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GentleLASE
Laser System
Hair Removal Laser
What
is the Candela GentleLASE laser and why is it a safe treatment?
Lasers
have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures
including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating
the skin on the face. The GentleLASE System, a revolutionary long-pulse
high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes
through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser
energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving
the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during
treatment by a Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM where cryogen is sprayed onto
the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased
comfort. The GentleLASE selectivity helps to protect the skin, while effectively
treating the unwanted hair.
What conditions are treated with the laser?
Traditional
hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory
creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way
to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis -which can be tedious,
time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE System safely removes
unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures
of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten
minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.
Before
and After


What
does the treatment include?
Depending
on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient.
Generally, the treatment will include:
Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's
eyes from the laser light during the procedure.
A small handpiece will be used that touches the skin to deliver
the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just
before each laser pulse.
A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full
treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending
on the skin reaction.
Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site
because of the dynamic cooling device.
The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on
his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based
on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with
your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment.
The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour,
depending on the area treated.
The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment;
this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the
application of ice or cooling gels.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
Avoid
the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner
allows it.
You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks
prior to treatment.
If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral
therapy may be prescribed.
If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started
4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.
You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you
expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your
expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair
grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin
color, hair color and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at
least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the
early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these
follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Most insurance
companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However,
consult with your insurance carrier for more information.
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