin if not designed or used correctly. Also, home treatments are not suitable at all for certain skin types that require the more sophisticated equipment available in a clinical setting.

There are several advantages to getting laser treatment with a provider like Compass Dermatology, where you’ll be cared for by a certified medical professional. Laser hair removal done in this setting will ensure effective, medical-grade lasers are used and that treatment is done following proper safety guidelines. You can be much more confident both about the results you'll get and the safety of the procedure when you undergo laser hair removal in a clinical setting with a trained professional.

How much do laser hair removal treatments cost?

The cost for laser hair removal depends upon a number of factors, including how large an area you would like treated and where that area is. This can affect both the time needed for your initial treatment as well as how many follow-up treatments are recommended. When you have your initial consultation with one of Compass Dermatology’s expert laser estheticians, she will discuss laser hair removal costs with you so you will have all the information you need to decide upon a treatment plan that is best for you.

What are the potential side effects of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is typically associated with mild redness and swelling of the treated skin for 1-2 days following the treatment, especially for those with sensitive skin. Blistering and skin lightening or darkening in the treatment area are rare complications. Laser hair removal technology allows laser hair treatments on both light skin and dark skin with minimal risk. Our doctors at Compass Dermatology have extensive training and experience and know how to minimize the side effects you are likely to experience.

Elevate Your Look

To learn more about how one of our board-certified dermatologists can help you get rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal, please complete this form, text or call us at 647-351-9277.

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650 Mount Pleasant Rd #8
Toronto, ON M4S 2N5, Canada

ph: 647-351-9277
Fax. 647-351-9077

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