laser hair removal
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Laser Hair Removal

Imagine not having to shave or worry about stubble, ingrown hairs or growing out your hair to wax. Laser hair removal is the answer and is a suitable and affordable treatment for both men and women. Enjoy hair free, worry free vacations, save time not having to shave everyday and enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. Almost any area can be treated and at North Okanagan Skin & Laser, our goal is to make you feel comfortable no matter what area needs attention. The “Brazilian” is one of our most commonly asked for procedures among clients. It's commonly recommended among friends to have the “alluring” treatment at North Okanagan Skin & Laser.

Keep in mind that not all lasers are the same. What type of laser you choose and who you choose to perform the treatment will determine how many total treatments you will need, how complete the depilation will be, and ultimately, your overall cost.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Our GentleLase Plus from Candela Lasers Inc. is known as the “workhorse” for permanent laser hair removal. It is fast, efficient and gives superior results time and time again. It targets the melanin (darker colour) in the hair follicles, and destroys these follicles by means of a process called selective photothermolysis. This means that the laser beam targets the melanin and heats it up selectively, disabling the hair follicle. Our system applies a protective, cooling spray to the skin just before and after the laser beam penetrates the skin through to the hair follicles. This provides clients with increased comfort.

We also have the Syneron eLight device which combines IPL with Radio Frequency for permanent hair reduction treatments of blond, red and gray hair as well as darker skin types. Combining these two energies is the only way to effectively treat light coloured hair. IPL alone cannot target light hair and undesired results will be the outcome. Our clients at North Okanagan Skin & Laser are very pleased with the reduction of light hair using this new technology, particularly on the face where light hair can be bothersome.

Preparation Before Treatment

Please shave the area to be treated the night before or the morning of the treatment.

Avoid tanning (natural sun or tanning beds) for at least 2 weeks before and after your laser treatment.

Do not apply any lotions, creams or makeup on the area to be treated.

Do not wax or tweeze the area to be treated.

Results

Permanent hair reduction is guaranteed. Clients can achieve anywhere from an 80-90% reduction. The results are influenced by a number of factors and will be discussed during your consultation. By following your technician's advice you will achieve the optimal outcome of hair reduction.

We recommend 4-6 treatments with the Alexandrite laser for dark hair and 6-8 treatments for IPL/RF for light hair removal. Depending on the area, it will need to be treated 4-12 weeks apart for optimal results with either device. Only the hair follicles in the active growing cycle (anagen phase), respond to treatment, hence the need for multiple treatments.

Some future maintenance or touch up sessions will most likely be required. At North Okanagan Skin & Laser, the staff are experts and laser hair removal is safe no matter which areas you are treating. You can be sure every laser treatment you receive is specially tailored to you and your skin type, hair type and genetic factors.
 

Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds After this Treatment

  • SLIP on a shirt.
  • SLAP on a wide brimmed hat (not a baseball cap...the ears and sides of the face can get skin cancer too!)
  • SLOP on the sunblocking cream, lotion or spray to any sunexposed areas of the skin. The Canadian Dermatology Association currently recommends an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30, which will give 97% protection, as opposed to 93% with SPF 15. The protection % does not increase with higher SPF than 30. It goes without saying that any sunblocking agent should be re-applied frequently, at least every 2 hours, especially when swimming or perspiring. We have VIVIER TRIPLE PROTECTION SPF 30 Sunblock available for purchase at our office as well as PCA PRODUCTS. Sunscreen can never "cause" melanoma; excessive UVA and UVB exposure can cause melanoma (which can be fatal), actinic keratoses, basal and squamous carcinoma, and sunburn, to name but a few effects.
  • SLIDE on those sunglasses! Your eyes, especially the retina and lens, must also be protected from UV induced damage!
  • SEEK the shade! This goes without saying.
  • AVOID the midday sun (between 11 am and 3 pm) when the UV rays are at the "worst". AVOID the sun in general, as you will produce more than enough vitamin D from even a few minutes of sun exposure on small areas such as the top of the hands.