What is the Candela GentleLASE and why is it a safe treatment?
Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical procedures, including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines of the face. The GentleLASE, a revolutionary long-pulse, high-energy Alexandrite laser system, 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 can disable the follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. The skin is further protected during treatment by a dynamic cooling process where a cryogen is sprayed onto the skin, cooling the upper layers and resulting in increased patient comfort. This selectively helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

Why should I have the GentleLASE treatment?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and chemical depilatories provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only semi-permanent way to remove hair has been by electrolysis, which can be painful, time consuming and limited to small cosmetic areas.

One pulse with the GentleLASE treats all actively growing hairs within a 15 millimeter area, where the laser energy comes in contact with the skin. It is, therefore, much faster than electrolysis. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than 10 minutes; legs and larger areas will take longer.

What conditions are treated with the GentleLASE?
This is a procedure to remove unwanted hair. The best results have been achieved on darker hair, but other factors may influence the treatment process and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person. The GentleLASE process offers safe and effective treatment.

What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally the treatment will include:

• Safety eyewear to protect your eyes during the procedure from the intense laser light.
• A small handpiece will be used with a probe that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray or coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse.

• Avoid sun exposure 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Please refrain from wearing makeup when you come for your treatment.

Do I need to inform the doctor of anything?

• Yes. Those patients that have a history of frequent cold sores or fever blisters should tell the doctor so appropriate medication can be prescribed.
• Stop plucking or waxing hair 6-8 weeks BEFORE laser treatment. Laser hair removal works best if a fully developed growing hair is present at the time of treatment. Shaving one day prior to treatment is necessary.
• Inform your doctor if you are or may be pregnant.

• Will my skin be irritated?
• Immediately after treatment there may be redness and swelling at the treatment site which may last two hours or longer. The redness may last 2-3 days. The treated area will feel "sunburned" for a few hours after treatment.
• When can I wear makeup?
• Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment. unless there is blistering. If there is blistering, keep the area clean and coated with Vaseline or antibiotic ointment until it heals, then makeup may be worn.
• When will the hair "fall out"?
• About 5-7 days after the treatment, shedding of the target hairs may occur. Shedding of the hair may look like hair regrowth. Shedding is NOT return of the hair but rather extrusion of the treated hair. You can usually remove the shedding hairs by washing or gently wiping the area with alcohol.

What other information is important for me to know?

• Laser hair removal should not be performed on sunburned or suntanned skin or on those patients currently taking Accutane or who have taken Accutane within the past six months.
• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation or darker pigment. Use sunscreen at all times through the course of treatment.
• Also avoid picking or scratching the treated skin since this may cause the area to become irritated and may even lead to infection.
• Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs or using a loofah for 2-7 days after treatment.
• Do not wax for at least 3-4 days after treatment.
• Avoid topical acne preparations, glycolics, retinoids, acetic acid products or bleaching creams 2-7 days after treatment.
• Call for your next appointment when you notice significant regrowth of hair in the treated area(s).

For more information and pricing please call our office at (208) 327-9521.