Cosmetic laser specialist
Carolyn Smyth, R.N.
Carolyn specializes in laser hair removal, photorejuvenation, skin resurfacing and photodynamic therapy.
- 20+ years nursing experience
- Certified laser specialist
- Medical laser educator
Laser Hair Removal
Permanent hair reduction handled by trained staff at our Burlington clinic.
- Consultation
- Complimentary
About this treatment
A longer-term way to manage unwanted hair.
Laser hair removal uses controlled light energy to heat pigment in the hair follicle and disrupt the cells that support new growth. At Laser Aesthetics, the treatment is performed with the Candela GentleMax Pro and settings are customized to your skin tone, hair colour, treatment area and goals.
The light is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle and converted to heat. That heat loosens the hair and disables cells involved in new growth while the surrounding skin is protected.
Hair grows in cycles, so treatment is planned as a series rather than a single visit. Your skin tone, hair colour, treatment area, recent sun exposure and response between appointments all help determine the safest settings and schedule.
Why skin, hair and timing matter.
The Candela GentleMax Pro combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser wavelengths so the provider can choose technology and settings for different skin tones and treatment areas. Its cooling system protects the surface of the skin immediately before each pulse.
A Registered Nurse reviews your hair pigment, skin tone, recent tanning, medications and the area you want treated before selecting settings. The plan is adjusted as the hair becomes finer and your skin response becomes clear.
Plan around your skin, hair and routine.
Laser hair removal planning depends on the colour and coarseness of the hair, the treatment area and your skin. Bring up recent tanning, skin reactions and any medicines you take. These details help determine whether treatment can go ahead and what preparation is appropriate.
Tell us which part of shaving or hair removal you want to change: frequent upkeep, difficult-to-reach areas or irritation. Ask how appointments fit around your routine, what improvement is realistic for your hair and whether maintenance may be needed. A treatment course should be planned for you, rather than copied from someone else.
Common questions
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and converted to heat that affects the follicle. Hair colour, thickness and skin tone influence how useful that approach may be; very light hair can respond poorly. Tell us whether your main goal is less shaving, fewer ingrown hairs or reduced density so the consultation can address the result that would actually matter to you.
Which areas can be treated?
We assess suitable facial and body areas, with the eyebrows excluded because of their proximity to the eyes. The area you want treated should be agreed before booking a series. Explain any skin irritation, tattoos or recent procedures in that area, and ask how the proposed boundaries affect appointment time, cost and the hair you may still need to manage between visits.
How should I prepare?
Follow the clinic's instructions about shaving and arriving with clean skin, and ask how to time waxing or plucking before a session. Disclose medications, recent tanning, self-tanner and any change in your skin. If preparation is unclear, call before your visit; do not change a prescription or assume that advice for a different clinic's equipment applies to your appointment.
What should I expect afterward?
Temporary redness and warmth can occur, and treated skin needs appropriate sun protection and gentle care. Burns and pigment changes are possible risks, which is one reason skin assessment matters. Ask what you should expect for your treatment area, when to resume heat or exercise and which changes require contact with the clinic, especially if discomfort increases rather than settles.
Why is laser hair removal planned as a series?
Hairs are at different stages of growth, so a single appointment does not treat them all equally. A series allows treatment of additional growing hairs over time, with spacing guided by the area and response. Ask how progress will be assessed and whether maintenance may be needed; no fixed package can guarantee that every hair will be permanently removed.
Why does recent sun exposure matter?
A recent tan changes pigment in the skin and can increase the chance of an unwanted reaction to laser energy. Tell us about sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanner before treatment, even if your skin does not feel burned. Include upcoming holidays in the conversation so you can plan visits and sun protection realistically rather than fitting treatment around a last-minute change.
Who performs it
Recommendations are informational. A clinical consultation is required to confirm suitability, risks and expected results.
Laser treatments
Explore by Treatment Type.
Photorejuvenation (IPL)
Light-based skin rejuvenation to improve tone and texture.
See details ↗
Pixel Laser Resurfacing
A fractional skin treatment for texture and tone improvement.
See details ↗
BOTOX COSMETIC®
Soften facial expression lines with a treatment plan guided by your consultation.
See details ↗What patients say
“I first saw Susan for Botox back in 2005 and have trusted her ever since. She has an excellent eye for detail and always keeps the results natural and symmetrical.”
“I've been a client of Sue at Laser Aesthetics for over seven years, and her care continues to impress me. She listens attentively to my concerns and addresses them with exceptional knowledge, skill, and expertise.”
“I have been receiving Botox injections for a number of years. The effective procedures have lasted 3-5 months. The team has always been kind, gentle and professional.”
“The entire team at Laser Aesthetics are not only consummate professionals but I feel like I'm talking to old friends from the moment I call to book an appointment.”
“I never feel rushed and Sue always takes the time to answer any questions or concerns I have. I have always been pleased with my results and wouldn't go anywhere else.”
Complimentary. Confidential. No pressure.
