Tag Archive for: laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal versus Electrolysis Hair Removal

Laser hair removal and Electrolysis hair removal are the only two types of permanent hair removal currently offered to the public. Many of our guests are unsure of what the best method is for them. At our laser med spa we offer laser hair removal service and do not offer electrolysis, however, we’ve broken down the key differences between the two for anyone who may be on the fence.

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a form of hair removal typically performed by a dermatologist or skincare professional. This technique works by inserting an epilator into the skin, this device administers shortwave radio frequencies into the hair follicle. The damage caused to these follicles results in no new hair growth and for old-growth to fall out.  Many treatments are required for full results, as only a small area can be treated at a time.

Side effects and risks

Common side effects of electrolysis hair removal include minor redness, swelling, and/or skin irritation. These side effects usually subside within a day. A bigger risk associated with electrolysis hair removal is the possibility of infection from needles that haven’t been properly sterilized. This can result in permanent scarring.

Aftercare and follow-up
Electrolysis offers permanent results because of the destruction caused to the hair follicles. The thicker the area of the hair being treated the longer it can take to reap the full results of the treatment. Sessions are usually booked weekly or bi-weekly, electrolysis requires many more treatments than laser hair removal as only small areas of the skin can be treated at once.

Laser Hair Removal

Urban Body Laser is Vancouver’s most trusted laser med spa for permanent hair removal. We believe laser hair removal to be the most effective, innovative, and efficient means of permanently stunting the growth of hair. Laser hair removal works by targeting the darker pigment contained in your hair, this leads to damage in the follicles that over the course of a series of treatments Laser Hair Removal versus Electrolysis Hair Removalpermanently removes hair from the body. Permanent results are achieved after up to 12 treatments spaced roughly between 6 and 11 weeks apart.

Why Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can be done on almost any area of the body one may face unwanted body or facial hair. You can expect to go about your regular activities immediately following your treatment, there is no downtime required! After just your first treatment you will notice a dramatic reduction in hair, when hair does grow in it’s much finer and generally lighter in colour. Our laser med spa has four different hair removal systems to treat just about any skin or hair type.

Side Effects

Side effects from laser hair removal treatments are minimal- some guests may experience mild redness or sensitivity, however, when these symptoms are present they tend to resolve within a few hours.

What to Expect

Most guests report minimal amounts of pain during their treatments however if you have sensitive skin you do have the option to have a numbing gel applied prior to treatment. At our laser med spa we take every precaution to ensure your treatment is as safe and comfortable as possible. Some guests enjoy an ice pack or cool compress on the skin immediately following their treatment.
Laser hair removal works by preventing hair growth not by physically removing it. We do ask our guests to do a thorough shave off the skin on the day of treatment.

Follow-up treatments are required, with our UBL Membership Plan you will receive treatments and free follow-up touchups if you ever experience any regrowth.

Depending on the equipment our technician selects for you it may be advised to minimize your sun exposure up to a month prior to treatment. Tanned skin may put you at risk for increased sensitivity, burning, or pigmentation issues.

Are you ready to ditch the razor for the laser! Get smooth skin for life with laser hair removal at Urban Body Laser!

Book your consultation today! 604-696-5506

Making a difference in someone’s life is the number one reason we do what we do. Seeing the impact we can make on a guest’s daily life, on their self-esteem, is so rewarding.
We get excited about the benefits that all our treatments offer and are always curious to see what our guests are looking for most often. Resoundingly, Laser Hair Removal has become the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatment around. Unwanted hair can cause embarrassment and even hinder your lifestyle choices. We want all our guests to feel comfortable living full lives in their own skin, and to do so effortlessly. Leaving behind plucking, shaving, and waxing can save you pain, time, and get rid of unsightly side effects like razor rash and stubble. There is so much to gain!

So, once you know you want long-lasting hair removal, which system is right for you? We can help with that!  Every treatment starts with a consultation with one of our trained medical estheticians to determine which system is best for you. We know the technical information can be a little overwhelming, so we encourage you to be open and present in your consultation.  Share with us what results you are looking for and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
It is important to have different system options because of course, we don’t all have the same skin or hair type. The size and depth of hair follicles vary from person to person and even within the same treatment area. It may be the case that different machines will be needed to complete a single session, and will shift as treatment progresses and follicles change. Skin type is rated using the Ftizpatrick scale using a number from 1-6, one being the lightest, six being the darkest. All our machines can technically treat the full range of skin types, however, there are ideal matches for safety and efficiency.
We have four different machines in our arsenal, all of which target the melanin in hair follicles to disrupt growth, but are each suited to different laser removal needs. All our machines are fully insured and calibrated consistently to keep them primed and ready to go!
A physical assessment and a written questionnaire provide our knowledgeable staff with the information they need to recommend an appropriate course of action. Based on the information our technicians gather, they will recommend one of the below systems.

SystemIdeal Skin TypesIdeal Hair Types
Light Sheet ET: Suited to smaller, hard to reach spots.1-3 Coarse/Medium. Light brown to black.
Light Sheet Duet: Similar to Light Sheer ET. Can handle larger treatment areas, working more quickly.1-3All hair types. Light brown to black.
BBL (Broad Band Light): Uses light to damage hair follicles. Tolerable on sensitive areas, like lips, nose, and underarms.1-3Fine hair. Light brown to black
Sciton Long Pulsed NdYag: Fast, effective treatment on any area, even for large treatment areas. Longer pulse and ideal wavelength means it can be used safely in summer months.All, including tanned skinFine to coarse. Dark brown and black.

At the end of the day, our medical estheticians are here for you to make sure you are getting the best treatment possible. Having a full range of systems ensures that we are able to accommodate the complete spectrum of skin tones and hair types, and can adjust systems accordingly throughout your sessions. We want every session to be as comfortable and effective as possible. That is why we are committed to staying on top of the latest research and protocols so our guests are in safe, educated hands. We live what we do and we love it. We are always available for questions and are happy to hear from you!
For more detailed information on our different laser hair removal services, visit here!
Contact:
Urban Body Laser
777 Hornby St #860, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3
(604) 696-5506

With summer on our doorstep, more skin is out in the open, which means more spots that you don’t normally show are making an appearance. This is the time you want those bikini lines and back patches gone more than ever! You have probably heard that once you get your tan on, you have to stop any sort of hair removal treatment, which for safety reasons, can be the case. We have a solution for you!

We use the best in up to date laser removal technology and offer a variety of treatments. The Sciton Long Pulsed 1064 NdYag is a high powered technically advanced Laser Hair Removal System among our options. This system delivers a unique combination of laser parameters and contact cooling protection. The depth of the laser gives clients of all skin types an extremely safe and effective treatment.

Laser Hair Removal uses precise wavelengths that can focus on the melanin pigment and target it. These wavelengths are able to focus on the pigment while avoiding damage to the surrounding skin. When laser hair removal first started, the lasers used did not have a great ability to focus wavelengths and, the darker your skin, the harder it was to remove the hair.

The longer pulse of the NdYag targets the deeper pigment of the the hair follicles below the melanin pigment, making it safer for darker skin tones and more effective. The right wavelength reaches even the deepest hair roots, which can be 4-6 mm below the surface of the skin in some cases. There is less heat build up within the skin using the NdYag, and the contact chilled plate cools the skin off providing more protection and comfort during treatment.

Therefore, it is a safe treatment to use all year round. Even if you have been sunning yourself, you can continue your hair removal process and not have to worry. We do recommend that you still avoid tanning 1 week prior to treatment, just in case.

Come in to talk with our medical estheticians about the right treatments for your skin types. We have your stress-free solutions to get ready for summer!

Contact:
Urban Body Laser
777 Hornby St #860, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3
(604) 696-5506

Urban Body Laser’s Best Before and Afters

There’s nothing we love more than a good ‘Best before and afters’ story, especially when we’re in charge! At Urban Body Laser in Vancouver, our trusted medical estheticians work day in and day out helping people change, correct, and revamp the way they look and feel about themselves. From pigmentation to acne scars, there’s nothing better than seeing the look on someone’s face when you’ve removed something that was causing them embarrassment, insecurity, or even shame.

If you’ve been following us on Instagram, then you may have caught a few of our favourite before and after shots of recent clients. In case you missed it, here are just a few of the best Urban Body Laser makeovers of 2015!

Rachel came to us this past fall after suffering from extensive sun damage. The sun’s rays are amongst the most harmful contributors to aging, leaving sunspots and fine lines on the skin, as evident on her chest. FotoFacial®-AgeDelay™ is one of our most effective methods to reduce this damage, just check out Rachel’s results after just three treatments! Because you can’t be exposed to the sun after receiving FotoFacial®-AgeDelay™, fall and winter are the best times to get started.

We all suffer from the occasional pimple, but before you start layering on concealer, please check the ingredients. Most conventional make-up you find at the drugstore is filled with chemicals, fragrances, and toxins that clog your pores and aggravate the skin, often causing more breakouts. Pictured above is a client who contacted us for a Colorescience application, a luxury make-up line that uses natural ingredients that not only covers those pesky pimples, but also nourishes the skin. Interested? Call us to book a skin analysis!

Do you suffer from skin discoloration from birthmarks or scars? Photorejuvenation may be the answer you’re looking for. We use Sciton’s BBL, a safe and effective system that specializes in darker skin tones. After just one treatment, our client’s knee is looking shades lighter! We’ll be sure to update you once she’s finished her program.

Did you know that laser hair removal for your underarms not only reduces the hair, but also decreases sweat? We call that a #winwin. If you find your light shirts discolor from sweating, or the constant shaving has caused thick hair you can’t seem to rid of, ask our medical estheticians for a custom laser hair removal program.

Interested in these or more of our services and products? Contact us and start the New Year as a new you.

**20% off all moisturizers for the month of October. Contact us for details!**

Though it’s officially Fall, it’s not quite time to completely forget about the shorts-weather season. Why? Because as the colder weather starts to creep in, it’s the perfect time to start your laser hair removal treatments.

It’s a common misconception that laser only needs to be done when the weather requires barely-there clothing. However, this could not be further from the truth. Most of our treatment systems require that you have minimal sun exposure for one month, which makes Fall the perfect time to start your custom-designed laser hair removal program.

Rather than pulling the hair out by the root or shaving it off at the skin, laser hair removal stops it at the source by destroying the hair follicle, preventing any new hair growth one hair at a time. Because only a small percentage of hair is in the growing phase at any given time, multiple treatments are required for long-lasting smoothness.  These treatments are between 7-11 weeks for torso and 5-9 weeks for the face/neck.

Our state-of-the-art systems are able to treat areas like underarms, face, chest, bikini line, legs, back, head and our signature Balls n All ™. Designed after clients’ requests, this program removes all hair on a male’s private parts, including the shaft and base of the penis, the testicles, the area between the anus and the testicles, as well as the area between the bum cheeks.

Excess hair can affect visual appearance, personal hygiene, and self-esteem, so we completely understand if there are certain areas you never want to see hair growth again. Before you have to break out that bikini, contact us for more information so you can stay smooth and sleek for Summer ’16 – and be sure to ask us about our October special, 20% off all moisturizers!

Mention this post and you’ll receive 50% off your next laser hair removal treatment!

Tattoos are form of personal expression. For many, meaningful imagery permanently transforms the body into a work of art, essentially making your skin a blank canvas. While some argue that tattoos are an addiction, others say it’s merely a passion for beauty and meaning.

However you view tattooing, those with their body fully inked will often tell you that one tattoo usually sparks the desire for another. So whether you have a full sleeve or are thinking it’s time to go under the needle, there are a few things you’ll want to consider beforehand — especially if you’ve always wanted to undergo laser hair removal.

We don’t have to tell you the benefits and ease of never having to shave again (because we list them here!). However, before you get your next tattoo, the hair removal process needs to be completed beforehand. Why? Because if the laser goes over your art work, it causes a very bad burn, followed by scarring and a total loss of colour.

Unfortunately the most common areas of the body that people want laser hair removal also happen to be equally as trendy for tattoos, such as the back, legs, and arms. For guys who want a smooth, tattooed chest, we’re unable to perform a treatment without risking the integrity of your ink and safety of your skin.

Tattoos are not only a financial investment, but also a personal one, so taking care of it is of the utmost importance. For fresh tattoos, use R3 Derma Aloe to reduce redness and swelling and to hydrate, heal and nourish skin.

And now that summer is looming around the corner, make sure to purchase physical sunblock to keep the colour from fading. We love the Sunforgettable SPF50 Retractable Brush, lightweight mineral powder with a barely-there feel that provides a safe, non-irritating, instant UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes this sheer formula easy to apply and reapply throughout the day.

Tattoos are beautiful ways of artistry and self-expression, but if you’ve always wanted to try laser hair removal, you’ll want to consider the consequences if you do one before the other.

Mention this post and you’ll receive 50% off your next laser hair removal treatment! 

Questions for our medical estheticians about laser hair removal? Contact us! We’re happy to help.

After these past cold, dark months, we’re excited to say that Spring is just around the corner. The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, which means we can shed the layers and start showing more skin! So if you’re still toying with the idea of laser hair removal, don’t wait any longer. In order to be smooth and hairless by summer, you better start your laser hair removal treatments now!

Laser hair removal is the best solution to rid of unwanted hair. Saying goodbye to shaving and waxing means you’ll no longer have to deal with razor burn, bumps, or ingrown hairs – forever.

While we can remove hair from virtually any part of your body, here are the most popular treatments for both the ladies and gents:
For Women:

  • Brazilian/ Bikini Ling
  • Bunny Tail
  • Underarms
  • Full Leg
  • Facial Hair

For Men:

While these are the most popular areas for men and women, practically any part of your body can be treated. Our medical estheticians customize the right treatments for you with our state-of-the-art technology, ensuring you have the best results. To learn more about our systems, we explain in this blog post.

So get ready to throw on your bikini or bare it all without a second thought of shaving! Contact us for a consultation.

Though you may be packing away those bikinis in storage, we don’t want you to completely forget about summer. That’s because right now is the best time to get started on your laser hair removal treatments.
It’s a common misconception that laser only needs to be done when the weather requires barely-there clothing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. We have four systems that treat areas like underarms, face, bikini line, legs, and our signature Balls-n-All™. Out of these machines, three of them require that you have zero sun exposure for one month, which makes ‘Raincouver’ the perfect place to be when you’re in between treatments.

There are three phases of hair growth. Though you may see dramatic results after the first phase, only a percentage of hair grows at any given time. That’s why multiple treatments are required. How it works is the laser penetrates deep into the hair shaft, heating up the follicle to stop it from functioning and prevent regrowth.

Think of yourself less than a year from now throwing on a bikini or tank top without panicking that you have embarrassing stubble. Trust us, life without razors is definitely worth the laser.

So stop procrastinating, and let’s make a plan! Contact us today to get started.

Let’s face it; personal grooming is no longer an essential activity for just women. Men are also expected to be trim and smooth ‘down there’, but remembering to shave your private areas can easily slip many guys minds. Plus common side effects like itchiness, stubble, and ingrown hairs can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. That’s why we created our signature treatment specially formulated for men: Balls-n-All™

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604-696-5506

This treatment removes all hair on a male’s private parts, including the shaft and base of the penis, the testicles, the area between the anus and the testicles, as well as the area between the bum cheeks. Clients love the feel and look of their smooth body parts, let alone the freedom of never having to pick up a razor again. Plus if you have piercings or tattoos, consistent laser hair removal treatments mean that you’ll no longer have to shave around them.

Essentially as soon as the process starts, you will no longer have to deal with hard, rough stubble. This is because the hair that does return in between sessions is softer and finer. If you’re unfamiliar with how laser hair removal works, we’re happy to talk you through it.

Balls-n-All™: How it Works


The laser targets the pigment melanin, which is what gives hair its colour. As the laser penetrates deep into the hair shaft, it heats the follicle long enough to stop it functioning and prevent re-growth. There are 3 stages of hair growth, so multiple treatments are needed to remove them all effectively. And incase it was on your mind, the answer is no, laser hair removal will not interfere with erections or appearance. In fact, it does quite the opposite.

Besides just a smooth finish, many clients tell us they feel better and bigger, and that becoming permanently hairless has actually enhanced their sexual experience. To learn about cost, duration of treatment, and number of treatments of Balls-n-All™, contact our medical estheticians for a free consultation.

More info!

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Do you have your wedding preparations organized?

Summer is fast approaching, which means wedding season is about to begin. For those of you about to say ‘I do’, the last few weeks can be an incredibly stressful time as you try to coordinate the venue, catering, visitors, décor, stags, stagettes…the list goes on and on. Often brides and grooms forget to factor in a crucial step in the nuptial process: their skin.

If you haven’t started your skincare prep, don’t worry, there’s still enough time to schedule a few appointments in order to get yourself in photo-ready shape. Here are a few of Urban Body Laser’s must-do’s to saying “I do.”

Laser Hair Removal
Brides often find the last few days leading up to the wedding the most stressful. With so much to do, how nice would it be to know that you didn’t have to shave your underarms, legs, or get a Brazilian wax? There’s a reason more and more people are turning to laser hair removal: it works. Though it takes a series of treatments for hair to be completely gone, often our clients see incredible results after just one or two appointments. If you grow thick hair on your underarms, legs, or pubic area, the hair that grows back is much thinner and sparing after just one treatment. And for fellas, we know your future wife will definitely appreciate our signature Balls-n-All™.

Skin Tightening and Microdermabrasion
Every bride and groom wants flawless, radiant skin on their big day. In order to achieve this, we highly recommend 3 or 4 treatments of skin tightening combined with microdermabrasion. Clean pores are key to ensuring you don’t suffer from blemishes on your wedding day. Microdermabrasion removes clogged pores and cleans the outer layer of the skin. It’s incredibly effective to reduce ingrown hairs, discolored and congested skin, and even fine lines and wrinkles.
To achieve a glowing complexion, try skin tightening. This non-invasive method uses broad band light (BBL) to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by stimulating collagen production, which is the protein that aids in the structural support of the skin and causes it to contract and tighten.

Colorescience Pro
If you buy most of your make-up in a drug store, chances are it is filled with so many chemicals and unnatural ingredients that it’s actually causing more damage to your skin. After receiving microdermabrasion and skin tightening, the last thing you want to do is pollute your epidermis with harmful products.

To enhance your natural beauty, Colorescience make-up is a-must. This luxurious line does more than just camouflage blemishes and discoloration; it actually helps to remedy it. Each product is designed to complement and blend together, allowing you to layer to achieve a flawless complexion. From foundations to lip gloss, this extensive line has plenty of options to match your needs and skin tone. Paired with our R3 Derma cleansers and moisturizers your skin will be ready to tie the knot.

While these are the most popular treatments for brides and grooms, we offer a wide variety of services that will help you get ready for the big day. Just keep in mind that many of these take at least a few sessions to really see results, so contact us as soon as possible to get started and get ready for the big day!

Although good genetics have some part in it, it definitely takes celebrities work to stay flawless. To help keep them looking their best on the red carpet, it’s a combination of a healthy diet, preventative work, high-quality products, and professional skincare treatments. From microdermabrasion to Colorescience, here is how some of the most famous faces stay picture perfect.

The Top Celebrity Skincare Treatments

Microdermabrasion: Gwenyth Paltrow

Gwenyth Paltrow has called Microdermabrasion “a miracle”and for good reason. Often compared to the texture of your cat’s tongue, microdermabrasion gently rejuvenates the skin by a non-invasive exfoliation. By gently removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells microdermabrasion leaves the skin feeling smoother and dare we say, younger.
Microdermabrasion is a favourite among celebrity skincare treatments because it effectively treats and minimizes a wide range of skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, discolored and congested skin, and ingrown hairs.
Laser Hair Removal: Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has publicly said she wants a “hairless body” and uses laser hair removal to achieve it. The old fashioned methods of removing hair like shaving, tweezing, creams, waxing, are not only time consuming but also don’t last long. Continuous laser hair removal treatments will get rid of the hair for good, and now is the best time to start in order to be hairless by summer.
Colorescience: Kerry Washington

It’s no wonder that Colorescience Pro is a favourite of celebrities like Kerry Washington and Kate Hudson, as it’s not only easy to use, but also doubles as a skincare product. It works to clear your complexion while simultaneiously protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and the environment.
If you want to learn more about these celebrity skincare treatments, just stop by our office or contact us for more information. Our medical estheticians can give you a free consultation on how to achieve flawless, youthful skin.

You know those things you always vowed to try, then for some reason keep putting it off?

Chances are you have heard our radio ads, seen commercials on television, or read about it in the magazines. We’re talking about laser hair removal, our most popular treatment that we offer. So what exactly makes it so great?
Plenty. On average, Laser Hair Removal permanently reduces between 70% up to 95% of your initial hair growth. The hair that does grow back is thinner, lighter, and much less visible than before. Plus unlike waxing, you can shave in between treatments.
Without fail, the first thing anyone says after trying laser hair removal is, “I can’t believe I haven’t done this sooner!”.

But don’t take our word for it. Just see what our clients have to say:
“… hair initially was medium to thick covering most of my back, after four treatments now most of my back is hairless with a few tiny baby hairs. Janiece and Adranna were extremely friendly and had complimentary TLC (tender loving care).”
“Never having to worry about booking waxing appointments before vacations is a huge time saver.  I’d much rather treat myself to a pedicure or a hair cut before leaving town.”

“From the moment I arrived for my consultation I was greeted warmly, offered tea and was put at ease. The procedure itself was slightly uncomfortable because it was my first time. The woman who was doing the procedure was fabulous and really made me relax. I had a lovely experience and will definitely return.”

Stop Procrastinating and Start Laser Hair Removal!

We have four systems that treat areas like underarms, face, bikini line, legs, even Balls-n-All™. All of our machines are of the latest technology and are customized based on your needs. Our medical estheticians give you a free consultation and match you with the machine that suits your skin and hair tone.

The Fall and Winter seasons are actually the prime time to get started, as three of our machines require that you have zero sun exposure for one month. Plus because hair grows in different cycles, it takes at least a couple of treatments for maximum results.
If you’re ready to throw on your bikini or bare it all without a second thought of shaving, then laser hair removal is the right decision.

Pick up the phone or email us to book your consultation. Stop the procrastinating and get ready for a hairless future with Urban Body Laser.

If you’ve flipped through the pages of GQ lately, you’ve probably noticed something besides just beautiful men with sculpted abs sharp enough to grate cheese on. There’s one other characteristic that can be seen from cover to cover: they’re hairless. The groomed and polished look is more than just a trend; it’s here to stay, which makes laser hair removal for men the new way of manscaping.
If you’ve been resorting to razors to try and achieve a similar sleek look this summer, you’ve probably encountered a few annoying issues, like ingrown hairs, irritated and itchy skin, and stubble. For those who have opted for tweezing, creams, and waxing, you’ll soon discover they’re a waste of time and money. They only mask the problem, not get rid of it. Guys, don’t settle for out dated solutions. Experience long, lasting results with laser hair removal treatments!
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With June just around the corner, it seems like every day we have clients asking us what the must-have summer skin treatments are to keep groomed and primed for beach weather.
The Urban Body Laser team are more than just experts in skin treatments, they’re clients themselves. Jade, our Senior Medical Esthetician, has been with us for four years and knows exactly what you need to look and feel your best. So today she’s sharing her tips on the essential summer skin treatments you need this season!

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Microdermabrasion FAQ’s What’s The Big Difference Between Classic Microdermabrasion And Diamond Tipped Microdermabrasion? The classic system uses crystals to peel off dead skin. The new diamond tipped microdermabrasion system uses diamonds. The result is far less disruptive because it polishes the skin. Lastly, the wand is far more accurate than the previous system. That means […]