medically proven, safe, and effective hair reduction

Laser hair removal has become a very popular treatment to eliminate unwanted facial and body hair. It is a safe, fast and effective method for long-term reduction of hair. Dr. Gidon uses both the LightSheer diode laser and intense pulsed light for hair removal.

View Before-and-After Photos for this Procedure

How does laser hair removal work?

The laser generates light that is passed through the skin into the hair follicle. Pigment in the hair and hair follicle absorbs the light energy which is released as heat inside the follicle. This process is called photothermolysis and inhibits growth of hair that is in an active growth phase and may inhibit new hair growth. Patients with light coloured skin and dark hair have the most effective results with the least number of treatments.

How many treatments are necessary and how far apart are the treatments?

The laser only affects hair follicles that are in an active growing phase. Other follicles are in a dormant stage without hair and cannot be treated. When these follicles develop into an active phase, they will be responsive to additional treatments. It usually takes about 6 weeks for the hair to grow back so treatments are about 6 to 8 weeks apart.

Does treatment hurt?

The laser pulse feels like the snap of an elastic band and lasts only a fraction of a second. An anaesthetic cream can be used before the treatment to numb the area. Since many hairs are treated with one pulse, a treatment session may last only minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Is treatment permanent?

Laser hair removal offers long-term reduction of hair. Some hairs cannot be eliminated entirely and the treatment cannot prevent new hairs from growing with future aging. After 5 to 8 treatments, patients can expect about 70 to 90% hair reduction that should last for more than 2 years. The remaining hair is finer and lighter in colour. Since this treatment has only been used for the last 8 years or so, it is not known exactly how long hair reduction will last.

What areas can be treated?

Almost any area can be treated. The most popular areas to be treated in women are the face, underarms and bikini area, and men commonly treat their backs and chest.

What should be done before a treatment?

Other methods of hair removal such as waxing, plucking or electrolysis should be avoided for 6 weeks prior to laser hair removal. Tanning should be avoided. The areas to be treated should be shaved the day before treatment. Wait at least 6 months after taking Accutane™ before having this treatment.

What should be done after a treatment?

Skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few hours after treatment. Wash gently. Shaving is permitted as the hair grows in but avoid waxing, plucking or electrolysis. Avoid tanning in between treatments.