Selective Photothermolysis for Laser Hair Removal
Selective photothermolysis is the science that makes modern laser hair removal both effective and skin-conscious. If you’ve searched “laser hair removal near me” and want to understand why treatment is done as a series, this page explains how light energy targets pigment in the hair follicle while cooling helps protect the surrounding skin to achieve selective laser hair removal.
Real Results: How Laser Hair Removal Improves Over Sessions
Results are easiest to appreciate when you see real progress over time. Many clients start treatment because of fast regrowth, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, or a persistent “shadow.” As more follicles are treated in their active growth stage, hair often returns finer and slower and the skin surface can look smoother because there’s less day-to-day irritation from shaving or waxing. For before-and-after examples and patient stories, visit our laser hair removal in Edmonton page.
>Photothermolysis Quick Summary: Pricing, Comfort & Results
Here’s a practical overview of pricing, comfort, how the technology works, and what you should do to protect your results between sessions.
Cost & Pricing
Pricing is per session and based on the size of the area treated. Your consult confirms coverage, candidacy, and any multi-area or multi-session savings so you can plan your budget.
What To Expect
Arrive shaved with clean skin. We map the area, apply cooling, then deliver quick pulses. Most appointments take 10–60 minutes and you can usually return to work the same day.
Mechanism of Action
The laser targets melanin in the hair shaft, converting light to heat inside the follicle. Correct wavelength, pulse duration, and cooling keep energy focused where it’s needed—selective photothermolysis.
Benefits & Results
Over a series, many people notice slower regrowth, finer hair, fewer ingrown hairs, and less “shadow.” Results build session by session because only actively growing hairs respond best.
Post-Treatment Care
Expect mild warmth or redness for a few hours. Use cool compresses, gentle moisturizer, and daily SPF. Avoid hot showers, intense workouts, exfoliants, and tanning for 24–48 hours.
Side Effects & Downtime
Temporary redness, swelling, or small bumps can occur. Rare risks include burns or pigment change, especially with recent tanning. These are minimized with proper settings, cooling, and aftercare.
Laser Hair Removal Pricing in Edmonton by Treatment Area
Pricing is typically per session in CAD and based on the size of the area treated. The estimates below help you compare common zones; your exact quote and coverage borders are confirmed during consultation. Packages may be available for select areas.
| Treatment area | Units | Estimated cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Lip or Chin | Per session | $50 |
| Upper Lip + Chin | Per session | $100 |
| Underarms | Per session | $95 |
| Bikini (Female) | Per session | $95 |
| Brazilian (Female) | Per session | $200 |
| Leg – Half | Per session | $175 |
| Leg – Full | Per session | $325 |
| Arms – Half | Per session | $120 |
| Arms – Full | Per session | $200 |
| Back or Chest | Per session | $250 |
| Back and Chest | Per session | $400 |
Photothermolysis Settings: Wavelength, Pulse & Cooling
“Selective photothermolysis” sounds technical, but the idea is simple: choose light that the target absorbs, deliver it fast enough to confine heat, then protect the skin surface while the follicle heats. This principle was formally described in classic dermatology laser literature; if you’d like to read the original concept, see the selective photothermolysis paper on PubMed.
Wavelength determines what absorbs the energy (the “chromophore”). For hair removal, the key chromophore is melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths, which is one reason settings are not one-size-fits-all.
Pulse duration is how long each pulse lasts. Matching pulse duration to the follicle’s ability to cool (its “thermal relaxation time”) helps keep heat in the follicle long enough to disrupt regrowth, without unnecessarily heating surrounding skin.
Cooling (and the overall treatment technique) is the safety partner to energy delivery. By cooling the epidermis and using appropriate parameters, the treatment aims to heat the follicle more than the skin surface, which improves comfort and reduces the risk of adverse skin reactions.
Photothermolysis for Different Skin Types and Hair Colours
Because lasers target pigment, both hair colour and skin tone affect how we plan treatment. Dark, coarse hair generally responds best because it contains more melanin to absorb the laser energy, while very light blonde, red, grey/white, or very fine vellus hair may respond poorly. Your Fitzpatrick skin type (how your skin naturally responds to sun) helps guide conservative settings and whether a test spot is appropriate—learn more in our Fitzpatrick skin type guide. Preparation and aftercare also protect results, especially sun avoidance and gentle skin care, so review our laser preparation and aftercare tips before your first session.
If you tan easily or have recent sun exposure, it’s important to tell your provider. Treating recently tanned skin can increase the chance of irritation or pigment changes, so timing and settings may be adjusted to keep the plan skin-first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “selective photothermolysis” mean in plain language?
It means the laser is chosen and timed to heat a specific target more than the surrounding tissue. In hair removal, that target is melanin in the hair follicle. Cooling and correct parameters help keep the effect selective.
Does the laser remove hair by burning the hair shaft?
No. The goal is not to “burn” hair on the surface. The goal is to deliver energy that heats the follicle enough to disrupt regrowth over time, which is why treatment is scheduled as a series.
Why do I need multiple sessions for good reduction?
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is most effective when hairs are in the active growth stage. Because not all follicles are in that stage at once, sessions are spaced out to catch more follicles at the right time.
Is photothermolysis safe for darker skin tones?
It can be, when the right device, settings, and cooling approach are used. Because deeper skin tones contain more epidermal melanin, an experienced provider may use more conservative parameters and consider a test spot to reduce pigment risk.
Why doesn’t laser hair removal work well on grey or very light hair?
Laser hair removal relies on melanin as the target. Grey/white hair has little to no melanin, and very light blonde or red hair may have too little pigment for consistent absorption, so other methods may be recommended.
What should I expect right after treatment?
Most people notice temporary warmth, pinkness, or mild swelling around follicles that settles quickly. Keeping the skin cool, avoiding heat and friction, and using sunscreen helps the area calm down while you protect results between visits.
Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre for Photothermolysis-Based Laser Hair Removal
Great outcomes come from more than a powerful device—they come from correct parameters, good cooling, and a plan that matches your skin and hair. At Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre, laser hair removal is medically supervised and delivered by a trained team that prioritizes skin safety, clear expectations, and consistent protocols. Our clinic is medically supervised by Salem Tomi, M.D., and aesthetic care is led by Kamal Alhallak, Ph.D., MBA, supported by certified laser technicians and medical aestheticians following documented parameters for consistency. Our North Edmonton location (12914 167 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6V 1J6) is convenient if you’re coming from nearby areas such as Castle Downs, The Palisades, Griesbach, or St. Albert.
During your consultation, we’ll review your goals, assess your skin type and hair characteristics, discuss any factors that affect safety (like recent sun exposure), and outline a schedule designed around hair-growth timing. You’ll leave with a clear plan and transparent pricing—so you can commit to results without guesswork.
Request Your Appointment Today
Ready to move from daily maintenance to long-term reduction? Book your free consultation and tell us what areas you want treated, your natural hair colour, and any history of sensitivity or pigmentation. We’ll confirm candidacy, answer your questions about photothermolysis, and provide a clear quote before you start.
Read our privacy policy here
