Laser hair removal uses light absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle to reduce hair growth over a course of treatments. Sage Dermatology provides it at our downtown Toronto clinic, with treatment settings chosen by skin type rather than applied uniformly.

What to expect from the results

The honest framing is reduction rather than permanent removal. Most people see a substantial and lasting decrease in the amount, thickness and darkness of hair, with occasional maintenance sessions afterwards. Hair grows in cycles and only actively growing follicles respond, which is why a course spaced over months is necessary and why a single session achieves little.

Laser targets pigment, so it works best on dark hair. Grey, white, red and very fine blond hair contain too little pigment to respond reliably, and we will tell you that before you commit to a course rather than after.

Areas treated

Common areas include the underarms, bikini line, legs, back, chest, face and neck. Treatment of the face and neck in women is sometimes a sign of an underlying hormonal condition, and where that seems likely we will raise it, since treating the hair without addressing the cause tends to disappoint.

Skin tone

The contrast between hair and skin determines both the result and the risk. In darker skin tones the wrong device or setting can cause burns or pigment change. Assessment of skin type before the first treatment is standard here, and settings are adjusted at each visit.

What to expect at the appointment

The area is shaved beforehand. Treatment feels like a rubber band snap with a cooling sensation, and takes anywhere from a few minutes for the underarms to around an hour for the legs or back. The skin is pink for a few hours afterwards. Treated hairs shed over the following one to two weeks, which is often mistaken for regrowth.

Six to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart is typical, depending on the area. Sun exposure and tanning between sessions must be avoided.

Cost and coverage

Cosmetic and not covered by OHIP. Cost depends on the area treated and is confirmed at consultation. Receipts provided for health spending accounts.

Booking

No referral needed. Call 416.792.0159 or email info@sagedermatology.ca. Sage Dermatology is at 591 Yonge Street, steps from Wellesley station. Plan your visit.

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