What is laser hair removal?
The LightSheer laser is the latest technology in the permanent removal of unwanted facial and body hair for men and women.

How is laser hair removal performed?
Laser hair removal is performed as an in office procedure without the need of anaesthesia, and with immediate return to sedentary activities. Most patients experience a slight stinging or tingling sensation as the laser pulses are applied.

How does laser hair removal work?
The LightSheer laser targets the pigment within the hair bulb (melanin). It utilizes the bulb of the hair to permanently destroy the root. Once destroyed, the root can no longer produce any hair growth.

What areas are commonly treated?
For women, facial areas are the most common, followed by the bikini line, legs and axilla (underarms). For men, the back, shoulders and upper arms are the most popular areas. Other than facial hair, it is possible to treat most areas of the male body.

Is the LightSheer laser procedure permanent?
Yes. Each LightSheer treatment will permanently reduce unwanted hair. It is important to note that all lasers are classified as medical devices and must be approved for safety. Because most, if not all lasers originate from the US, safety approvals are issued by the FDA. Many individuals assume that if a laser is FDA approved, the treatment will be permanent. This is incorrect. The LightSheer laser was approved for safety in 1997. In 1999, the FDA certified the LightSheer laser procedure as permanent. When selecting a laser treatment centre, we encourage all individuals to ask one very specific question, "Are their lasers FDA approved for permanency?" You will find that most centres will say no.

The other very important issue we encourage individuals to query is the application. Larger laser beams are faster, but can be very painful. Smaller laser beams are slower, but far more comfortable. It is also imperative that a skin tissue cooling process be used. The LightSheer offers a patented "chill tip" which cools the skin tissue, before, during and after the laser pulses are applied. This question should be answered before making a commitment to any laser treatment centre.

How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
You should not wax or pluck for about three weeks prior to treatment. Depilatory creams may be used or shaving may be done to remove surface hair. Bleaching to lighten the colour is also permitted. It is also best to avoid sun tanning 6-8 weeks prior to treatment. If your skin is sun tanned, see My skin is sun tanned, do I have to wait for a treatment?

Are there any risks involved?
As with any medical or surgical procedure there are risks, although with the LightSheer laser they are minimal. We will review all potential risks with you at the time of your consultation.

I have naturally dark skin, can it be treated?
Yes. However the laser's power must be adjusted to suit your skin type. Patients with naturally darker skin colour will require more treatments than patients with lighter skin colour.

My skin is sun tanned, can it be treated?
Yes and no. We can laser areas with a moderate suntan. For more severe suntans we have to decrease the laser power, which will reduce the percentage of reduction. It is for this reason we recommend you wait 4-8 weeks from the last time the target area was tanned. We also recommend the use of a SPF 45 or higher sun block (not sun screen) for the duration of the treatments.

Is there any hair the treatment will not work on?
Yes, white, grey, light blonde, and microscopic villous (peach fuzz) hair. This hair is absent of pigment, and will not attract the laser beam.

How long does the procedure take?
As little as 10 minutes for an upper lip, and up to 3 hours for full legs.

Is it painful?
The LightSheer laser produces a sensation most commonly described as the snap of a rubber band. Compared to waxing or electrolysis, patients find the treatment far more comfortable. Laser settings are adjusted to your level of tolerance. Emla Cream is a topical anaesthetic, which can be purchased at any drugstore over-the-counter. However, less than 1% of our patients find need of it.

How can you claim permanency when laser hair removal is so new?
The FDA required biopsies be taken between the 12th and 17th month following treatments, to prove the hair roots were incapable of producing new growth. We have documented evidence showing that patients treated in 1997, have no hair growth.

Is there a doctor involved?
Yes, you will be required to fill out a medical history. We want to be sure you are not taking any medication that will conflict with the treatment.

Who performs the treatment?
Procedures are performed by medically certified female technicians.

I am or may be pregnant; can I still have the treatment?
Although there is no known medical reason, we prefer not to laser the abdomen or bikini area during pregnancy. We can do other areas.

I have heard that my hair is continuously changing, what does that mean?
The hair on our body is continuously cycling (see natural hair cycle). It actually travels through three distinctive stages. When the hair is growing, it is in the Anagen stage. The actual growing time is dependant on the area of the body. When the hair bulb begins to shrink, it is in the Catagen stage. The last stage is the Telogen, this is when the hair leaves the body. The purpose of the laser treatment is to permanently stop the growth when the hair is in the Anagen stage.

How many treatments will I need and how often?
Depending on the area being treated, treatments are generally spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

When hair is in the Anagen stage, it contains the maximum amount of pigment. It is at this point that it is most vulnerable to the laser. Catagen and Telogen hair has less pigment and will not be affected. Depending on several factors, including natural skin colour, patients can expect to see a permanent reduction from each treatment. Patients with naturally dark skin will require more treatments than those with lighter skin. For patients simply wanting less hair, a single treatment may be sufficient.

It is medically impossible to predict the actual number of treatments any one individual may require.

What kind of written guarantee will I receive?
All patients receive a written guarantee that each treatment will permanently reduce unwanted hair. The actual percentage will vary due to several factors, one of which is the type of skin tissue being treated.

It is important to understand that our guarantee for permanency is limited to the hair we are currently treating. For some patients, hormonal changes, certain medications, and changes in blood circulation may convert microscopic villous hair to visible hair. Example: Hormonal changes during pregnancy have been known to generate visible facial hair that was not noticeable before. This is better understood when we think of the body hair we develop during puberty.