Laser Hair Removal

What is GentleLase Laser treatment, and how does it work?

Numerous methods exist to remove unwanted hair, including shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, and electrolysis. Unfortunately, all these treatments provide temporary results. Even electrolysis has failed to produce permanent hair removal in most cases. The Candela GentleLase laser is a device that produces an intense but gentle burst of light that selectively fragments and removes dark hair with minimal harm to the surrounding skin. The laser energy interacts with pigment (melanin) in the hair root.

Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective treatment in properly trained hands. While it may not be possible to completely remove every hair, significant permanent hair reduction is achievable with a series of treatments. The results of treatment will depend on your skin and hair color, the body site being treated and your ability to tolerate higher energy treatments. The GentleLase only works with dark hair. Blond, gray and red hair have little or no pigment in them, so the laser is not able to treat those types of hair.

What should I know prior to treatment?

A tan decreases the effectiveness of the treatment and increases the risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hypopigmentation (lightening of surrounding skin), or skin blistering. For this reason, it is best to avoid sun exposure or tanning beds while being treated. You should not use any form of waxing, plucking or electrolysis prior to the treatment with the GentleLase. The hair root must be present for the laser to work, so if it has been removed with waxing, plucking, or electrolysis, then there is no “target” for the laser energy to hit. Some medications can make you more sensitive to the effects of the laser, so you should give your provider a complete list of your medications prior to the procedure.

There may be some stinging, burning, or discomfort experienced while the laser is in use. The degree of discomfort varies from individual to individual. With each subsequent treatment, the discomfort usually lessens. Many patients who have waxed or had electrolysis report that it is less painful than those types of treatments. Anesthetic creams can be provided. This will be discussed during the consultation.

What are the potential risks of the treatment?

While the treatment is safe, there are potential risks to the procedure including incomplete removal of hair, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). We will discuss all the risks of treatment with you prior to treatment.

Does the correction last forever, and if not, how often will I require treatment?

More than one laser treatment should be expected, and several treatment sessions may be required to obtain the degree of hair reduction that you desire. We will discuss the number of anticipated treatments and the degree of permanent hair reduction prior to your first treatment. Treatments are usually delivered every 6 weeks.