There are a few reasons why someone might not want to try laser hair removal: they heard it was painful, they have dark skin or they don’t think it’s safe.
Well, one reason to make those fears go away comes from The Sciton Forever Bare BBL technology in the hands of Medical Aesthetician, Leah LaVanway.
It’s the latest gadget in the esthetic industry that makes hair removal feel like a hot stone massage. The device uses a motion technique, meaning that instead of putting 100% of the energy into each pulse of light, it heats the tissue at a slower rate making the process more comfortable. It also bypasses the layer of skin where the pigment is to collapse the hair follicle at the root, making it effective on dark skin tones.
Whether a client is naturally tanned, or their skin gradually darkens throughout the summer months, the energy output of the device can be modified to adapt to the pigmentation changes. The darker the skin the more sensitive it is, so the energy level can be adjusted accordingly.
In comparison to cheaper or outdated machinery, Forever Bare BBL (BroadBand Light) can not only customize the laser experience for the client based on their skin colour, but also their tolerance to the sensation in the targeted area of hair removal. This, LaVanway says, is a great function for those intimate areas where the energy and pulses may need to be turned down.
Where the magic happens. (Image: Nicolle Hodges)
“It’s like the Ferrari of laser-hair treatments,” says LaVanway, who owns Essence of L Medi Spa in White Rock. She serves clients from Chilliwack to Vancouver on a variety of skin concerns, and is about to use the Forever Bare BBL to treat my armpits.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pain-free because it really depends on what your perception of pain is, but it is definitely the most comfortable,” she says when asked what the treatment will feel like.
(Personal note: I found it pain-free, the crsytal that touches the skin stays cool and never heats up, and it’s the light energy that heats up the skin but never actually feels like a burn, plus the hot feeling doesn’t linger on the skin once the pulsing light stops).
“The really cool thing about this technology is the built in cooling system, which is a sapphire crystal plate that glides against the skin,” she says. “The fact that I can hold that cool crystal on your skin and cool the tissue – that instant relief feels good.”
With over 10 years in the industry, LaVanway has built an award-winning Medi Spa and prides herself on education, both for herself and her clients. She is continuously seeking out ways to learn by attending classes and seminars that keep her up to date on the latest technologies.
Essence of L Medi Spa. (Image: Natalia Anja photography)
Her in-house studio fosters an environment of calmness. Where many in the aesthetic industry will sacrifice a personal touch for the sake of increasing the volume of clientele, LaVanway believes in allotting enough time for each of her clients to feel comfortable, safe and relaxed.
“Excuse the term, but some clinics serve people like a McDonalds – you have to be in and out of the room in 10 to 30 minutes: prepped, undressed, treated, dressed, paid and gone – and that’s not how I operate,” she says.
Having a home-based business means that clients can roll out of their bed and into her beautiful home without being seen (hello, no makeup), without the smells or sounds of nearby businesses, and enjoy a true customized experience without feeling rushed.
She has now added Registered Massage Therapist, Kate Armstrong, to her team, as well as Holistic Nutritionist, Annaliisa Kapp, one to two days a week. Because of this, she is able to treat a client’s skin on the outside and the inside, with the trained professionals who can help achieve positive results all in one place.
Consultation at Essence of L Medi Spa. (Image: Natalia Anja photography)
Before participating in any form of laser treatment, LaVanway uses what’s called a Fitzpatrick scale to classify the way different skin types will typically react to ultraviolet light.
“Going through that form safely allows me to treat your skin and help make sure you don’t get burned, or get blisters, and ensures that I’m not going to create any adverse reactions,” says LaVanway. “Once I have the starting point then I can change the perimeters based on the target point that we’re treating. The system is so smart that it can compute the energy levels that are going into the skin.”
How does Forever Bare BBL permanently reduce unwanted hair?
Pulsed light delivers photothermal energy that causes the hair follicle to stop producing hair without harming the surrounding tissue.
What areas can be treated?
Any area of the body.
How many treatments are required?
Most areas require six to eight treatments applied four to six weeks apart. LaVanway referred to “putting the hair on vacation.” Long-term results depend on multiple factors that can be discussed during a consultation.
What happens during the procedure?
A clear gel (ultrasound gel) is applied to the skin, the eyes are protected with safety goggles, and then the BBL energy is delivered. Some patients experience a warm or stinging sensation in the treatment area.
How long will it take to recover?
There is virtually no down time. I was able to carry on with my day immediately afterwards with no redness or irritation.
The experience comes down to the care and attention your healthcare provider gives you. In this case, LaVanway was knowledgeable and patient when explaining the information beforehand and remained attentive throughout the laser-treatment process.
Essence of L Medi Spa
Location: 1170 Dolphin St, White Rock
Hours: By appointment
Phone: 604-619-4959
Website: www.essenceofl.com
Facebook: EOLMedispa
Twitter: @EOLMedispa
Promotion: Book for a facial they get a free underarm. (Until beginning of May)
Bloom Into Beautiful
An upcoming evening at Mystique Hair Design filled with the latest hair, skin and nutrition tips and tricks from experts Leah LaVanway, Annaliisa Kapp and Stephanie from Mystique Hair Design. Learn how to prevent common “beauty robbers” that create damage and accelate aging. Every guest receives a swag bag with over $300 worth of proucts and service gift cards.
Location: Mystique Hair Design – 15621 Marine Drive
RSVP: 604-542-3616
Event tickets: $30
More info: www.eventbrite.ca
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