Areas Treated:
- Face
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini
- Under Arms
- Chest
- Brazillian
- Neck / Jawline
- Arms
Laser Hair Removal in Calgary & Okotoks
Smooth, long-lasting results with InMode Triton Laser Hair Reduction
Unwanted hair can be frustrating, especially when shaving causes irritation, waxing is painful, or ingrown hairs keep coming back. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to reduce hair growth long-term, helping you feel smoother and more confident with less maintenance.
At Papillon Medical, we offer laser hair removal in Calgary and Okotoks using the advanced InMode Triton platform. This device is a multi-wavelength laser designed to treat many skin tones and hair types safely and comfortably.
Looking for laser hair removal near you? We welcome patients from Calgary, Okotoks, and surrounding communities for customized treatment plans.
On This Page
- What Is Laser Hair Removal?
- Why It’s Called Laser Hair Reduction
- How Laser Hair Removal Works
- Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed (Hair Growth Cycles)
- Our Technology: InMode Triton™
- Fitzpatrick Skin Types & Laser Safety
- When Laser Hair Removal Is Not Recommended
- What to Expect
- Aftercare
- FAQ
- Book Laser Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical aesthetic treatment that uses targeted light energy to reduce hair growth. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, converting to heat and damaging the follicle so it produces less hair over time.
Laser hair removal is commonly used to treat areas such as:
- Underarms
- Bikini / Brazilian
- Legs
- Arms
- Back and chest
- Face (upper lip, chin, jawline)
- Neck
Because it targets the hair follicle, laser hair removal can also improve:
- Razor burn and irritation
- Ingrown hairs
- Folliculitis (inflamed bumps)
- Shadowing (especially underarms or bikini line)
Why It’s Often Called Laser Hair Reduction
Many people call it laser hair removal, but the more accurate term is laser hair reduction.
That’s because laser treatments typically create long-term reduction in the number and thickness of hairs, but they don’t guarantee that every single follicle is permanently eliminated forever.
Most patients experience:
- Less hair overall
- Slower regrowth
- Finer, lighter hairs
- Smoother skin with fewer ingrowns
- Longer periods between shaving or waxing
Some hormonal areas (like the face or chin) may need occasional maintenance treatments, especially for patients with hormonal fluctuations or PCOS.
How Laser Hair Removal Works (In Simple Terms)
Laser hair removal works by delivering a controlled pulse of light that targets the pigment inside the hair. That energy becomes heat and damages the follicle beneath the skin.
Laser works best when:
- Hair is darker (more pigment = better target)
- Hair is coarse (bikini, underarms, legs)
- There is contrast between hair and skin
Laser is less effective on very light hair such as:
- White or grey
- Light blonde
- Red hair (variable)
That’s because the laser needs pigment to “see” the hair follicle.
Why You Need Multiple Sessions (Hair Growth Cycles)
Laser hair removal doesn’t treat all hairs at once because hair grows in cycles.
Hair cycles include:
- Anagen (active growth): best stage for laser
- Catagen (transition): follicle is changing
- Telogen (resting): hair sheds naturally
Only a percentage of your hair is in the anagen phase at any time, which is why treatments are done in a series.
Most patients need:
- 4–8 treatments
- Spaced 4–8 weeks apart
- Plus maintenance treatments as needed
Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your treatment area, skin type, hair density, and hormonal factors.
Our Technology: InMode Triton Laser Hair Removal
Papillon Medical uses the InMode Triton, a modern laser hair removal platform that uses multiple wavelengths to safely and effectively treat a wide variety of hair depths and skin tones.
Why Triton is popular for laser hair reduction:
- Multi-wavelength technology helps target different hair depths
- Options for lighter and deeper follicles
- Built-in cooling for comfort
- Efficient treatment for large areas like legs or back
This flexibility is important because different skin tones and hair types respond best to different settings and wavelengths.
Laser Hair Removal & Fitzpatrick Skin Types (Safety Guide)
Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type (I–VI) helps determine how your skin responds to light. This matters because laser energy can be absorbed by both the hair pigment (desired) and skin pigment (something we manage carefully).
Fitzpatrick I–III (Fair to Medium Skin)
Laser hair removal is generally straightforward and effective, especially when the hair is dark and coarse.
Fitzpatrick IV (Olive / Light Brown Skin)
Laser hair removal can be very effective, but extra care is required, including avoiding tanning and selecting appropriate settings.
Fitzpatrick V–VI (Brown to Deep Skin)
Laser hair removal can still be safe and effective with correct wavelength selection, conservative settings, experienced providers, and strict sun protection.
The key message: Laser hair removal is not “one-size-fits-all.” Your treatment should be customized for your skin type and hair type for best results and safety.
When Laser Hair Removal Is Not Recommended (or Should Be Delayed)
Laser hair removal may not be appropriate if you:
- Have a recent sunburn or active tan
- Use self-tanning products recently
- Have open wounds, active infection, or severe irritation in the area
- Are taking certain photosensitizing medications (we’ll screen carefully)
- Have recently waxed, tweezed, or threaded (the follicle must be present)
- Are trying to treat very light hair where results may be limited
If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you through what’s safe for your skin and help you build the right timeline.
What to Expect With Laser Hair Removal
Before Your Appointment
- Shave 12–24 hours before treatment
- Avoid tanning (sun, beds, spray tan) for at least 2 weeks
- Avoid waxing/tweezing for at least 4 weeks
- Avoid active skincare on the area if advised (retinoids/acids)
- Arrive with clean skin (no deodorant, oils, or lotions on the area)
During Treatment
Most patients describe laser hair removal as a quick warm snap, similar to an elastic band. Discomfort varies depending on the area, and cooling technology helps improve comfort.
After Treatment
Right after laser hair removal, you may notice mild redness, slight swelling around follicles (“goose bump” effect), warmth, or sensitivity. These effects usually resolve within a few hours to 1–2 days.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
For best results and safest healing:
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF on exposed areas
- Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate aggressively immediately after
- Exfoliate gently a few days later to help shedding
- Avoid waxing between sessions (shaving is okay)
Laser + sun exposure can increase the risk of pigmentation changes, so sun protection is essential.
Book Laser Hair Removal in Calgary or Okotoks
If you’re considering laser hair removal in Calgary or Okotoks, our team will assess your Fitzpatrick skin type, hair colour and thickness, treatment area and goals, sun exposure, skincare routine, medical history, and medications.
We’ll build a personalized plan using InMode Triton laser hair reduction technology for safe, comfortable results.
Ready to get started?
Book a Free Consultation
Please provide your contact info and we'll respond to book an appointment
Laser Hair Removal in Calgary & Okotoks
Smooth, long-lasting results with InMode Triton Laser Hair Reduction
Unwanted hair can be frustrating, especially when shaving causes irritation, waxing is painful, or ingrown hairs keep coming back. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to reduce hair growth long-term, helping you feel smoother and more confident with less maintenance.
At Papillon Medical, we offer laser hair removal in Calgary and Okotoks using the advanced InMode Triton platform. This device is a multi-wavelength laser designed to treat many skin tones and hair types safely and comfortably.
Looking for laser hair removal near you? We welcome patients from Calgary, Okotoks, and surrounding communities for customized treatment plans.
On This Page
- What Is Laser Hair Removal?
- Why It’s Called Laser Hair Reduction
- How Laser Hair Removal Works
- Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed (Hair Growth Cycles)
- Our Technology: InMode Triton™
- Fitzpatrick Skin Types & Laser Safety
- When Laser Hair Removal Is Not Recommended
- What to Expect
- Aftercare
- FAQ
- Book Laser Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical aesthetic treatment that uses targeted light energy to reduce hair growth. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, converting to heat and damaging the follicle so it produces less hair over time.
Laser hair removal is commonly used to treat areas such as:
- Underarms
- Bikini / Brazilian
- Legs
- Arms
- Back and chest
- Face (upper lip, chin, jawline)
- Neck
Because it targets the hair follicle, laser hair removal can also improve:
- Razor burn and irritation
- Ingrown hairs
- Folliculitis (inflamed bumps)
- Shadowing (especially underarms or bikini line)
Why It’s Often Called Laser Hair Reduction
Many people call it laser hair removal, but the more accurate term is laser hair reduction.
That’s because laser treatments typically create long-term reduction in the number and thickness of hairs, but they don’t guarantee that every single follicle is permanently eliminated forever.
Most patients experience:
- Less hair overall
- Slower regrowth
- Finer, lighter hairs
- Smoother skin with fewer ingrowns
- Longer periods between shaving or waxing
Some hormonal areas (like the face or chin) may need occasional maintenance treatments, especially for patients with hormonal fluctuations or PCOS.
How Laser Hair Removal Works (In Simple Terms)
Laser hair removal works by delivering a controlled pulse of light that targets the pigment inside the hair. That energy becomes heat and damages the follicle beneath the skin.
Laser works best when:
- Hair is darker (more pigment = better target)
- Hair is coarse (bikini, underarms, legs)
- There is contrast between hair and skin
Laser is less effective on very light hair such as:
- White or grey
- Light blonde
- Red hair (variable)
That’s because the laser needs pigment to “see” the hair follicle.
Why You Need Multiple Sessions (Hair Growth Cycles)
Laser hair removal doesn’t treat all hairs at once because hair grows in cycles.
Hair cycles include:
- Anagen (active growth): best stage for laser
- Catagen (transition): follicle is changing
- Telogen (resting): hair sheds naturally
Only a percentage of your hair is in the anagen phase at any time, which is why treatments are done in a series.
Most patients need:
- 4–8 treatments
- Spaced 4–8 weeks apart
- Plus maintenance treatments as needed
Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your treatment area, skin type, hair density, and hormonal factors.
Our Technology: InMode Triton Laser Hair Removal
Papillon Medical uses the InMode Triton, a modern laser hair removal platform that uses multiple wavelengths to safely and effectively treat a wide variety of hair depths and skin tones.
Why Triton is popular for laser hair reduction:
- Multi-wavelength technology helps target different hair depths
- Options for lighter and deeper follicles
- Built-in cooling for comfort
- Efficient treatment for large areas like legs or back
This flexibility is important because different skin tones and hair types respond best to different settings and wavelengths.
Laser Hair Removal & Fitzpatrick Skin Types (Safety Guide)
Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type (I–VI) helps determine how your skin responds to light. This matters because laser energy can be absorbed by both the hair pigment (desired) and skin pigment (something we manage carefully).
Fitzpatrick I–III (Fair to Medium Skin)
Laser hair removal is generally straightforward and effective, especially when the hair is dark and coarse.
Fitzpatrick IV (Olive / Light Brown Skin)
Laser hair removal can be very effective, but extra care is required, including avoiding tanning and selecting appropriate settings.
Fitzpatrick V–VI (Brown to Deep Skin)
Laser hair removal can still be safe and effective with correct wavelength selection, conservative settings, experienced providers, and strict sun protection.
The key message: Laser hair removal is not “one-size-fits-all.” Your treatment should be customized for your skin type and hair type for best results and safety.
When Laser Hair Removal Is Not Recommended (or Should Be Delayed)
Laser hair removal may not be appropriate if you:
- Have a recent sunburn or active tan
- Use self-tanning products recently
- Have open wounds, active infection, or severe irritation in the area
- Are taking certain photosensitizing medications (we’ll screen carefully)
- Have recently waxed, tweezed, or threaded (the follicle must be present)
- Are trying to treat very light hair where results may be limited
If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you through what’s safe for your skin and help you build the right timeline.
What to Expect With Laser Hair Removal
Before Your Appointment
- Shave 12–24 hours before treatment
- Avoid tanning (sun, beds, spray tan) for at least 2 weeks
- Avoid waxing/tweezing for at least 4 weeks
- Avoid active skincare on the area if advised (retinoids/acids)
- Arrive with clean skin (no deodorant, oils, or lotions on the area)
During Treatment
Most patients describe laser hair removal as a quick warm snap, similar to an elastic band. Discomfort varies depending on the area, and cooling technology helps improve comfort.
After Treatment
Right after laser hair removal, you may notice mild redness, slight swelling around follicles (“goose bump” effect), warmth, or sensitivity. These effects usually resolve within a few hours to 1–2 days.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
For best results and safest healing:
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF on exposed areas
- Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate aggressively immediately after
- Exfoliate gently a few days later to help shedding
- Avoid waxing between sessions (shaving is okay)
Laser + sun exposure can increase the risk of pigmentation changes, so sun protection is essential.
Book Laser Hair Removal in Calgary or Okotoks
If you’re considering laser hair removal in Calgary or Okotoks, our team will assess your Fitzpatrick skin type, hair colour and thickness, treatment area and goals, sun exposure, skincare routine, medical history, and medications.
We’ll build a personalized plan using InMode Triton laser hair reduction technology for safe, comfortable results.
Ready to get started?
Book a Free Consultation
Please provide your contact info and we'll respond to book an appointment