How does laser hair removal work?

 The laser targets the darkness of the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Pigment in the hair shaft attracts and absorbs the light. The absorbed light heats the hair, which damages or destroys each follicle, all without damaging the surrounding tissue.Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, 20-40% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 4-8 week intervals. With multiple treatments we can ensure that all hair follicles are being disabled.

What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band.  The Vein Clinic provides a topical anesthetic which patients may apply to the area being treated. This helps keep discomfort at a minimum.

Can all hair and skin colors be treated effectively with laser?
Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all skin types, even tanned or dark skin. Any hair with pigment in it can be treated effectively.  Light blonde, or white hair does not usually respond well to laser therapy.

How do I determine my skin type? Will this affect my treatment?
Your skin type will determine the amount of energy (J/cm2) used during your treatment. Please view the table below to determine what skin type you are. We will also assess this during your consultation.
Fitzpatrick table of skin types:
Type I Always burns, never tans Example: Red hair with freckles or Albino
Type II Always burns, sometimes tans Eg: Fair-skinned, fair-haired Caucasians.
Type III Sometimes burns, always tans Example: Darker Caucasians, European mix
Type IV Rarely burns, always tans. Eg: Mediterranean, European, Asian, Hispanic.
Type V Moderately pigmented. Example: Hispanics, Afro-American, Middle Eastern
Type VI Black skin. Example: Afro-American, African, Middle Eastern

Are laser treatments affordable? Do you offer package pricing?
When you take into consideration the cost of your daily maintenance for shaving (products and time), we feel that laser treatments pay for themselves over time. There is also the intangible cost of confidence and self-esteem, which can have a boost when you know there isn’t any unsightly hair.

We offer per treatment pricing as well as a package price. Most clients need between 4-6 treatments to get the desired outcome. We can work with you on a customized package as well during your consultation.

Does it hurt?
While everyone’s tolerance is different, some clients may find treatment mildly uncomfortable. With the technology used today the treatments are very quick. Any discomfort one experiences is over very quickly.

How long does it take?
The treatment may take a minute or two (small area- upper lip or chin), or up to an hour (legs or back). It is important you notify us what area you are looking to treat when booking your appointment so we allow enough time for larger areas.

What are the risks involved with laser hair removal?

There is little or no recovery or down time with this treatment. Clients can return to their normal activities immediately. These lasers do not injure the dermis so the risks are extremely low. As with any procedure, you will be given an informed consent form to read over that explains all the possible risks. Sun exposure or tanning beds and certain medications could possibly make the skin more sensitive to the thermal energy of the laser. For this reason, it is the client’s responsibility to inform us of any/all medications and health history during the consultation. It is also mandatory that all clients wear protective eyewear (which we provide) while receiving the laser treatment.

Who will be performing the treatments?
The treatments will be performed by certified laser specialists and have all the training necessary to offer you sound advice and knowledgeable treatment.

Why are multiple sessions required?

Laser hair removal works on actively growing hair. With the exception of scalp hair, most of ones body hair is in the inactive phase. The percentage of actively growing hairs in most locations is 20 – 30%. This fact alone explains the necessity for multiple treatments to catch all the growth cycles for hair in a given area. Generally, treatment sessions are spaced accordingly to allow for hair to cycle into active growing