Laser Treatment FAQ

There are a lot of questions we are asked on a regular basis when it comes to our incredible laser treatments.  For your convenience, we have answered our most frequently asked questions below.

What kind of machine do you use?

We use the Sharplight Rapid DPC (Dynamic Pulse Control). DPC is a powerful light-based technology that is proprietary technology of Sharplight and is an advancement of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The pulses have a specific wavelength depending on the type of treatment. The specific wavelengths target different particles in the skin to achieve the required results while leaving surrounding cells unharmed which results in zero recovery/downtime. Hair removal, acne bacteria, skin rejuvenation, and vascular and pigmented lesions are all things that the Sharplight Rapid DPC machine can treat. The Shaprlight Rapid DPC controls the specific wavelength, duration, and frequency of the light in order to specifically target different particles in the skin specific to each person’s individual skin type (colouring).

Does A DPC Laser hurt?

DPC works by heating up the targeted particle (hair papilla, acne, bacteria, dermal cells) to a specific temperature in order to kill the cell (in the case of acne and hair removal) or stimulate it (collagen producing dermal cells). The flash that the machine emits heats the particle up to the necessary temperature (72C in the case of hair removal), so you may feel a fast, poking sensation. While you may feel a brief sensation it is not at all painful or uncomfortable. The tip of the hand piece that we use has a built-in cooling system to keep the surrounding cells at a safe temperature as the wavelength reaches the desired location in order to prevent pain and burning that can be experienced with other laser or IPL machines. You will feel cold, a quick painless pulse, and then cold again.

What should I do before my Laser Appointment?

The laser procedures require very little preparation on your part. We always do a free consultation before your first appointment to make sure it is safe to proceed depending on your current medications and relevant past medical history. If you need to follow any specific instructions they will be given to you at your consultation appointment. For all procedures you will need to cease using hydroquinone, acids, bleaching agent, topical Vitamin C, Retinol, and Retin A at the treatment site for 7 days prior and Accutane 6 months prior. You will also need to be sure to protect the area to be treated from sun exposure (i.e. wear sunscreen) for 2 weeks before your treatment. For your laser hair removal appointment you will need to avoid waxing, threading, and tweezing for 6 to 8 weeks prior and shave the area to be treated the day before or the day of your appointment. Please reschedule your appointment if your skin is red, irritated, or sunburned. And don’t worry, we’ll send you home with post care instructions.

How Many Sessions Do I Need for Laser Hair Removal?

The general rule of thumb is 8 to 10 as it depends on your hair growth cycle. However, having said that, some people experience 98% reduction after as little as four treatments. Laser hair removal is effective on hair that is in the anagen phase of the growth cycle and that is why hair reduction requires several appointments. To get as many follicles as possible in the anagen phase it is important to keep all of your appointments at the required time (every 4 – 6 weeks). Hair follicles that are in the catagen or telogen phase are not affected by the laser but they will eventually reach the anagen phase and will be treated at that time. Not all follicles produce hair and it is possible that over time your body will start to produce hair in those follicles but they can easily be treated in the future if needed.

What does a Skin Rejuvenation Laser Session do? (Aka Photofacial)

Photo-rejuvenation involves the non-traumatic disruption of superficial skin layers to stimulate the production of new collagen. The body’s wound-healing system is activated and produces new, younger looking skin. Your skin will not peel and you can go about your day normally after your treatment, just be sure to wear proper sun protection. Most clients notice a difference after the first treatment, but keep in mind that it takes collagen a full 3 to 6 months to remodel. This is why we recommend spacing maintenance treatments approximately 3 months apart. Our skin rejuvenation not only stimulates collagen production but also treats uneven pigmentation of the skin as well as vascular lesions (redness and broken capillaries).

Do I Really Need a Photofacial (Skin Rejuvenation)?

It all depends on what you’re wanting to achieve in your skin care goals. We have a great line of skin care products too that you might enjoy as well. Skin Rejuvenation is great for textural skin damage (most often comes with aging), fine lines, large pours, lack of elasticity (also comes with aging), and dull skin. If you have freckles or sun spots on your face, the photofacial will initially darken any freckles or sun spots before they fade. We also have other treatments that can help with uneven skin pigmentation.

What are My Options for Acne Treatment?

Our Sharplight Rapid DPC treats acne by killing the bacteria that causes the acne infection. We can treat whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. Cystic (or nodule) acne is deeply rooted into the dermis and requires the care of a dermatologist. Our DPC acne treatments give fantastic results in as little as one treatment. We do recommend at least 4 sessions combined with a good at-home skin care routine and in as little as one week you will be amazed at how fantastic your skin looks. Being a spa, we are super into helping you prevent acne from coming back and we are more than happy to help address the cause of your acne as well. You no longer have to live with acne and we can help you get rid of it and keep it away. If you struggle with clogged pores or congested skin but do not have the infection that is often accompanied with acne then we have other in-spa treatments to give you smooth, clear skin. We have a wide range of skin care treatments and top-of-the-line skin care products we would be more than happy to educate you on so that you can have the healthiest skin possible. And there’s no pressure, skin care is healthcare, take the time to think about it and do your research.

Can your Laser Get Rid of My Scars?

Our Sharplight Rapid DPC laser is very versatile and can remove any pigment your scars have, but it will not get rid of your scar tissue. Flat scars with pigment and pigmented acne scars can be treated to closely match the surrounding skin but for indented or raised scars you will need to see a dermatologist.

Can I receive Laser Treatment if I have Sensitive Skin?

Yes you can! This is the beauty of our Sharplight Rapid DPC machine. The tip of our hand piece is a comforting cold to minimize discomfort and tissue damage. The only skin that we cannot treat is sun tanned or sunburned skin. You need to wait for the burn and excessive tanning to heal before receiving a Sharplight Rapid DPC treatment.

How much does a Laser Treatment cost?

The cost of the treatment varies depending on what you are treating and the area you are treating. Laser pages here on our website (and book now link) both list all of our prices for your convenience. All laser treatments receive a 10% discount if you purchase a package of 6 treatments and 15% discount on a package of 8 treatments.

View our Laser Hair Removal services.

View our Laser Skin Treatment services.