Laser Hair Removal

"I was surprised at how quickly the treatment worked. After the first time, I was already satisfied. My skin in the bikini area looks great. I can wear a bathing suit anytime!!!!!!!!"
CW, 28, Keswick

"I am absolutely overjoyed with the smoothness of my legs and the privilege of being able to abandon my razors. Fantastic, beautiful, wonderful. I LOVE IT! NO MORE STUBBLE! (and her partner says, "I am overwhelmed with the satisfaction of this investment. I wish we had done it sooner!")"
SJ, 55, Keswick

"The staff is a wonderful, experienced. Very informed and professional. Helped me and my daughter (who started hair removal at age 16) feel at ease. Always courteous. I have recommended the clinic to many. I am mostly in awe over your guarantee. You keep your word."
SR, 54, Aurora

"The staff have always been great to deal with! I drive to Newmarket from Woodbridge, and it is well worth it. I have tried SEVERAL laser clinics, and yours is by far the best I've experienced. I think you're doing a great job! Keep it up!"
SD, 28, Woodbridge

"Wonderful not to have to shave again!! Relatively painless."
JB, 46, Aurora

"The laser treatment on my bikini line was effective, and I am therefore continuing with treatment on my upper lip."
LV, 31, Newmarket

"I am very pleased with the results of my treatments. I am no longer trying to hide my chin from the world. My skin is much less irritated. No more plucking."
SS, 29, Penetanguishene

"The staff at the clinic is very pleasant to deal with. I am very happy with the results of the laser hair removal."
SD, 31, Keswick

"Dr. Kritzinger and his staff treated my bikini, underarms, and legs. The results were fabulous. My hair is gone. No more shaving, no more waxing, no more ingrown hairs. I am pleased beyond my expectations. Thank you York Vein and Laser!"
KL, 37, Newmarket

"I was very impressed with the outcome of my treatment. My skin was a little red for the first hour but went away and my skin felt normal afterward."
NM, 14, Sharon

 

Three sessions of laser hair removal to thin it out. If he wanted to be bare, we'd do about three more treatments.
 

 

Questions and Answers

 

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal involves the application of powerful light, delivered by laser or IPL (intense pulsed light), to eliminate unwanted hair from any part of the body.

The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by dark pigment (melanin) in the root of the hair. The temperature of the hair rises, and the hair burns. This burning hair injures the hair follicle, damaging the cells that produce the hair.

Because the skin is light in colour, most of the light energy is reflected, and the skin is undamaged.

If sufficient damage has been done to the hair follicle, it dies and will not regenerate. Any remaining hair in the follicle will shed over the next week or two and will never return.

Back to top

 

What laser is used?

At the York Vein and Laser Clinic we use three machines for hair removal: the Soprano laser, the CoolGlide Excel laser and the Harmony IPL.

We chose the Soprano, because it offers painless hair removal.

The CoolGlide was chosen for its unequalled safety profile as explained here.

The target for laser light energy is the pigment called melanin. This pigment is found in hair and throughout the skin. The darker your skin, the more melanin it contains. The object of laser hair removal is to have more absorption of laser light energy by the melanin in the hair root than by melanin in the skin, thereby destroying the hair follicle but preserving the skin.

The CoolGlide laser has the longest wavelength available for hair removal. The longer wavelength of the CoolGlide laser results in deeper penetration of light into the skin where the hair root resides. Less light energy is absorbed at the surface of the skin. The result is hair root damage without skin damage. It is the safest laser available for hair removal.

The longer wavelength of the CoolGlide Excel is safe for use on all skin colors, including tanned skin.

All other lasers use wavelengths of light that are scattered and absorbed in the very superficial layers of the skin where they may cause undesirable skin side effects such as burning and pigment changes. These shorter wavelengths are unsuitable for treating dark skin.

However, no laser works well for treating lighter colored hair. For this reason, we also use the Harmony IPL machine. IPL (intense pulsed light) delivers light energy of multiple wavelengths. These other wavelengths are better absorbed by lighter colored hair than the wavelengths used by lasers. The tradeoffs are that 1) IPL is a weaker device than a laser so more sessions are required, and 2) IPL can only be used to treat fair skinned people. Fortunately, these are also commonly the people who want to eliminate lighter colored hair.

To summarize, the Soprano is used for most people because it is painless. The CoolGlide is used for people with dark skin (e.g. East Indian). The Harmony IPL is used in fair skinned people with light-coloured or fine hair. Between the three different technologies, we can help almost everyone regarding hair removal.

Back to top

 

What areas of the body can be treated?

Any and all parts of the body can and have been treated using lasers and IPL. In women the most commonly treated areas are the upper lip, chin, bikini line, underarms, and lower legs. Men most commonly request treatment of neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Even the ears and nose can be treated. We are cautious about treating eyebrows because lasers are not great tools for shaping small areas.

Back to top

 

What types of hair can be treated?

The darker the hair color the better. Dark hair absorbs more light, which makes more heat to damage the folllicle.

The coarser the hair the better. When coarse hair is treated it generates a lot of heat, and this is more likely to injure the cells of the follicle that make the hair.

Vellus hair (peach fuzz) does not respond to laser treatment (not enough color, too fine). For permanent results, vellus hair is best treated by electrolysis.

Laser treatment is ineffective on blonde and white hair, because it contains little or no melanin. Red hair is difficult to treat because all hair removal lasers shoot red light which bounces off red hair and fails to heat up the hair.

Back to top

 

What are the advantages of laser hair removal over other procedures?

Electrolysis requires the insertion of a needle into individual hair follicles followed by the application of a low intensity electrical current. While this can result in permanent hair removal, the process is tedious and requires numerous treatments, frequently over a period of years.

In contrast, laser treatments cover large areas in a matter of minutes. Laser hair removal only requires four to eight treatments over the course of a few months to achieve long lasting hair reduction.

Waxing, shaving, tweezing, threading, and depilatory creams are all maintenance techniques with no lasting benefit. Laser treatment produces long-lasting hair reduction following only a few treatments.

Laser hair removal may seem expensive, but the long-term hair reduction achieved will actually give you significant savings in money and huge savings in time. Imagine never having to shave or wax again!

Back to top

 

How much does a consultation cost?

A 15-30 minute consultation with the physician is required prior to treatment.

There is a $50 charge for the consultation. This amount is applied toward your purchase of laser hair removal.

Back to top

 

How much do treatments cost?

We accept debit, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Payment is required at the time of service when paying per session. Payment is required in full in advance when purchasing a package.

The prices in the table below are for the most commonly treated areas. There are many other areas that can be treated. The prices for other areas are determined according to the size and difficulty of the area treated. You will get a written quote at the time of your consultation.

Keep in mind that 6 or more sessions will usually be required.

We offer treatment packages with substantial savings.

If two areas are treated at the same time, there is a 15% discount.

If three or more areas are treated at the same time, there is a 20% discount.

If a package of 6 sessions is purchased, there is a 10% discount.

Combining these discounts results in up to a 28% discount. Packages for multiple sessions must be paid in advance.

If more than six sessions are required, treatments are discounted 10% again. If more than 9 treatments are required there is yet another 10% discount.

See the table at the bottom of this page for prices.

Back to top

 

Do you offer financing?

We offer financing through Credit Medical Corporation, a Canadian corporation based in Toronto. If you have a credit card, you will almost certainly qualify for financing through Credit Medical. Interest rates vary according to your credit rating. Generally, they are less than credit cards and more than banks. Application forms are available at reception.

Back to top

 

Does OHIP or private insurance cover laser hair removal?

OHIP does not cover the cost of laser hair removal.

Most private insurance companies consider laser hair removal to be "cosmetic", and therefore, they do not provide coverage. Check with your insurer.
 
Occasionally people use their Health Benefit Accounts from work to pay for laser hair removal. Generally, you can use the money in these accounts for any service provided by a doctor. Our clinic qualifies, because all consultations are done by a physician and treatments are supervised by a physician.


Back to top

 

Is laser hair removal eligible for tax credits or health spending accounts?

Most health spending accounts allow you to use the funds for any service performed by a physician. Since the clinic is owned and operated by a physician, laser hair removal done here may qualify for payment through health spending accounts. Check with your human resources department to make sure.

As of March 2010, medical services that are purely for cosmetic purposes ceased to qualify for the medical tax credit.

Back to top

 

Who does the treatments?

All treatments are done by a female technician or nurse. They are well trained and very experienced.

Please note, that the only male on staff is the doctor. If you insist on being treated by him, all treatments will be done on a time basis at $450 per hour with $150 being the minimum charge.

Back to top

 

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is very safe, but there are some risks.

The laser hair removal might cause some pain. (See the question below about pain.)
 
Mild redness is normal and usually lasts an hour or so.
 
The intense light of the laser can cause burning and blistering, but this is very rare.
 
Pigment changes can occur. This can be increased pigmentation or decreased pigmentation in the treated area. This is rare.
 
Occasionally people develop a light-induced rash (photodermatitis), which can be intensely itchy but goes away on its own in a few days. It can be treated with cortisone cream. We see photodermatitis about once a year.
 
Your eyes can be injured by laser light, so you will be provided with glasses or goggles to keep you safe.


Back to top

 

Does laser hair removal increase my risk for skin cancer?

Absolutely not. The wavelength of light that produces skin cancer is in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum.

The CoolGlide and Soprano produce light at the opposite end of the spectrum in the infrared range. The Harmony IPL has filters that block out the light in the ultraviolet range. They cannot cause skin cancer.
 


Back to top

 

Will laser hair removal make my hair coarser?

No. The goal of laser hair removal is to prevent the re-growth of hair. Hair follicles that are destroyed will not regenerate. Hair follicles that are only injured may continue to produce hair. In most cases this hair is lighter in color and finer in texture (like peach fuzz).

Back to top

 

Can laser hair removal achieve complete removal of all hair?

There is no system of hair removal that will ever achieve total elimination of hair. You will always have some hair. The laser may disable up to 50% of hair follicles in the first treatment. In the second treatment 50% of what remains might be destroyed and so on. After six treatments only a small percentage of hair follicles survive. At this point most people are very happy with the results.

The laser does not eliminate vellus hair (peach fuzz). Vellus hair can convert over time into terminal (coarse) hair. This is a natural process of aging caused by hormone effects. This process is most relevant to facial hair in women.
 
The goal of treatment is significant hair reduction.


Back to top

 

Is laser hair removal really permanent?

Hair follicles that are killed by the laser will not regenerate.

Hair follicles that are only damaged may continue to produce hair. This hair is usually finer and lighter in color than your original hair. It is of less cosmetic concern and is easier to deal with. You may still need to shave, but it will be far less often.

Some follicles are not damaged at all. These are usually fine hairs with little cosmetic significance.

Don't forget the concept of conversion of vellus hair follicles. Vellus hair (peach fuzz) can convert under the influence of hormones and time to coarse hair. The laser will not stimulate this conversion of vellus to terminal hair. This is a natural process we all undergo.
 
The goal of treatment is long-term hair reduction.


Back to top

 

How many treatments will be required?

With each treatment, only a certain percentage of hair follicles are destroyed. If 50% of hair follicles are destroyed with the first treatment and 50% of the remaining hair follicles are destroyed with the next treatment and so on, after four treatments approximately 90% hair reduction would be achieved. However, 50% reduction with each treatment cannot necessarily be achieved. The success of each treatment depends on many factors including hair color (darker is easier to treat), hair texture (finer is harder to treat), skin color (darker is harder to treat), and hormone status (excess testosterone stimulates conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair).

Coarse hair usually needs about 6 treatments. Fine hair might need 10 or more sessions.


Back to top

 

What I can expect following treatment?

With the CoolGlide and Soprano, immediately following treatment you may experience some redness and slight swelling of the skin. In almost all cases these effects are gone in the first hour.

With IPL there may be redness and heat that will last for a few hours.
 
You can return to your daily activities immediately following treatment.
 
Immediately following treatment with the CoolGlide laser and Harmony IPL, you may be able to wipe away some of the hair that has been destroyed. However, you are not likely to see an appreciable reduction in the amount of hair immediately. Hair reduction will only become evident over the next few weeks. For a few weeks following treatment, hair follicles that have actually been destroyed might look like they are stilll making hair. In fact, this is simply damaged hair that is being slowly expelled from the follicles. These damaged hairs are easily pulled from the skin. Undamaged hair is still firmly attached and cannot easily be plucked.


Back to top

 

Should I avoid tanning prior to treatment?

Yes and no. Tanning stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. This pigment absobs energy and can lead to burns or pigment changes.

It is safe to treat tanned skin with the CoolGlide, but we may need to use lower energy. Lower energy means each individual treatment is a bit less effective, so more treatments may be required. More treatments means more expense, so to save money, avoid getting a tan prior to treatment.

If you tan easily, your skin may get too dark for us to continue to use the painless Soprano laser. The Soprano can bleach out pigment leaving whitish spots. This will persist for several weeks to months. The same is true for the Harmony IPL.
 
Laser and IPL can stimulate melanin production. If tanning and laser treatment are combined, melanin production may be excessive leading to hyperpigmentation. It is recommended that you avoid active tanning for at least three days prior to and following laser treatments and two weeks following IPL treatments.


Back to top

 

What skin colors can be treated?

The CoolGlide laser is safe and effective for people of all colors. However, because dark skin absorbs more laser light, treatment energy must be reduced to keep the skin safe. Lower energy means each individual treatment is a bit less effective, so more treatments may be required.

The Soprano and Harmony cannot be used in dark-skinned people because of the risk of burning and pigment changes.


Back to top

 

What hair colors can be treated?

Dark hair is easy to treat.

Red and blonde hair contains less melanin. Therefore, more treatments are required and response may only be partial.

Gray and white hair contains no melanin. It cannot be treated using any type of light.


Back to top

 

Can I shave prior to and between treatments?

Absolutely! In fact, you should shave prior to treatments. The laser is targeting the hair root, which is unaffected by shaving (and depilatory creams). Shaving removes hair above the surface that can absorb the laser light and reduce the amount of energy delivered to the roots. The laser will burn surface hair, which can add discomfort to the treatment, not to mention the distasteful odor of burned hair!

Shaving prior to treatment also allows you to show us exactly the area you want treated, which is important for bikini lines and men’s necks and backs.
 
Unlike waxing, plucking, threading etc. we don’t need hair above the surface for the treatment to work, so you can shave between treatments (until you never need to shave again!).
 
Shaving will not make your hair coarser, denser or faster growing! This deeply entrenched popular misconception has been thoroughly disproved by dermatology studies!


Back to top

 

Can I pluck, wax, tweeze, thread, or sugar between laser treatments?

No. These hair removal techniques remove the hair root, which is the target for the laser. If there is no hair in the follicle, no energy is absorbed, and the hair follicle is left undamaged. You must wait four to six weeks after using one of these techniques to allow regrowth of target hairs for the laser.

Back to top

 

Can I dye or bleach my hair?

Dyeing does not affect the roots. If you want to dye your hair blonde, got right ahead. The melanin in the hair follicle is still present to act as a target for the laser. Conversely, dyeing blonde, gray, or white hair will not increase the efficiency of the laser.

Our experience has shown that bleaching dark hair might reduce the efficiency of the laser. It seems that some of the bleach does get into the follicle and lighten the hair colour making it a more difficult target. We recommend that you avoid bleaching.

Back to top

 

How can I get the best value from each treatment?

Do not pluck, wax, tweeze, thread, or sugar for six weeks prior to treatment.

Although it is permissible to tan prior to treatment, this adds pigment to the skin and therefore requires lowering of the energy of the laser to protect the skin. This reduces the efficiency of hair removal, and may necessitate an extra treatment. It is preferable to avoid tanning for a few weeks prior to treatment.
 
Don't bleach your hair.


Back to top

 

How long do treatments take?

Treatment time varies according to the size of the area being covered and the device used.

The upper lip is a very small area that can be covered in a few minutes. Both lower legs will require approximately 1 hour. A man's back will require about 1 hour.

Back to top

 

At what intervals are treatments repeated?

You should allow an interval of 6 to 12 weeks between laser treatments on the same area.

Hair follicles have a life-cycle with three phases. In Phase 1 there is actively growing hair in the follicle. In Phase 2 the hair stops growing and begins to loosen. In Phase 3 the hair falls out. The cycle is then repeated. Laser treatment is most effective during the active growth in Phase 1. It is ineffective in Phase 3 when there is no hair in the follicle.
 
At least 6 weeks is required for enough hair follicles to return to Phase 1 to make the next treatment effective. There is no advantage to waiting longer than 12 weeks.


Back to top

 

What should I do to prepare for treatment?

Avoid waxing, plucking, etc for at least six weeks prior to treatment.

Avoid tanning.
 
Shave the area you want us to treat. This should be done the day prior to treatment. Shaving the day prior to treatment allows the skin time to recover from the irritation of shaving and reduces any discomfort of the procedure. Allowing one day of growth before treatment helps us to see the area to be treated.
 
Do not apply makeup or deodorants. These can absorb the energy of the laser light, reducing the efficiency of treatment and increasing the risk of burning.
 
Remove reflective jewelry in the area to be treated. Directly reflected laser light can cause serious eye damage to the laser technician.
 
Wear clothing that will allow easy access to the area to be treated (eg. tank top or sleeveless shirt for underarms; skirt, track pants, or loose pants for legs). For bikini line, wear an old swimsuit or under pants. The laser is easily capable of burning natural fibers and melting synthetic material.


Back to top

 

How painful is it?

This varies from device to device and area to area. Of course, pain tolerance varies greatly from person to person. Therefore, there is no easy answer to this question.

Soprano: In most cases, the Soprano is painless. You might feel some warmth. If it gets hot, the treatment can be slowed down a bit to make it completely comfortable. In other cases, it feels hot enough to be uncomfortable. This depends on the area being treated and the amount of hair in the area. The denser the hair, the more heat you will feel.

CoolGlide: The CoolGlide causes mild to moderate pain. Some laser pulses feel like the snapping of an elastic band or a mild electric tingle or shock. Other laser pulses are not felt at all. Most people who have experienced waxing and electrolysis prefer laser treatments.

Harmony IPL: The Harmony IPL also causes some pain. It feels hot. It's like picking up a hot cup of coffee and having to put it down again because it's too hot.
 
Certain areas of the body are more sensitive than other areas. There is likely to be greater discomfort over bony areas such as the shin. The area just below the nose is very sensitive. In the underarms, there are large nerves that pass close to the surface that may be sensitive to treatment.


Back to top

 

How does the Soprano accomplish painless hair removal?

All lasers for hair removal other than the Soprano work by shooting single high intensity pulses of light at each spot. This high energy causes pain.

The Soprano shoots ten low intensity pulses per second while the laser is moved quickly back and forth over an area about the size of your palm. Each pulse is too weak to be felt, but as the laser goes back and forth over the same area several times, heat is gradually added. The hair heats up and burns, because it is dark, but the skin only gets warm. No pain!


Back to top

 

What can be done to minimize the discomfort?

Most people qualify for treatment with the Soprano, so this question is likely not relevant to you.

For dark-skinned people who need to be treated with the CoolGlide, there are several things you can do to reduce the discomfort.
 
Shaving prior to treatment removes hair from the surface that would otherwise burn and add to the discomfort. Shave the day before. Avoid shaving immediately prior to treatment, because shaving sensitizes the skin.
 
The CoolGlide laser uses a brass cooling tip that cools the skin to protect it and reduce discomfort. We also use a device called a Zimmer that blows cold air over the area being treated to reduce discomfort.
 
Topical anesthetic creams can be used to numb the skin. It needs to be applied thirty to sixty mintes prior to treatment and left in place until immediately before treatment.
 
It is perfectly reasonable to take analgesics such as Tylenol, Advil, or codeine prior to treatment, but this is rarely done.


Back to top

 

What are my restrictions after treatment?

Other than avoidance of the sun, there aren't any restrictions.

You can return to work or other daily activities immediately.
 
You should avoid sunlight and tanning beds for at least three days following treatment. This allows the skin time to settle and reduces the risk of developing excess pigment. Sunscreen should be employed with minimum SPF 15. SPF 30 to 60 is preferred. We offer sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection for UV-A and UV-B.

You can shave between treatments, but avoid plucking and waxing.


Back to top

 

Can my children be treated?

We prefer to treat adolescent girls only once their menstrual cycle has settled. Generally, age 16 and up is not a problem. This is not a hard and fast rule. We have treated many 14 and 15 year olds.

We will not treat children under the age of 12, unless there is a medical reason (for example, treatment of a hairy nevus).


Back to top

 

Why chose York Vein and Laser Clinic for laser hair removal?

8 Problems You Might Have with Laser Hair Removal Clinics and How York Vein and Laser Clinic Solves Them All

1) Many laser hair removal establishments are run by people with minimal knowledge of the science behind skin and lasers, and that makes them dangerous. At York Vein and Laser Clinic your consultation is done by a physician with extensive knowledge of the interaction between laser light and skin. He is always available to advise you and guide your treatment.

2) The experience and training of the staff doing your treatments might be very limited. We have very experienced staff doing your treatments. The same staff members have been providing laser hair removal since 2001. This ensures that you get the safest, most effective treatment possible.

3) Many clinics use outdated technology. Lasers cost about $100,000. Most businesses can’t afford this, so they buy old used lasers. At York Vein and Laser Clinic we upgrade every two to three years.

4) Most places have only one laser. All lasers are not created equal. There are advantages and disadvantages to every laser. York Vein and Laser Clinic has four different lasers. With that kind of selection, you have the best chance of getting a laser that is best suited to your skin and hair type. We can treat all skin colors safely. Most clinics are pushing their luck (and yours) when treating tanned skin and dark skin types like East Indian and Middle Eastern.

5) Almost no laser hair removal businesses can offer you PAINLESS treatments that are as safe and effective as older technology. With our Soprano laser we can give you just that: painless, safe, effective laser hair removal.

6) Laser hair removal is usually not guaranteed. York Vein and Laser Clinic offers a money-back guarantee.

7) Most laser hair removal businesses fail in the first year. If you have bought a package, say goodbye to your money. York Vein and Laser Clinic has been in business since 2001, and we are growing rapidly. We’ll be around to see you through your entire series of treatments.

8) Most clinics aren’t run by doctors, so they can’t provide physician's receipts. Receipts from physicians are eligible for reimbursement through Health Spending Accounts.

Back to top

 

How do I book an appointment?

Just click here or call (905) 853-3200.

Back to top

 

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 48 hours notice for cancellation of your consultation or treatment, in order to fill the appointment time. If sufficient notice is not given, the full value of the treatment to be done maybe charged with the minimum charge being $100. If you have purchased a package, and you miss an appointment without giving sufficient notice, then that treatment may be deemed to have been given, and you will receive one less treatment than you paid for.

Back to top

 

Laser Hair Removal Prices

 
Women Per Session Average per Session for Package of Six Average per Session for Package of Six for 2 Areas Average per Session for Package of Six for 3 or More Areas
Upper lip $99 $89 $76 $71
Chin (jaw line) $99 $89 $76 $71
Chin (jawline plus neck $149 $134 $114 $107
Sideburns $139 $125 $106 $100
Underarms $149 $134 $114 $107
Forearms $229 $197 $168 $158
Upper arms $229 $197 $168 $168
Hands/fingers $129 $116 $99 $93
Nipples $99 $89 $76 $71
Breasts $149 $134 $114 $107
Linea $149 $134 $114 $107
Bikini line $189 $170 $145 $136
Bikini plus $229 $206 $175 $165
Brazilian $329 $296 $252 $237
Lower legs $329 $296 $252 $237
Upper legs $369 $332 $282 $266
Feet/toes $129 $116 $99 $93
         
Men        
Beard $319 $287 $244 $230
Neck, front $149 $134 $114 $107
Neck, back $149 $134 $114 $107
Chest $399 $359 $305 $287
Abdomen $299 $269 $229 $215
Back, upper $399 $359 $305 $287
Back, lower $269 $242 $206 $194
Buttocks $299 $269 $229 $215
Shoulders $219 $197 $168 $158
Upper Arms $239 $215 $203 $172
Lower Arms $239 $215 $203 $172
Ears $99 $89 $76 $71
Nose $99 $89 $76 $71

 

This site is not intended to solicit business from citizens of countries other than Canada.

 

Request a Consult

*Name
*Phone
*Email
Service you're interested in
If other, please specify
Message
Terms of Use