Laser Hair Removal

What is the Candela GentleLase? Laser has been used for many years for a variety of medical procedures. The GentleLase, which is a revolutionary long-pulse high-energy alexandrile laser system, emits a gentle beam of light passing through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The energy is transformed to heat disabling the follicle without damaging surrounding tissue. A cooling process that sprays cryogen onto the skin, cooling the top layer also protects the skin.

What areas can be treated?

The GentleLase can remove hair from any area of the body. Most popular are the legs, bikini, face and underarms, but all areas can be done including the chest and back. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in 10 to 20 minutes while other areas can take up to one hour. The laser is not completely permanent but is extremely effective in removing unwanted hair for long periods of time.

What does the treatment include?

First you will have a consultation, at that time a brief medical history is obtained and three test spots are done on the area in question. These will be done at different energy settings to see your skins reaction. Any questions can be answered at this time. You will then go home to observe the test areas for any adverse reactions for a couple days, after which if no reaction is noted, the treatment may be done.

Treatments are done every six weeks because the hair grows in cycles. You must avoid any sun exposure, waxing, plucking or electrolysis for 6 weeks before and after your treatment. Shaving is permissible. At your treatment eyewear will be provided and a small handpiece is selected. After the settings have been selected the treatment will begin. Some patients do experience mild discomfort, topical anesthetic may be applied. After the treatment is completed, the area may become pink or red and have mild swelling this can last from a few hours to a couple of days.

Who is the best Candidate?

The best candidate for this procedure is someone with light skin and dark hair because the laser is attracted to dark areas, the lighter your skin the more effective the treatment. Unfortunately if you are tan, or dark skin. You are not a candidate because your skin will absorb all the energy from the laser burn leaving your skin hyper pigmented.

How may treatments will I need?

Because your hair grows in cycles you will most likely need more than 1, maybe several. Everyone is different and it will depend on your skin, hair coloring and coarseness of your hair. The process is only effective on hairs during the growing cycle so repeat sessions will be needed to treat follicles as they enter the growth phase.