FAQ's
OFF THE HOOK
What is a skin type safety rating?
All lasers must be approved for safety. The international skin coding system called Fitzpatrick rates skin types from #1 being the lightest, to #6 being the darkest. Lasers are rated for their safe usage based on that system. If your skin type number is higher than a particular laser is rated for, it should not be used; it could cause severe and possibly permanent burns.
Ottawa consumers should know what skin types their selected laser is rated for. Example: If a laser is rated for skin types #1 through #4, it should not be used on skin types #5 and #6.
Is checking my medical history important?
Yes. It is extremely important that you be screened for any medical problems or medications that may conflict with laser hair removal treatments. If this is not done, you could have serious problems. You may be taking a medication that causes photosensitivity. If you are taking any medication that could possibiy conflict with the hair removal treatments, you should be tested for any adverse reaction.
You may have to wait 3 to 5 days for the results. We sometimes have to disqualify patients or delay their hair removal treatments because of their medication. You may have a medical problem that is causing hair growth; this should be addressed before starting any treatments. If a laser hair removal clinic is not screening you, they may be putting you at risk of permanent skin damage. This is the purpose behind our initial assessment. please answer all questions accurately.
How should I prepare for laser hair removal treatments?
You should not allow the area to become sun tanned or self tanned before, during and several weeks after the last hair removal treatment. An SPF.60 sun block is recommended. If the hair removal treatments are done on tanned skin, laser settings must be lowered which will diminish the effects, resulting in more treatments. Lower settings are not as effective as higher settings.
You must stop using any form of hair removal that pulls the hair bulb from the root, generally 3-4 weeks before the first hair removal treatment. No plucking, tweezing or waxing. You may shave the area, or use a depilatory cream. Bleaching is also permitted. All surface hair must be removed from the target area, generally the night before the treatment.Discontinue any skin thinning or light sensitizing medications or creams, topical or internal . Call us for further information.
I have naturally dark skin, can I still have the hair removal treatments?
Yes, providing you select a laser that is safety approved for dark skin. The international skin coding system called Fitzpatrick rates skin types from #1 being the lightest, to #6 being the darkest.
Lasers are rated for their safe usage based on that system. If your skin type number is higher than a particular laser is rated for, it should not be used; it could cause severe and possibly permanent burns. . Example: If a laser is rated for skin types #1 through #4, it should not be used on skin types #5 and #6. As the skin type number increases, so will the number of hair removal treatments required.Ask your practitioner.
Are there any hair colours that can't be treated with laser?
Yes. Our laser hair removal treatments will not work on white, gray or light blonde hair. Should a laser clinic claim to permenantly remove white, gray or light blonde hair, you should ask for a written guarantee.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Rarely do our patients consider the hair removal treatments painful. Some laser hair removal treatments can be very painful. In many cases, it's because they're using a larger laser beam. We use the Cutera Coolglide which has a patented cooling process as well as IPL which is generally quite painless. You can expect it to feel much like a small elastic band snapping on the skin. We provide complimentary numbing gel for those who may need it Our clients comfort is always on the top of our list of concerns.
How often are laser hair removal treatments done?
Frequency may vary for some patients. The general guidelines are, every 4 weeks for hair removal of facial areas, and every 6 weeks for areas below the neck. If we are treating an upper lip and a bikini, hair removal treatments would be every 6 weeks.Your technician will give you an individualized treatment schedule.