Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Treatments in Calgary

The best laser hair removal clinic uses medical-grade laser technology (not IPL), has experienced technicians with 10+ years in the industry, maintains transparent pricing, and has consistently positive reviews. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics, we use the Quanta Evo system from Italy—one of the most advanced laser platforms available—featuring both Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) lasers for safe, effective treatment on all skin types. We’re owner-operated with over 10 years of experience and 89+ five-star Google reviews.

Most clients need 6-12 laser hair removal sessions for permanent results. The exact number depends on your hair density, hair color, skin tone, and the treatment area. Hormonal areas like the face and bikini may require more sessions. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics, we guarantee each treatment will work—if any hair is unaffected, we’ll touch it up free within 2-4 weeks.

Yes, laser hair removal can work on blonde and red hair in some cases, when using the right technology. Most clinics use IPL or basic lasers that only work on dark hair. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics in Calgary, we use the Quanta Evo Alexandrite laser (755nm), which is specifically designed to target lighter pigment. We offer free test spots for blonde or red hair to confirm effectiveness before you commit.

Yes, laser hair removal is worth it for most people. The average person spends $10,000-$23,000 on waxing over their lifetime, and countless hours shaving. Laser hair removal provides 80-95% permanent hair reduction in 6-12 sessions, typically costing $1,500-$4,000 total depending on treatment areas. After completing your sessions, most clients never need to shave or wax again—making it a smart long-term investment.

Laser hair removal is permanent. When performed with medical-grade equipment like our Quanta Evo system, 80-95% of treated hair follicles are permanently disabled. Some clients may need occasional touch-ups years later for a few random hairs, but the vast majority of results are permanent. The same cannot be said for cheaper lasers, at-home devices or IPL, which only damage follicles instead of destroying them permanently.

Yes, laser hair removal is safe for dark skin when using the correct laser. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics, we use the Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). This wavelength penetrates deeper and bypasses melanin in the skin’s surface, making it safe and effective for all skin types. We always perform test spots on darker skin tones before full treatment.

IPL photofacial treatments typically range from $160-$400+ per session, depending on the treatment area. Full face is $270 at Elysian Laser. Most clients see significant improvement with even one session, though some clients with severe Rosacea or significant pigmentation may need 2-3 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

IPL effectively treats sun spots/age spots, freckles, sun damage, redness and rosacea, small broken blood vessels, uneven skin tone, mild acne and acne scarring, and overall skin tone improvement. It’s excellent for facial rejuvenation and creating more even glowing, youthful-looking skin.

You’ll notice darkening of any pigmented spots immediately after treatment—this is a good sign the treatment is working. These spots will fade away over 7-10 days, revealing more even skin. Redness will slowly fade over the 1-2 weeks after treatment. Optimal results appear 2-3 weeks after treatment as your skin continues to heal and regenerate.

Most clients describe IPL as a warm snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band. It is mildly uncomfortable, but generally well-tolerated and does not require numbing cream. Sensitivity varies by area—bony areas like the nose may be more sensitive than cheeks or jawline. The treatment is quick (15-30 minutes) and discomfort is overall minimal. There is no pain and usually no swelling after the treatment.

IPL has minimal downtime. You may have mild redness or blotchy skin (that looks like a light sunburn, without pain) for a few hours up to 2 days. Treated pigmented spots will darken and gradually fade over 7-10 days. Most clients return to normal activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding sun exposure and wearing mineral SPF during healing. Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours after treatment, as it can dilate blood vessels and increase inflammation in the treated area, which will cause heat, redness and delayed healing.

CO2 laser treatment in Calgary typically costs $600-$1,800 depending on the type and treatment area. CoolPeel CO2 (lighter treatment) is $600 for full face. Traditional deep CO2 resurfacing is $1,200 for full face. Many clients achieve their goals with a single treatment. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics, we use advanced DEKA CO2 technology for superior results and safety.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a skin treatment that uses carbon dioxide laser energy to remove damaged outer skin layers and stimulate deep collagen production. It’s the gold standard for treating wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and skin laxity. Results are dramatic and long-lasting—often 5+ years with proper skincare and sun protection.

CoolPeel: 1-4 days of mild redness and light flaking, similar to a sunburn. There is no pain beyond 1-2 hours post treatment. Most return to normal activities within 1-2 days with makeup and mineral sunscreen.

Deep CO2: 5-10 days of more significant redness and some swelling on Days 1-2. Initial healing takes 5-10 days; pinkness may persist 1-3 weeks (depending on the intensity of the treatment) but can be covered with mineral makeup. We provide very detailed aftercare instructions and products to optimize healing.

Good candidates have realistic expectations, are in good health, live decently healthy lifestyles, have specific concerns (wrinkles, large pores, sun damage, scars), can commit to proper aftercare including sun avoidance. They aren’t currently taking Accutane, blood thinners, biologics or similar medications. A consultation will determine if (or which type of) CO2 laser is right for your skin type and goals.

CO2 laser results last for years. The treatment remodels your skin structure and stimulates new collagen production that continues improving your skin for 6-9 months after treatment. New research shows new collagen may continue building for up to 18 months! Many clients enjoy results for years with proper skincare and mineral sun protection. Your skin continues aging naturally, but treated skin remains significantly improved compared to untreated skin.

Our Nd:YAG laser penetrates deep into skin to target inflammation, reduce oil production by increasing blood flow to the skin, shrinking sebaceous glands, killing acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes), and reducing redness and swelling. IPL therapy complements this by targeting surface redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and promoting overall healing. C02 laser can help to remodel and smooth acne scars.

Laser treatment significantly reduces acne by addressing underlying causes (bacteria, oil production, inflammation), but acne is a complex inflammatory condition influenced by hormones, genetics, diet and lifestyle. Most clients experience temporary improvement with laser, though maintenance treatments may be needed if hormonal factors persist. We recommend a comprehensive approach including laser, proper skincare, and consulting with a dietician or naturopath to discuss healthy eating habits and possible supplements to help with the internal inflammation that causes the acne flare ups.

Milia are small, white, hard bumps that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, creating tiny keratin-filled cysts. They commonly appear around eyes, nose, and cheeks. Causes include heavy skincare products, sun damage, skin trauma, or sometimes no identifiable cause. Unlike acne, they won’t resolve on their own and usually cannot be removed by picking or using needles to extract them at home.

We use tiny, heated needles (called cautery) to create a tiny opening in the skin, allowing the keratin buildup to be safely extracted. The procedure is quick (usually 15-30 minutes depending on the number of lesions to be treated) and is minimally uncomfortable. Numbing cream can be used for an extra charge, although most clients find they don’t require it. Unlike DIY attempts, professional removal prevents scarring and typically ensures complete removal.

Most clients report minimal discomfort. The sensation is brief and tolerable—often described as a quick, hot poke. For sensitive areas or larger clusters, we can use numbing cream if requested. There is no pain after the treatment. The relief of finally being rid of stubborn bumps usually outweighs the momentary discomfort.

The best treatment for sun damage depends on your skin tone and severity.

For light skin with mild sun damage: IPL photofacial (1-2 sessions).

For light skin with moderate damage: CoolPeel CO2 and/or IPL series.

For light skin with severe damage: traditional CO2 resurfacing. For medium or dark skin tones: CoolPeel combined with lightening skincare products (hydroquinone, vitamin C, retinol).

At Elysian Laser Aesthetics, we’ll assess your skin and recommend the safest, most effective option during your free consultation. Here are some examples:
– **Light skin + mild sun damage:** IPL photofacial (1-2 sessions)
– **Light skin + moderate sun damage:** CoolPeel CO2 and/or IPL series of 1-3 sessions with laser treatment of any deep, stubborn pigment spots.
– **Light skin + severe damage:** 2-3 Sessions of IPL and laser for deeper pigment or Medium to Deep CO2 resurfacing.

IPL and laser can also be combined with C02 to ensure complete removal of any stubborn or annoying spots.
 CoolPeel combined with lightening skin care products like Skinceuticals Phloretin or Discoloration serums, retinol, Hydroquinone, etc
We’ll assess your skin and recommend the most effective, safest option during your consultation.

IPL: Spots darken immediately, flake off in 7-10 days, with continued improvement over 2-3 weeks. Optimal results are seen after 2 weeks. 2-3 sessions may be needed for more extensive dun damage.
Alexandrite Laser: Similar timeline, lesions may be more red for a few days than IPL, but often more dramatic results per session. More effective for deeper sun damage.
CO2: Immediate improvement for sun damage (approx. 7 days). Progressive improvement for skin tightening over 6-9 months as new collagen forms and skin regenerates.

Melasma is challenging because it’s hormonally driven and can be stubborn. It is also worsened by heat and UV exposure. We can help to lighten melasma, but results vary and require realistic expectations. As lasers can worsen melasma, we recommend Medical-grade skincare (hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C) and asking your health care provider about supplements like Zinc and Glutathione. SPF Sun protection (preferably mineral) is absolutely critical for melasma management.

Broken capillaries result from sun damage, rosacea, genetics, aging, trauma, alcohol consumption, temperature extremes, or hormonal changes. Once damaged, they don’t repair themselves and remain visible at the surface of the skin. Professional treatment is the only way to effectively eliminate them.

We use ND:Yag laser or electrocautery therapy to target hemoglobin in blood vessels. The light or heated needle energy heats and collapses dilated capillaries, which are then absorbed by your body. This reduces overall redness, visible blood vessels, and flushing. Most clients see significant improvement after even one session, with maintenance treatments as needed.

When performed by trained professionals using medical-grade equipment, laser treatments are very safe. Our 10+ years of experience, quality equipment, proper setting selection for each skin type, and thorough consultations ensure your safety. We conduct test spots when appropriate and never recommend treatments that aren’t safe or suitable for your skin.

Yes! For laser hair removal on blonde/red hair or darker skin tones, we offer complimentary test spots to ensure safe, effective treatment before committing to full sessions. Test spots are also available for other concerns and treatments if you’re uncertain about how your skin will respond, or want to see how the treatment will feel.

Alaina has over 10 years of specialized experience in laser aesthetics as well as certifications for laser and medical aesthetics. She continually updates her knowledge with ongoing education, manufacturer training, and industry developments. Her priority is providing honest, safe, effective treatments customized to each client’s unique needs—never using aggressive sales tactics just to sell more treatments.

Yes, we require a deposit to secure your appointment for longer treatments like full body laser hair removal or Deep C02 treatments. Deposits are applied toward your treatment cost. This ensures committed bookings and respects everyone’s time. Deposit policies and cancellation terms are clearly explained when booking. Clients who cancel their appointments last minute or no-show their appointments may be asked to pay a deposit to secure future appointments.

We require 24-72 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling, depending on the length of the booking. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit deposits. We understand emergencies happen—please communicate with us as soon as possible and we’ll work with you when we can.