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Hair Removal FAQS
How does the LightSheer Diode Laser System work?
The system emits near-infrared laser light that is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the system's unique, patented contact-cooling handpiece, the ChillTip, helps protect the skin by conductive cooling during the laser energy delivery.
What advantages does the LightSheer have over other laser hair removal systems?
The LightSheer Diode Laser System was designed from the ground up for laser hair removal, so it has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width, and active epidermal cooling system—the ChillTip ideally suited for laser hair removal.
Why should I have treatments using the LightSheer Diode Laser System rather than the methods I've been using for years?
The LightSheer Diode Laser System's design provides for enhanced comfort during treatment, minimal risk of infection, speed and accuracy. Since the system uses a unique cooling handpiece, it minimizes skin irritation that other methods may create. Since it is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the skin), the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin is reduced. Because the system is fast, it allows for larger areas to be treated, considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process. Finally, the LightSheer Diode Laser is a precise instrument that can be adjusted to damage only the hair follicle while minimally affecting the surrounding skin.
Does the LightSheer work on tanned or different skin colors?
The LightSheer diode laser system safely and effectively treats all skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-VI) as well as tanned skin. For darker skin types and people with tans, appropriate fluences are generally lower and appropriate pulse widths are generally longer to prevent damage to the epidermis. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, however, people with all skin types can benefit from laser hair removal with the LightSheer.
Are the Results Permanent?
The LightSheer laser has been cleared by the FDA for hair removal and permanent hair reduction on all skin types and tanned skin.  To achieve a satisfactory level of clearance, 3-5  treatments are typically required.
Why use laser for hair removal?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until the introduction of the laser systems , the only permanent hair removal method available has been electrolysis; where each hair is treated individually. In contrast, the laser hair removal systems can now safely remove unwanted body and facial hair on both large and small areas of the body.
What makes the approach at The Vein Institute of Toronto unique?
We are using the most advanced laser hair removal system to safely and rapidly remove unwanted hair, with a excellent level of effectiveness and convenience. Our Lightsheer XC laser selectively targets the hair and follicles without damaging the surrounding skin.
What is the treatment process?
The process is as follows. The area is shaved before the treatment. This allows the energy to target the area at the base of the hair follicle. A coat of clear cold soothing gel is applied onto the skin, and then pulses are quickly and evenly applied with a small handheld device. We also utilize a Zimmer Air Cooler during laser hair removal to increase patient comfort and satisfaction. Within 2 to 3 weeks, a percentage of the hair remaining under the skin in the treated area is expelled.
How gentle and safe is it?
The Lightsheer XC diode laser has been used on tens of thousands of people with excellent results. With our laser system, most patients experience no more than a slight stinging sensation. We attempt to minimize this with the Chill Tip cooling system at the tip of handpiece. We also use a Zimmer Air Cooler to increase patient comfort. Sensitivity can also be reduce by applying EMLA cream prior to a treatment. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, and sometimes redness or slight swelling may occur. In such instances, a cool compress is applied to soothe the skin, which causes any redness to dissipate almost immediately. Most normal daily activities can be resumed directly after treatment.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments depends on the individual and the area being treated. Hair growth follows a cycle, moving from an active (anagen), visible stage to an inactive (telogen), dormant period. The LightSheer laser works by disabling only hair in the active growth stage at the time of treatment. Since not all hairs will be at this stage during treatment, additional treatments will be required.
Who is a good candidate?
Any man or women, with any skin type, who suffers from unwanted hair is an excellent candidate. If you are on special medication or suffer from a known disorder, please advise our Medical director  at the time or your consultation. To individualize your treatment plan and to ensure we meet your goals, we will take a complete medical history including skin type.
Can any body part be treated?
Our LightSheer laser can remove hair from almost any part of the body including the face, chest, back, buttocks, underarms, arms and legs; as well as sensitive areas like the chin, upper lip, cheeks, ears, nose, breast and bikini line.
Do I need to observe any precautions either before or after treatment?
After treatment, you can return to most of your normal daily activities. Although treated areas should be handled with care for a short while while you may clean the area using mild soap and tepid water. Avoid using Retin-A, alphahydroxyacids, glycolic acids, and astringents. Shaving is permitted, but you should refrain from waxing, plucking, bleaching or electrolytes between treatments.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Since hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for it. However, some companies do provide an allowance for self improvement care, for which receipts can be provided. You may wish to consult with your insurance provider for more specific information.
How can I begin?
Please contact our office for a personal consultation with our Medical director. During the consultation, we will take a comprehensive history and perform a focused physical examination. We will develop a treatment plan based on your goals and medical history. We will answer your questions and discuss your personalized treatment plan. There is no charge for this consultation.

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