Janet Champion
RN, BN, CCE, CPE, CME, CLHRP
Andrea Myronyk, CCE, LT
Marisa Carelli-Fabrig, CPE, LT
Barb Hyciek, EMT-P, LT
Christine Rogers, EMT-P, LT
Charlene Balogh, CCE, CPE
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would you recommend electrolysis instead of laser?
A: Electrolysis is sometimes recommended to treat
sensitive areas, and hard to reach areas such as inside ears. It is also recommended
for treatment of eyebrows as laser could put your eyesight at risk; if there
are just a few hairs on an upper lip; and it is the only method to permanently
remove hairs with no pigment colour (white).
Sometimes people with
darker skin will need to augment laser treatments with electrolysis if there
is a risk that the level of the wavelength required to kill hair will result
in skin damage. That being said, it is also important for you to know that
we have lasers that are able to deal with every skin type, and that we are
able to minimize or avoid the need to use electrolysis on even the darkest
skin types in some areas.
Q: Do laser or electrolysis treatments hurt?
A: There is some discomfort, but tolerance varies
with each individual. For extremely sensitive areas a topical anaesthetic can
be used. Most people describe laser as similar to a pinch of a rubber band,
which is not pleasant but usually tolerable. Some people describe electrolysis
as similar to a mosquito bite or a pinch.
Q: Is electrolysis safe?
A: Electrolysis is very safe. As a responsible practitioner we pay vigorous
attention to following Canada Health Guidelines for infection control and
aseptic technique, endorsed by COPE National:
- Single use, sterile disposable
needles only used;
- Autoclave sterilization of instruments;
- Universal precautions for cleanliness and hygiene.
Q: What should I do before my laser treatment?
A: Avoid sun exposure. You
cannot wax, tweeze, thread or have electrolysis for 4-6 weeks before
a treatment. To manage hair between appointments, please shave or trim. The
goal is not to remove hair as we would have to wait for it to fully regenerate;
try to just keep it cropped close to the skin. We need to see 2 to 3 days visible
stubble of hair growth at minimum so that we can see the coverage area of the
hair. Please
read more details on pre- and post-treatment guidelines.
Q: What should I expect after a treatment?
A: After a treatment the skin may be red and bumpy
because it is irritated, and this is absolutely normal. For a small percent
of people the treated area may feel like a sunburn for a few days. We recommend
protecting the treated skin from the sun, and that you should also avoid activities
which may irritate the area or induce heat for 24-48 hours immediately after
treatment, such as exercise, saunas, hot tubs. Use an ice pack if the area
treated feels warm to the touch within the first 24 hours. The area should
be moisturized with clear aloe gel. See
post-treatment guidelines.
You will leave the treatment with smooth skin. There is however 3 - 5 mm
of lasered hair below the skin surface which has to shed. When the hair begins
to work its way out to shed it appears to be growing again. This is not re-growth
but is actually the dead hair falling out. This process usually takes 2 - 3
weeks.
Q: What are the risks of laser hair
removal?
A: At Champion we are very knowledgeable about
laser hair removal and safety, but you should know that there is always a risk
of being burned or blistered by any laser device. You must make sure that you
are using a clinic or technician that is trained and certified
by the Society of Clinical
and Medical Hair Removal. Janet Champion, the owner
of Champion Laser & Electrolysis was one of the first 10 individuals in
Canada to become certified.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: If the goal is maximum hair loss, most clients will require 5-8 treatments.
Finer hair and dark skin clients may require 6-10 treatments. If you suffer
from a hormone imbalance your treatments may be ongoing. Some people are
satisfied to stop treatments after 50-60% hair loss because by this point
the hair is much thinner and finer.
Q: How many areas can be treated
in one visit?
A: We can perform a full male back treatment including
shoulders and neck in 45-90 minutes. Bikini and underarms for women can be
performed in 30 minutes or less. The amount of coverage depends on the patient’s
tolerance to discomfort. Some can have full body treatments in one session.
Q: How long should I wait between treatments?
A: Waiting time will vary with each individual, and we will advise you after
your initial consultation what will be appropriate for you based on your
skin type and needs. The general guideline is 4-6 weeks for neck and above
areas, and 6-8 weeks for areas below the neck.
Q: What should I do to manage the hair between treatments?
A: Shaving
is the recommended way to manage hair growth between treatments. Do not
wax, tweeze or use any other process that pulls hair out by the roots.
Q: Are the results permanent?
A: Yes, we will
produce permanent hair reduction on all skin types provided that the client
follows through with the full course of treatment per our assessment. Some
hair removal experts feel that laser removal may not work on 1-5% of patients.
At Champion Laser & Electrolysis Clinic, if there is hair we cannot effectively
remove with lasers we would then treat with electrolysis to get permanent results.
Q: Does laser hair removal create or treat ingrown hairs?
A: The laser will not create ingrown hairs, however
it is a highly effective for treatment to clear
the ingrown hairs. FIND OUT MORE
Q: Does the laser work on very light and very dark skin colors?
A: The laser system safely and effectively treats all
skin types. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, almost everyone
can benefit from laser hair removal. Please note that laser does not work
well on white hair, or on light blonde hair.
Q: Do lasers work on skin
that is tanned?
A: When UVA rays penetrate to the lower
layers of the epidermis they trigger cells to produce melanin — the
brown pigment that causes tanning. The
laser is attracted to melanin. We make sure the skin is cooled effectively
to avoid traumatizing the damaged (tanned) skin, but the energy of the laser
must be reduced so it only acts on the pigment in the hair, not the skin.
Therefore a client with a tan may require more treatments than someone without
a tan. For a more effective and aggressive treatment it would be better
not have a tan. We use our Nd:YAG laser for tanned or dark skin.
Q: Will lasers work on blonde or white hairs?
A: No, laser cannot work on white hairs as there
is no melanin or colour in the hair. Electrolysis is the only choice for white
and/or light blonde hairs.
Q: Do many women have unwanted facial hair?
A: Growth of hair on the face which is coarser,
longer or more prolific than average
is not uncommon. Research shows that about 22 million women in North America
remove facial hair at least once a week
Q: Are all lasers capable of permanent hair removal?
A: No, there are some systems that are light-based
that are NOT true lasers. Rather, they are Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems.
Many IPL systems, as well as some lasers, do not have enough energy to
destroy the hair follicles, especially on fine hairs.
Basically, it can be said that "not all lasers are created equal." Champion Laser only uses lasers that are
effective for permanent hair removal.
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Index of Questions
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