Learn more about skin and beauty treatments available at an Ottawa laser clinic.

Laser Technology Offers a Variety of Beauty Treatments Available at Your Local Ottawa Laser Clinic

It was not too long ago that lasers were a futuristic technology mostly seen in sci-fi movies. But thanks to advancements in science and technology, lasers are now commonly used for both medical and cosmetic procedures. Today, laser technology makes it possible to correct a variety of physical issues, from improving vision to removing unwanted skin imperfections. We are living in a golden age of cosmetic and corrective treatments thanks to lasers, and the best part is, these treatments have little to no downtime for recovery.

If you’re interested in laser beauty treatments, contact your local Ottawa laser clinic for more information and a full list of laser treatments. Here’s a look at some of the different types of laser treatments available to improve frustrating imperfections.

Laser Hair Removal

This is a safe and effective hair removal treatment for any part of your face or body. Instead of constantly shaving, tweezing, waxing, or using lotions to remove unwanted hair, you can see better results that last for longer with this specialized laser treatment.

Laser treatment has minimal discomfort, especially when compared to other hair-removal procedures, such as painful waxing. With laser hair removal, the laser targets pigmented hair follicles in a desired location, destroying them and reducing hair growth over time.

Preparation: Patients should not wax the treatment area for two to three weeks prior to treatment.

Treatment Time: 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated.

Number of Treatments: Six treatments, with each one six weeks apart.

Recovery: No recovery downtime, but you may experience redness for about 10 to 20 minutes after the treatment.

Results: Lasts for six to eight weeks, with eventual permanent hair reduction.

Special Considerations: While there are lasers to treat different skin pigmentations, you should avoid tanning or exposing your skin to sun damage prior to treatments.

Laser Rejuvenation

Laser rejuvenation treats a variety of skin issues, such as removing or reducing the appearance of: fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scars, redness, veins, blood blisters, sun spots, skin tags, and large pores. The laser technology stimulates natural collagen growth to smooth and even out the skin.

Preparation: Clean skin of makeup, sunscreen, or any other products prior to treatment.

Treatment Time: Depends on the treatment area and technology used.

Number of Treatments: Four to six.

Recovery: Zero downtime, however, there may be temporary redness following the treatment.

Results: Are visible in two weeks, and optimal in eight weeks.

Laser Tattoo Removal

With the same laser technology used for laser rejuvenation, an Ottawa laser clinic can also remove embarrassing tattoos. A picosecond pulse laser generates a wave of pulses (or pressure) that stimulates collagen growth, breaks up ink into fine particles, and encourages the body to heal itself. As part of your body’s natural healing process, your body will eventually flush out these particles, resulting in the desired removal of your tattoo.

Preparation: Laser tattoo removal may require anesthesia.

Treatment Time: Depends on the size of the tattoo.

Number of Treatments: Multiple treatments are required, and the number will depend on various factors, such as the age and size of the tattoo and whether you went to a professional or an amateur tattoo artist.

Recovery: While there is no recovery downtime following treatments, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, bruising, and blisters.

Results: The results are permanent following the necessary number of treatments.

Special Considerations: Many factors will affect the treatment duration, so don’t be surprised if you need several treatments.

Laser Vein Removal

You can permanently remove those unsightly veins on your face and legs with the help of laser technology. Laser vein removal treats facial veins, spider veins, angiomas (blood blisters), and skin tags. The heat from the laser causes the blood in dilated blood vessels to coagulate, resulting in the eventual collapse and dissolving of the blood vessel.

Preparation: Avoid aspirin or other blood-thinning products prior to treatment.

Treatment Time: Often less than 20 minutes.

Number of Treatments: Usually just one.

Recovery: No recovery downtime, but you may experience inflammation or bulging blood vessels for a few hours following treatment. Also, make sure to avoid blood-thinners and exposing the treatment area to direct sunlight for a while afterwards.

Results: Permanent.

Laser Cellulite Removal

Cellulite is a very common issue that can cause insecurities, especially during swimsuit season. Thankfully, laser technology can also remove these unwanted dimples. The laser tightens both the superficial and deep layers of skin, along with the superficial layer of subcutaneous fat.

Preparation: None.

Treatment Time: 15 to 20 minutes.

Number of Treatments: One treatment every six to eight months.

Recovery: Sip tea or take a diuretic pill to reduce swelling, and expect redness 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

Results: Reduced appearance of cellulite with tighter, smoother skin.

Stretch-Mark Removal

Stretch marks are also embarrassing skin imperfections that are quite common. But with the help of lasers, the treatment area will experience stimulated collagen growth that reduces the appearance of stretch marks over time.

Preparation: Numbing cream may be applied 10 minutes prior to the treatment.

Treatment Time: Two to three minutes.

Number of Treatments: Two to six treatments (depending on the severity) scheduled four to six weeks apart.

Recovery: No downtime, but mild redness and swelling for up to 24 hours after treatment.

Results: Usually permanent.

Body Contouring

You can remove unwanted, difficult fat with body contouring treatments. This treatment usually uses hot and cold temperatures to bring the fat to a temperature that will destroy it. This permanent treatment is quite convenient for those who have hard-to-remove fat.

Preparation: None.

Treatment Time: 25 minutes.

Number of Treatments: Two to three treatments.

Recovery: No recovery time, however, you may feel like you did an abdominal workout, like crunches, a day or two following the treatment.

Results: Permanent, but usually noticeable after six weeks, and completely noticeable after 12 weeks.

Tighten Sagging Skin

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and eventually sags. But you can tighten and lift the skin of any body part without having to go under the knife. Laser treatment tightens fibrous connective tissue by penetrating the dermal skin and subcutaneous fat with ultrasound pulses.

Preparation: Avoid exposing the treatment area to sunlight for 48 hours prior to treatment, and also ice the area 10 minutes prior to treatment.

Treatment Time: 15 to 40 minutes.

Number of Treatments: One.

Recovery: None, but you may experience redness in the treatment area for up to two hours following treatment.

Results: Tightened skin that can last for to two to three years.

You may be surprised to see how laser technology can easily treat many different issues. If any of these treatments sound appealing to you, contact your local Ottawa laser clinic for a consultation. These doctors can do wonders with today’s laser technology, helping you remove unwanted, embarrassing imperfections quickly, easily, and with no recovery downtime.