What is laser hair removal?

Our laser hair removal service in Toronto is a cosmetic procedure which permanently removes unwanted facial and body hair. It’s incredibly safe and treatment only causes mild to moderate discomfort. The laser selectively targets the hair follicle without causing any damage to the surrounding skin. Laser hair treatment affects the hair that in the active stage of its growth cycle, which is why multiple sessions are required for optimal results. We treat women and men of all skin tones and hair types, eliminating unwanted hair quickly, painlessly, and permanently.

How does laser hair removal work?

A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. It pulses for a fraction of a second and vaporizes the pigment, disabling numerous follicles to eliminate or significantly impede hair growth.

Soprano XL Laser

Soprano® XL uses pulses of infrared diode laser energy to gradually heat the hair follicles in the subdermal layer of skin until eventually, the hair can no longer grow. With the combination of Single-Shot and IN-Motion™ technology as well as a patented Dual Chill™ treatment tip, the surface of your skin remains cool throughout the procedure. The diode laser Soprano® XL might be safely and successfully used on all skin types from I to VI (from white to black skin). And most importantly, it is painless unlike older generations of lasers, IPL machines or electrolysis. Most of our customers even find it pleasant.

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

laser hair removal men chest before after
laser hair removal leg before after
laser hair removal armpit before after

Is it painful?

Soprano XL represents the golden standard of laser hair removal. The unique technique In Motion minimizes discomfort, irritation during the treatment and makes hair removal faster and virtually Pain-free.

Laser Hair Removal and Hair Growth Cycles

Each hair strand in the human body passes through four stages of growth: anagen, catagen, telogen and early anagen. It is during the anagen, or growth phase, of the hair that laser hair removal treatments can destroy hair at its roots and therefore prevent any new growth.

Because not all hair strands are on the same stage, several laser treatments are needed to ensure that each hair in the anagen stage is targeted.

Hair Growth Cycles
Hair growth cycles
How does laser hair removal work
How does laser hair removal work

The 4 Stages of Hair Growth

There are about 5 million hair follicles in the human body, and not all of them are at the same stage of hair growth. Men have more hair follicles than women (by a few hundred thousand), which is why they may need more treatments than women.

Anagen (Growing phase)

The growing stage or the anagen is the best stage for a hair removal treatment. During the anagen stage, the hair strand is connected to the papilla, which in turn is connected to blood vessels that feed the hair and enable stem cells to grow into new hair. When a hair strand at the anagen stage receives laser treatment, the heat that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair is transmitted to the papilla.

The absorption of heat by the papilla destroys the root of the hair and prevents any new growth. This makes the anagen phase ideal for permanent hair reduction by laser. The hair is rich in melanin, which enables it to absorb the maximum amount of heat from the device.

Catagen (Regression Phase)

Hair follicle shrinks and starts detaching from the papilla at the catagen phase. While you still can get laser hair removal treatments at this stage, the results are not going to be as effective because there is no longer a direct connection to the root of the hair.

Telogen (Resting Phase) and Exogen (Shedding Phase)

At this stage, hair growth stops completely. The hair strand has totally detached from the papilla, so laser hair removal treatments are not going to work at this stage. While in Exogen, the hair gradually loosens from the follicle and is eventually shed.

hair removal methods
Hair removal methods

What to expect during laser hair removal ?

Just before the procedure, your hair that will be undergoing treatment will be trimmed to a few millimetres above the skin surface. The laser equipment will be adjusted according to the color, thickness, and location of your hair being treated as well as your skin color. Depending on the laser or light source used, you and the technician will need to wear appropriate eye protection. It will also be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the laser light penetrate the skin. Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to the treatment area and watch the area for several minutes to make sure the best settings were used and to check for bad reactions. When the procedure is completed, you may schedule your next treatment six weeks later. You’ll get treatments until hair stops growing.

Cost of laser hair removal ?

At VS MedSpa laser hair removal cost starts from $39 per session. The cost varies, depending on factors that include:

  • Size of the area being treated and time required for treatment
  • Number of treatments required

We offer saving packages for clients purchasing several sessions at once, so be sure to ask about any specials available.

View our price list

Preparing for laser hair removal

  • Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least a month to prepare for laser hair removal. The skin should be as light as possible at the time of treatment. For this reason, many people choose to undergo laser treatment during winter.
  • Refrain from plucking or waxing your skin. Shaving is fine, but these other hair removal techniques can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Also, the hair should not be bleached.
  • Shave the area that will be treated, as instructed during the pre-treatment consultation. This is usually a day or two before the appointment. The hair follicles should be visible.
  • Do not use skin care products on the area to be treated. This includes moisturizers, oils, makeup, perfumes, deodorant, antiperspirant, or powder, depending on the area being treated. If you use any kind of topical medication on your skin, be sure to notify our aesthetician when scheduling your laser hair removal appointment. During your first consultation our specialist will explain how does laser hair removal work and suggest best treatment based on your needs.

How many treatments are required?

We typically recommend a series of 6 treatments every 6 weeks for new patients. Due to the normal hair growth cycle, touchup sessions may be needed to ensure all unwanted hair is successfully removed.

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