Does hair removal have to be painful?
In the past, the usual remedies for unwanted hair were plucking, shaving, waxing, or chemical depilatories. Some were painful, some were messy, and all were only temporary. Now there is a more effective solution – the new Candela GentleMAX Laser. This state-of-the-art system is specifically designed to remove unwanted hair faster with less discomfort and more reliability than all other methods.Our laser combines the capabilities of two Best-in-Class lasers: the GentleLASE Alexandrite Laser and the GentleYAG Nd:YAG Laser. These lasers are for aesthetic medicines’ most commonly requested procedures, including permanent hair reduction, leg and facial vein removal, vascular and pigmented lesion removal and skin tightening.
Laser Hair Removal is now the fastest growing procedure in cosmetic dermatology. But what exactly is Laser Hair Removal?
Selectively targeting hair follicles with lasers has revolutionized the ability to permanently eliminate unwanted hair. Lasers create a beam of highly concentrated light energy that penetrates deep into the skin where it delivers a controlled amount of therapeutic heat. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to destroy numerous follicles at a time, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Long-term hair removal depends on hair color, skin color, and the strength of the laser treatment. Approximately 15-30% long-term hair loss may be observed with each treatment.
As laser hair removal technology advances, we now can treat individuals of all skin types and all hair colors. Proper patient selection, pretreatment preparation, understanding of the principles of laser safety, and laser selection are necessary for successful laser treatment.
State-Of-The-Art GentleMax Pro Laser Hair Removal
We use the new GentleMax Pro laser by Candela with state-of-the-art technology that is effective where other treatments are not. The GentleMax Pro delivers a range of treatments for all skin type hair removal, as well as pigmented and vascular lesions. It is a dual wavelength laser platform that combines the fastest and most powerful 755 nm Alexandrite laser with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Due to its multiple wavelength design our laser provides optimal results, maximum safety and more comfortable treatment for all skin types.
Our Candela laser also uses a Dynamic Skin Cooling Device where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin a fraction of a second before each laser pulse. This cools the upper layers of the skin and provides increased comfort.
In addition to its superior performance for hair removal, the Candela GentleMax Pro laser also excels at:
- Treating small capillaries and spider veins on the face and legs.
- Reversing sun damage.
- Removing dark patches and freckles on the skin.
- Reducing fine wrinkle lines.
- Shrinking large pores while improving the appearance and texture of the skin.
Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Do not wax or tweeze your hair prior to treatment because this will remove the target pigmentation in the hair follicle and will render laser hair removal ineffective for at least 2 weeks. However, shaving or depilatory creams can be used up until the day of the laser treatment. This is because these methods of hair removal do not remove the entire hair shaft.
Do not use retinoid creams (tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene) in the treatment area for at least several days before treatment.
If a tan is present the treatment should be delayed until the tan has faded.
If you are using any medications known to make you sensitive to sunlight or over-the-counter supplements known to cause photosensitivity, you should delay laser hair removal treatment until these medications can safely be discontinued.
Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Do not wax or tweeze your hair prior to treatment because this will remove the target pigmentation in the hair follicle and will render laser hair removal ineffective for at least 2 weeks. However, shaving or depilatory creams can be used up until the day of the laser treatment. This is because these methods of hair removal do not remove the entire hair shaft.
Do not use retinoid creams (tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene) in the treatment area for at least several days before treatment.
If a tan is present the treatment should be delayed until the tan has faded.
If you are using any medications known to make you sensitive to sunlight or over-the-counter supplements known to cause photosensitivity, you should delay laser hair removal treatment until these medications can safely be discontinued.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Sessions
In general, two or more treatments are required at each site. The laser is only effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat those follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. Optimal long-term benefits depend on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density, and your hair’s growth cycle. Darker hair responds best to the laser, while lighter hair is less responsive. Removing hair does not make it grow back thicker, darker, or quicker. The opposite is usually the case.
After Laser Hair Removal Treatment
With each laser hair removal treatment, generally about 15% of hairs are permanently removed. Laser hair removal treatments with longer pulse durations such as with our alexandrite laser may leave behind many hairs which appear to “grow” following treatment. These “growing” hairs are dislodged from the hair follicle and require 1-2 weeks to be completely shed. Any method of epilation can be used to hasten their removal.
Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. Apply sunblock (SPF 30 or above) and use sun protective clothing when going outdoors. In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers.
