Laser Hair Removal

Hair has 3 phases of growth:  growing, sleeping and shedding. At any given point in time, some hairs in any given area are growing, while others are shedding or sleeping.  The laser sends out a beam of light that is attracted to the dark colour in your hair root when it is in the growing phase at the time of your treatment. Once the growing hair root attracts the laser energy, the growth of the hair is stopped; the hair follicle is disabled and killed. 

The killed hair follicle will push its way to the surface and will fall out approximately 2-4 weeks after the treatment, and does not grow back. The hairs that are sleeping or shedding at the time of your treatment, will eventually enter the growing phase at different times. Since the laser does not kill hair follicles that are in the sleeping or shedding phases, you will require more than one treatment to disable and kill all of the hairs in a given area.  

It is important for the laser machine to see the root of your hair so that it can work properly, so it is not advisable to wax or tweeze the hairs in between your treatments, since this will remove the root.  You may shave in between treatments, however.  The laser beam is attracted to dark colours, and so laser hair removal will not work if your hairs are white or red. At your consultation with Dr. Zakhary, she will advise you of other options that may be available for you in this case.

Lasers hair removal machines are precise instruments that can be specifically adjusted to kill the hair growth. At her office in Calgary, Dr. Zakhary has the Apogee Elite laser hair removal machine, which uses a wide laser beam designed to treat and kill many hairs at once in a very short period of time, instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis does. As a result, large areas such as arms, legs and backs, can be treated in a relatively short period of time. After your laser hair removal treatments, you will have longer lasting results compared to waxing, tweezing, or shaving.

The laser hair removal treatment has a slight stinging or prickly sensation which made more comfortable by a machine that blows cool air on the treated area during and after the treatment to cool and soothe the skin. It is generally a painless and comfortable treatment.

If the skin becomes slightly red or swollen after the laser hair removal treatment, this means that you are getting the desired result. This local reaction usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and your skin will quickly return to normal. Since the laser is not invasive, you will be able to return to normal daily activities immediately following your treatment.

In Dr. Zakhary’s experience at her clinic in Calgary, most of her patients have a good reduction in hair growth and thickness after 6-10 treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Some people may need touch up treatments to eliminate new hairs that are entering into the growth phase after the initial treatments.  Results can vary depending on the area being treated, the individuals' hair type, hormone levels, stress levels, and certain medications, since these factors can stimulate hair growth. Some people may require fewer than 6 laser hair removal treatments and some people may require more, depending on the desired results.   It is important to keep a consistent schedule for your laser hair removal sessions so that you can have the best results.

Laser hair removal treatments are safe if performed by a trained and experienced technician. At Dr. Zakhary’s office in Calgary, every individual’s the laser hair removal treatment is determined by Dr. Zakhary herself, who is a Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, and the treatment is then performed by a highly trained and skilled laser hair removal technician.  The FDA and Health Canada have cleared laser hair removal for "Permanent Hair Reduction”.  Every procedure, including laser hair removal, has some risks and limitations, including rare burn, or changes in skin pigmentation. Sometimes, Dr. Zakhary may advise you to use a special medicated cream to prevent some of these risks, depending on your skin type.  Laser hair removal is a quick, safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair, compared to other short term procedures.

It is recommended to book a consultation with Dr. Zakhary in Calgary to discuss these prior to beginning your treatments.

Call us now at 403-775-2583 or email zakharyclinic@yahoo.com to schedule your consultation or laser hair removal treatment with Dr. Zakhary in Calgary.