Laser Hair Removal

At Toronto Dermatology Centre, we offer the latest technology for laser hair removal in Toronto. Laser hair removal system is fast, painless, and requires fewtreatments than other laser hair removal technologies on the market. We are incredibly excited to offer laser hair removal treatment to our patients in the GTA.

Our laser hair removal system is safe and effective for men and women of all ages and skin types. Laser hair removal in Toronto became a terrific option for permanently reducing body and face hair in the late 1990s, and the technology has gotten better and better (efficacy & safety) with each generation of laser. After BOTOX, laser hair removal is the most common cosmetic treatment in North America and certainly in Toronto.

Don’t forget to ask about our Referral Program!

Causes of Excessive Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth is classified as either hypertrichosis or hirsutism. Hypertrichosis is the presence of excess hair in a normal or abnormal pattern. This may be inherited (genetic), or due to medications, hormones, malnutrition, tumors, or metabolic problems. Hirsutism is the presence of excess hair in women in a male pattern such as the beard, mustache, or lower abdomen, and may be due to hormonal problems, medications, tumors, or heredity. Your Toronto dermatologist can do a proper assessment and blood tests to create the optimal treatment plan for laser hair removal.

Hair Removal Methods

There are many ways of hair removal including shaving, plucking, electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, threading, depilatories (creams), and electrolysis . Most of these methods of hair removal, however, are temporary. Lasers offer the only method for permanent hair reduction; our laser hair removal in Toronto offers great results, quick results, and optimal safety for our Toronto patients.

Types of Lasers and How They Work

A large area of the skin can be treated at one time making laser hair removal in Toronto cost-effective and faster than other methods. Lasers send an 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.  Nd:YAG lasers has the ability to treat darker skin types including Asian and African-American skin. Our laser hair removal for Toronto patients treats dark skin types safely and effectively.

Preoperative Consultation

Patients interested in laser hair removal should consult a dermatologist & their laser technician who will make an assessment of:

  • Skin type (i.e., ability to tan or to burn)
  • Hair colour
  • Thickness and location of hair
  • Presence of tan
  • Previous hair removal methods
  • Medical history including ovarian or thyroid disease, medications, history of abnormal scarring, history of cold sore (herpes simplex) outbreaks in the treatment area, or past isotretinoin use
  • Presence of tattoos or moles in the treatment area

After a 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 laser hair removal treatment.

Pretreatment Instructions

Before laser hair removal, patients are advised to avoid tanning and sunless tanners. Broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher should be used. No plucking, waxing, or electrolysis should be done, and depilatory creams should not be used 4 weeks prior to the treatment.  Shaving the area is fine.

The site to be treated may be shaved one to two days prior to laser treatment. A prophylactic (protective) oral antiviral medication may be started the day prior to treatment to suppress the possibility of developing a herpes simplex infection in the treatment area.

Laser Treatment

On the day of laser hair removal treatment, the area should be clean and free of cosmetics. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to treatment. Our laser has a cooling device that lessens the patient’s discomfort. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the laser hair removal procedure.

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. Ice packs may be applied to the skin following treatment, and over-the-counter pain relief medicine (e.g. acetaminophen) 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 (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or preferably greater after the laser treatments. Cosmetics may be applied to the treated skin.

Side Effects

Side effects of laser hair removal treatments may include pain, swelling around the hair follicle, and redness lasting one to three days. Blistering, herpes simplex (“cold sore”) outbreaks, and bacterial infections uncommonly can occur. Temporary skin lightening or darkening, especially in darker skin types, or in patients with a recent tan, may be seen. Permanent skin pigment change or scarring is very rare. Loss of freckles or lightening of moles in the area of the laser hair removal treatment may occur, as well as darkening or lightening of tattoos.

By having your laser hair removal treatment at a specialized dermatology clinic such as Toronto Dermatology Centre, you are ensuring not only well-trained & supervised personnel, but also the most effective and safest equipment available.

Laser hair removal is best performed using Nd:Yag laser, which are safe for all skin types. Many salons & spas offer IPL for laser hair removal (often found on group buying sites like groupon) – this device is far more painful, less effective (requires many more treatments), and can lead to side effects and should be avoided.

Laser Hair Efficacy

The percentage of hairs removed per session varies in different body locations, with areas of thin skin (for example, bikini and armpits) generally showing a better response than areas of thick skin (for example, the back and chin). Approximately 10-20 percent reduction in hair growth can be expected with each treatment. Laser hair removal treatments are repeated every 4-8 weeks. Any hair that re-grows tends to be lighter and finer in texture.

Laser Hair Treatments

Laser hair removal in Toronto 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. For diagnosing and treating excess hair in Toronto, our dermatologists provide the necessary expertise to give you the best results in laser hair removal.

Our dermatologist Dr. Benjamin Barankin was interviewed by Pauline Chan of CTV in August 2011 for a piece on how to find the right person and clinic to perform your laser treatments. Check out: Lifetime with Pauline Chan

*Results may vary from person to person.

Toronto Dermatology Centre is located in Toronto, Ontario, and serves men and women in North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, York, Aurora, Thornhill, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Pickering, Peterborough, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, Oshawa, Barrie, downtown, midtown, uptown and all of Greater Toronto (GTA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser hair removal permanently remove hair?

Laser hair removal results in permanent hair reduction but cannot 100% remove unwanted hair.

How long does laser hair removal last?

Results vary from different patients. Most results can last several months to years.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The costs depend on the area being treated. Pricing starts at $139.

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

Some risks include swelling, redness, inflammation, temporary skin lightening or darkening and in rare cases, first or second-degree burn.

Do you shave before laser hair removal?

Yes, you must shave 1-2 days before the procedure.

Thinking of visiting Toronto’s premier skin clinic soon?

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