Laser for wrinkles, pigment, hair removal  

Laser Treatments

A laser is by definition a beam of light of one single wavelength. This differs greatly from regular light, made up of many wavelengths. Laser light can pass through our skin, and the energy from it can be selectively targeted at certain tissues, for example red spots or hair follicles, depending on which wavelength of light is used. The targeted tissue is then destroyed by the heat generated by the laser, while the surrounding tissues are left intact. Different Laser machines generate light using different materials (e.g. CO2 or Alexandrite). Lasers also differ in their strength, and in the spectrum of tissues they can successfully target.

Many businesses, some of them non medical facilities, advertise laser services. It is important to realize that all lasers are not equal, and that many of these machines are of such weak strength it would require many treatments to achieve results. By the same token, it is not necessary to chase every fad in laser technology to obtain excellent results. All that is needed is a good strength laser of the correct wavelength. Because lasers can cause burns, it is adviseable to undergo laser treatment in a medical facility, by personnel with appropriate kwowledge and qualifications.

Laser Hair Removal

The Apogee Elite Laser by Cynosure is a dual platform laser with an Alexandrite laser, excellent for laser hair removal in light skinned individuals, and an Nd Yag laser with the capacity for superb laser hair results in all skin types, including dark skinned individuals. All Laser hair machines work on dark hair only, as it is the pigment in the hair follicle that the laser targets. The Apogee Elite has a cooling tip which increases patient comfort and further protects the surrounding skin. Laser hair removal targets the hair in it’s growth phase, and multiple treatments are always required to get permanent results. There is minimal discomfort during treatment, and depending on the area treated it will take 20 minutes to an hour. There may be minor redness or swelling afterward. Treatments are typically scheduled 2-4  weeks apart, with a minimum of 5 recommended. Areas treated include the upper lip, bikini area, legs, underarms and back.

Leg Veins

The Nd Yag laser is quite efficient at treating unsightly superficial leg veins. Small spider veins may disappear after one treatment. Occasionally repeat treatment is necessary. Treatment takes about 30 minutes. Patients may experience minor stinging. There may be some small amount of bruising afterward. Imagine those nasty leg veins gone for good!

Red Spots

The Nd Yag Laser is ideal for treating red spots on the face, which are often due to single enlarged blood vessels, or cherry hemangiomas, which are clusters of blood vessels. This is an ideal treatment for individuals with noticeable blood vessels around the nose. The spots will often be dramatically reduced or disappear after one treatment. There may be brief stinging during the procedure. Occassionally patients may experience bruising.

Brown Spots

The Cynosure IPL Laser is very effective at treating brown spots on the face, due to photoaging. Brown spots will typically crust and fall off within a few days of treatment.  See the section on Photofacials for more details. It is important to know that brown spots on the skin can be due to various causes, including skin cancers. For this reason it’s important that any brown spots should be properly evaluated by a dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.

Lines and wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles may respond to treatment with the Cynosure IPL Laser, which promotes tightening of the skin as it stimulates collagen production. See the section on Photofacials for more details. Lines and wrinkles can also be treated at the downtown Toronto office with Pixel, a fractionated Erbium laser that targets water in the superficial layers of the skin. This is particularly useful for skin around the eyes. Some topical anaesthetic and/ or mild sedation may be necessary. The skin may be red afterward for a couple of weeks, and sun screen must be worn for 6 months.

Rosacea

This skin condition which is associatd with generalized redness of the cheeks and nose, often together with broken blood vessels and small acne like papules, has been shown to improve with treatment with IPL phototherapy. Serial treatment with IPL reduces the overall redness and may reduce breakouts. The Nd Yag laser is ideal for treating any larger broken blood vessels associated with the condition.

Acne Scars and Other kinds of Scarring

Acne scars which are red can be treated with the Nd Yag Laser. However “hill and valley” type acne scarring is best treated with the Pixel, a fractionated Erbium Laser available at the downtown Toronto office.