Best Laser Hair Removal in Toronto

What are the negative effects of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, it can have some potential negative effects. These side effects are usually temporary and mild, but they can vary depending on individual factors such as skin type, hair colour, and the skill of the technician performing the procedure. Some common negative effects may include:

Skin Irritation

After laser hair removal, you may experience some redness, swelling, or temporary discomfort in the treated area. This typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.

Pigment Changes

In some cases, laser hair removal can cause temporary changes in skin pigmentation, manifesting as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the treated area. Luckily, Facet Dermatology specializes in darker skin types, and we have lasers for all skin types to help minimize the risk of temporary pigmentation.

Skin Sensitivity

Your skin may become more sensitive after the procedure, making it more susceptible to sunburn or other skin reactions. Avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen after the treatment is essential.

Do you need to shave before a laser session?

Yes. Before your laser hair removal session, we recommend you shave the area. Shaving ensures that the laser can target the hair follicles more effectively without interference from long hair on the skin’s surface. This helps the laser energy penetrate directly into the hair follicles for better results. Remember, shaving is the only safe hair removal method before laser hair removal. Other hair removal methods that remove hair from the root. such as waxing, plucking or threading, should be avoided. So, get your razor ready and let the laser work its magic for smoother, hair-free skin!

Can you get ingrown hairs after laser hair removal?

After your laser hair removal treatment, there’s a chance you might experience some ingrown hairs, but it’s not very common. To keep them in check, regular exfoliation can help clear away dead skin cells and provide a smoother path for hair to grow out properly. On the other hand, if you are prone to getting ingrown hairs, receiving laser hair removal can be hugely beneficial. It is the best option for swiftly eliminating ingrown hairs because it directly targets the hair follicle or root.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, laser hair removal is a safe and non-invasive way to remove unwanted hair from virtually any area of the body.

At Facet Dermatology in Toronto, we use the revolutionary Broadband Light (BBL) device, one of the best laser hair removal technology options available, for permanent hair reduction for most skin types. After a series of gentle treatments, and with little to no downtime, your face, back, chest, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms or hands will be smoother than you ever thought possible.

BBL and its laser hair removal technology are Health Canada and FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, and the laser treatment is extremely safe provided you’re a good candidate for treatment.

Many patients describe the sensation of laser hair removal as prickly, or like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin. The BBL system cools the skin’s surface before, during, and after each laser pulse to provide a more comfortable and safe treatment experience.

Most individuals find laser hair removal to be very tolerable and virtually pain free, but our laser technicians can apply a topical anesthetic prior to treatment upon request to further minimize discomfort, especially on patients who have sensitive skin.

Anywhere that can grow unwanted hair can be treated with laser hair removal. Unwanted body hair is the most common choice for laser hair removal treatments, including body hair on the back, chest, arms, legs, underarms, and bikini area. Facial hair removal is also common, particularly on the upper lip, chin, and cheeks.

The number of laser hair removal treatments required will vary based on the area being treated, your skin type, hair colour, and individual response to treatment, though we typically recommend booking a laser hair removal package consisting of at least five treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart.

Every treatment will result in some hair loss, but because laser hair removal can only eliminate hair that is in the active growth stage, several treatments are required to achieve permanent hair reduction.

Laser hair removal is an extremely effective treatment for ingrown hairs, which form when a hair grows back into the skin. It's especially common in a curly or kinky hair type, including those on the neck and in the bikini area, and can occur naturally or be exacerbated by hair removal by shaving, which creates a sharp tip that more easily penetrates the skin as it grows.

The bumps caused by ingrown hair growth can be extremely painful. Some patients of laser hair removal explicitly book these laser treatments to help reduce ingrowns or get rid of them all together, because laser hair removal is actually the best method for eradicating ingrowns.

Methods of laser hair removal work by concentrating on a targeted area and destroying the hair follicles there. Hair follicles are responsible for new hair growth; if the hair follicle can't produce new hair, it can't create an ingrown. After laser treatment, the areas that were prone to bumps and irritation will be smooth and hair-free If you feel like you seemingly get the exact same ingrowns every time you shave, laser hair removal may be the perfect solution for you.

Laser hair removal sessions are an effective solution for both men and women looking for a long-term solution for unwanted hair. Treatments can be customized according to your skin tone, hair colour and texture, and the area being treated. That said, skin and hair type, especially colour, do play a role in treatment efficacy.

We don’t recommend laser hair removal for patients who have a tan on the treatment area (including self-tanning lotions or sprays) since tanning can increase the risk of complications such as blistering or discolouration. For the same reason, patients with darker skin types may not be good candidates for laser hair removal depending on the tone of their skin. Medium and olive-toned skin may be better candidates than those with dark skin.

Those with certain hair colours may also not be candidates for laser hair removal. Light hair, such as white hair or blonde hair, features little to no pigment. Because devices for laser hair removal work by targeting and destroying the pigment in hair, the laser may not "see" the hair well enough to eradicate it. The best candidates are those with dark hair, but when you come in for your consultation, our laser technician will be able to determine the best hair removal methods and customize a treatment plan to your unique needs.

It's important to avoid sun exposure ahead of a laser hair removal treatment as the increased pigmentation of tanning can make it more challenging for laser hair removal devices to work effectively. Patients should also avoid plucking, waxing, or using chemical depilatories for one month prior to treatment to ensure that the laser can work to reduce hair growth as much as possible.

To avoid irritation, especially on sensitive skin, it is highly recommended to avoid professional skin care procedures or skin rejuvenation treatments that use exfoliation, laser technology, or create micro injuries to the skin ahead of laser hair removal treatments, especially in the treatment area. These include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, collagen induction therapy, scar removal, tattoo removal, skin tightening treatments, laser acne treatment, vaginal rejuvenation, body contouring procedures, and more treatments.

You should also consider avoiding cosmetic injectables in the weeks leading up to your treatment if you plan on addressing the same area with laser hair removal as it could affect the results of both procedures. For example, those treating facial hair may want to book their laser hair removal sessions several weeks after getting dermal fillers in the cheeks, lips, mid-face, chin, or jawline.

The day you undergo laser hair removal, thoroughly shave the treatment area and make sure it is free of skincare products like creams and lotions. The best laser hair removal treatment outcomes occur when the light and heat energy can directly target the hair follicles. Removing the hair shaft via shaving will allow the device to concentrate the beam on each hair follicle to help damage it to the point it can no longer grow hair.

If you have more questions, great! We encourage you to share any concerns or unique details with your laser technician; this will help design the perfect laser treatment plan for you. Your laser technician will be able to give you detailed instructions ahead of your laser hair removal appointment to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and satisfying experience.

Many people wonder if laser hair removal is worth it, but consider what you're spending now on your current forms of hair removal. Razor blades get pricey over time, waxing packages add up quickly, and tweezing can be time consuming — and none of these hair removal methods deliver results that can last beyond a few weeks. Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair growth for long-lasting results.

The amount that you spend on laser hair removal may seem pricey up front, but you'll only have to spend it once, with occasional maintenance treatments in the future. Payment for other hair removal methods will be ongoing, costing you more money in the long run.

Beyond saving money over time, you'll also save money instantly when purchasing a series of laser hair treatments. When booking a package, each individual laser hair removal session is priced at a lower rate.

Ultimately, laser hair removal is far more cost effective than the majority of hair removal methods available. Most patients find that they don't regret investing in laser hair removal.