Laser Hair Removal
For Safe, Effective, Long-Lasting Results
Laser Hair Removal is the fastest and most effective way to remove large areas of unwanted hair. And the results are long-lasting.
All laser hair removal treatments in Ottawa at the Kanata Skin Clinic are performed by professional, fully qualified Medical Aestheticians and supervised by Dr. Erik Hegmann, M.D., who is on-site at all times. So you know you'll be getting the safest, most effective treatment possible.
Laser Hair Removal Explained
Laser hair removal uses energy from a concentrated beam of light to destroy the follicles that produce the hair.
The laser specifically targets the pigment in hair, which absorbs the light energy and heats up. The hair transmits the heat down to the hair shaft to the hair follicle, where it destroys the cells that make the hair.
As a result, the hair follicle’s ability to regrow hair in that area becomes significantly diminished, preventing future growth from occurring.
The Technology Behind Laser Hair Removal
The laser used by Kanata Skin Clinic emits powerful light energy that targets and heats hair follicles on a specific area of the body, permanently damaging them and making them unable to produce new hairs – all without damaging the surrounding skin.
Treatment Areas
Theoretically, laser hair removal can be used on any part of the body, except for near the eyes. However, the most commonly treated areas include:
Underarms
Legs
Back
Bikini line
Chin
Upper lip
What to Expect from Treatment
For each treatment, you'll be required to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser.
If you have not shaved prior to your appointment, the treatment site may be shaved if necessary.
During the actual laser treatment, the continuously-cooled laser handpiece will protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable.
However, you may still feel some discomfort or mild pain. Some patients report this feeling like rubber bands being snapped against the skin or a warm pinprick. The level of pain or discomfort you experience often depends on the area being treated along with your own pain tolerance.
This appointment can last anywhere between 20 minutes and one hour, depending on the size of the area you are having treated.
Treating underarms and bikini lines tend to take less time as there is not a lot of area to cover, while areas such as the legs and back usually require a longer session.
The Best Time of Year to Get Laser Hair Removal
Since several spaced-out treatments are needed to achieve your desired results, beginning your laser hair removal treatments in the fall or wintertime will help ensure you achieve smooth, hairless skin in time for summer.
Laser hair removal should be avoided on tanned skin, so areas that are normally exposed to the sun, such as the face, are best treated in the winter.
Pre and Post-Treatment Care
Before you begin laser hair removal:
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds two weeks before treatment
Avoid using any sunless self-tanning products
Avoid plucking, waxing, or having electrolysis in the area you plan to treat with laser hair removal for at least four weeks before treatment
Shave the treatment area the day of your laser hair removal treatment
Continue to avoid extended periods of sun exposure for 7-days post-treatment and always wear SPF of at least 30.
Also avoid perfumes, deodorants, and hot showers for 24 hours and try not to exercise heavily.
About the Cynosure Vectus™ Diode Laser
The new Vectus™ diode laser offers faster, safer and more comfortable laser hair removal in Ottawa
Specifically designed for Laser Hair Removal, the Vectus™ offers the newest advances in diode laser technology.
Compared to other systems, the Vectus™ is significantly:
Faster, especially for larger areas
More powerful, so you'll need fewer treatments to achieve even better long-term results
More comfortable than older technologies.
Safer than most other lasers
Why KSC Chooses the Vectus™ Laser
Skintel™ Melanin Reader
Safety
The Vectus™ Diode laser is the only Laser Hair Removal System available that offers the patented Skintel™ Melanin Reader. This device measures the actual amount of melanin in your skin before each treatment, so the settings can be tailored precisely to your needs.
For example, if you had spent a lot of time in the sun since your last treatment, your skin will be more tanned. If the settings on the laser are not adjusted to account for your tan, you run the risk of being burned.
The Skintel™ will record a higher level of melanin in your skin, and the laser settings will be adjusted accordingly. This will ensure you receive a safe treatment every time, while still maximizing its effectiveness.
No other laser hair removal system available today can offer you this level of protection.
Power
The Vectus™ diode laser is the most powerful Laser Hair Removal System currently on the market.
Its power is unparalleled, ensuring that each treatment is more effective than other systems and that fewer sessions are required.
Comfort
The Cynosure's patented Advanced Contact Cooling™ system, cools the skin continuously during your laser hair removal treatment, resulting in a safer, more comfortable treatment.
Cutting Edge Technology
Cynosure Medical Technologies is recognized as a world-leader in the research and development of cosmetic lasers. In fact, many major advances in laser technology have been based on Cynosure research.
This means you can trust that you are receiving the best possible laser hair removal treatment available.
FAQs
+ Will laser hair removal work for me?
Unfortunately, Laser Hair Removal will not work for everyone. Laser Hair Removal depends on having darker hair to absorb the light and lighter skin to reflect it. Therefore, if your skin is too dark, it may absorb too much of the light energy, putting you at risk of burns.
Similarly, if your hair is too light, it will not absorb enough energy to destroy the hair follicle. Therefore, laser hair removal will not work on white, light grey, or red hair.
In these cases, Epilfree or electrolysis are good alternatives. Our aestheticians can let you know which would be best for you. In rare instances, some candidates have an underlying medical condition which causes laser hair removal to be ineffective. Dr. Hegmann would be able to investigate this for you.
+ Why do I need more than one treatment?
Each hair goes through three distinct phases in its life cycle: The growth phase (when the hair is actively growing), a resting phase, and then the phase when hair falls out and a new hair begins to grow in the follicle.
Laser Hair Removal requires the hair in the shaft to transmit heat down to the hair follicle. Therefore, Laser Hair Removal is most effective when the hair is in the active growth phase. Since each hair is at a different stage in the cycle, several treatments must be performed to effectively treat every hair follicle.
+ Does laser hair removal hurt?
The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The type of laser being used
Some lasers are known to be more painful than others. Our Cynosure Vectus™ diode laser offers Advanced Contact Cooling Technology to minimize discomfort.
- The skill of the technician
Some technicians are more considerate of the client's comfort than others and have helpful techniques to make their client's treatment more enjoyable
Your individual tolerance level Some individuals are able to handle pain better than others and may find the treatment less uncomfortable compared to some.
The amount of hair in the area
Laser Hair Removal works by hair transmitting heat down to the hair follicle. Therefore, the more hair there is to absorb the light, the more heat you will feel.
- The area being treated
Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. For example, the upper lip is known to be quite sensitive.
- The time of the month
Women tend to be more sensitive to pain as they approach their periods.
+ How much does laser hair removal cost?
Laser Hair Removal is usually sold per treatment, or as a package of 6 treatments at a discounted rate. The reason for this is that you will need a series of treatments to get the maximum benefit. We want you to have the best result possible, so we encourage you to buy the package.
+ Do I have to be a certain age for laser hair removal?
Yes. Because the hormone levels are changing rapidly in adolescents, we cannot guarantee results for laser hair removal for young people. We encourage you to wait until you are at least 16 years old before beginning treatment in order to ensure effective, lasting results.
For more answers to commonly asked questions about laser hair removal
Laser Hair Removal Before and After Photos
(Click the arrows at the right to scroll through the photos)
