How does Candela GentleLASE Plus® hair removal work?
The Candela GentleLASE Plus laser is a non-invasive light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate unwanted hair from all parts of the body. The Candela GentleLASE Plus generates a pulse of intense, concentrated light which is directed through a small handpiece when it is applied to the treatment site.
This laser energy passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and hair follicle, causing selective damage to the hair root without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on", for only a fraction of a second. The duration of the pulses is carefully calibrated so that laser energy will be absorbed by the hair follicle without transferring excessive heat to the surrounding skin.
Some of the hair which was in the treated follicles is ejected during treatment, and the rest is shed over the next 2-3 weeks. The surface of the skin is protected by the Dynamic Cooling Device. This device sprays a short burst of cryogen to the skin to cool and protect the epidermis. The spray is computer calibrated to work with your skin type. This protects the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.
Unlike "hair-by-hair" treatments with electrolysis, the laser uses a wide beam which treats many hairs at once. Because the Candela GentleLASE Plus can treat dozens of hairs with each pulse, it is possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. The Candela GentleLASE Plus can be used just about anywhere on the body Even sensitive areas such as the nipples, upper lip and bikini line can be treated easily.
Candela GentleLASE Plus treatment is a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for hair removal. In just a few treatment sessions using the gentle power of laser, you can greatly improve the appearance of skin which is disfigured by unwanted hair.
What areas of the body can be treated?
ALL parts of the body can be treated with the Candela GentleLASE Plus. In women, the most common areas for treatment are upper lip, chin, bikini line, arms and legs, and underarms. In men, the most common areas for treatment are shoulders and back, and the beard area. Due to the proximity of the laser light the eyebrows cannot be shaped, however the midbrow may be treated.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal compared to alternative treatments?
The primary benefits of laser hair removal include:
Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams remove the hair but leave the hair follicles intact, so the hair regrows within one to four weeks in most cases. Candela GentleLASE Plus laser hair removal offers you a long-term reduction in both the amount of hair, and also in many cases a reduction in thickness and color of hair shafts which do grow back.
Hair removal methods like tweezing, waxing or sugaring which cause irritation may actually stimulate hair growth. This happens because one way the body defends itself against having hair yanked out is to produce thicker, stronger hairs which are harder to pull out next time.
Candela GentleLASE Plus hair removal offers long lasting results, and even if hair does eventually grow back it is usually finer in texture and lighter in color than the original hair, and much less of a cosmetic problem.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although it may infrequently last a few days. . Rarely (perhaps 2-4 cases out of a hundred) there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally resolves after a few months. Even a single blister (rather like a tiny sunburn) is very rare (less than one in a hundred). The light from the Candela GentleLASE does not cause skin cancer.
Unlike plucking, waxing and sugaring, laser hair removal does not run the risk of making hair grow back thicker, darker or quicker. After laser treatment hair growth will frequently be delayed, AND when hair does grow back, it is often lighter, finer and less dense.
Is laser hair removal "permanent"?
"Permanent hair removal" means: "ALL the hair is gone, FOREVER!"
There is NO hair removal method (including laser) which can guarantee "permanent hair removal". The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment is: "long-term hair REDUCTION". This means: "After four to six treatments the total amount of hair is greatly reduced - generally by 80% to 90% - and hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in color." Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as long as they know that this is what to expect before they have laser hair removal treatment.
Should I expect to be "hair free" in the treated area after the series of treatments?
No, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area, and a reduction in the thickness and color of the remaining hair, but should not expect to be "hair free".
How much hair will grow back, and how fast will it grow back?
Lasers work by destroying hair roots which are active at the time of treatment, and which have enough pigment to absorb sufficient laser energy. The hair shafts in the treated hair follicles will fall out, or be "shed" 1-3 weeks after treatment.
After the first treatment, hair regrowth may resume within a few weeks or it may be anywhere from 2-4 months before any true hair growth is observed, as previously dormant hair follicles become active, and hair follicles which were stunned but not killed recover and start to produce hair shafts again. Some people find that there is not much extra hair reduction after the second treatment, then they notice a substantial further reduction after the third or more commonly the fourth treatment. After four to six treatments there may be little or no regrowth for many years. In other cases you may wish to have additional treatment after a period of time. Hairs that regrow after laser treatment generally are finer and lighter in color, and so are much less of a cosmetic problem.
Why are at least 3-6 treatment sessions usually needed?
All lasers work by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Hair follicles in their "dormant" phase have no hair shaft in them and so will not be affected by the laser. Because hair follicles cycle through "active" and "dormant" phases, additional sessions are usually desired once the "dormant" follicles become "active", and also to deal with hair follicles which were stunned but not killed by previous treatment.
The other group of hair follicles which could produce dark terminal hair in the future are the fine vellus "peach fuzz" follicles which have no pigment and so are not affected by laser treatment. If some of these fine little "peach fuzz" follicles mature into terminal hair follicles, they can be treated with laser at that time.
The number of treatments depends on:
the desired degree of hair reduction (as the amount of hair declines, some people become very enthusiastic and want even LESS hair than they had originally planned on).
hair color (people with naturally light colored hair need more treatments)
hormonal status
area being treated
hair density
age
weight (obesity can increase hair growth)
medication (for example medicines like Dilantin and cyclosporine can increase hair growth)
Additional "touchup" treatments on small troublesome areas are treated at reduced rates There is no safety limit on the number of treatments a person can have.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
The unique design of the Candela GentleLASE Plus allows treatment of people with most skin colors, and treatment of even light brown hair. Because hair which is naturally blonde, light red or white does not have enough pigment in the roots, it cannot be reliably treated with any type of laser. Fewer treatments are needed when the hair is dark and the skin is light colored - so to get maximum effect from each session avoid tanning.
Many people at some time before laser hair removal have fears and doubts. A common concern is that they are being vain. Most patients who have laser hair removal are no more vain than anyone else. What does distinguish them is a desire to get the most out of life. Looking after our appearance is not a fault. After all would you leave your house with broken gutters or peeling paint? Why do less for your body? You should feel proud of yourself for having the courage to want to change something that you find unacceptable. Normal, reasonable people who have realistic expectations tend to be excellent candidates for laser hair removal treatments.
Which hair colors respond best to treatment?
Because lasers target the PIGMENT in hair roots, lasers work best on black or brown hair. Light brown or auburn hair may require more treatment sessions. White hair does not respond to treatment - so get your hair removed before you get old and your hair turns white!
Questions to ask yourself when considering laser hair reduction:
How much are you bothered by your facial hair? Hair on other areas?
How much are you bothered by the time you spend removing, treating, or concealing your facial hair? Hair on other areas?
How uncomfortable does your facial or other unwanted hair make you feel in exchanges of affection (such as intimate exchanges with your partner)?
How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you meet new people?
How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you go to social gatherings, dine out in a public restaurant, go to a supermarket or other public place?
How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you go to work or class?
How can I get the best value from each treatment?
To get the best results with the smallest number of treatment sessions, please pay attention to the following guidelines as you work with us:
A. Avoid waxing / sugaring / plucking / EpiLady and electrolysis
Because the laser beam seeks out and destroys ACTIVELY GROWING hair roots, it is important (if you want to get the best value from your treatment) NOT to wax / pluck / sugar / use EpiLady-type pluckers or have electrolysis for at least FOUR WEEKS before laser treatment. These things temporarily remove the pigmented part of the hair follicle which the laser needs to use as a target when it destroys the hair follicle.
B. Tanning should be avoided!
The Candela GentleLASE Plus is safe and effective laser for most types of skin, but the lighter your skin color at the time of treatment, the better the laser beam can get through the skin to the hair roots, where it is needed.
If you avoid tanning and stop using artificial "tanning" creams for six weeks before treatment, you will get the maximum possible benefit from each treatment session. It is also a good idea to minimize tanning for a few weeks after laser treatment, to reduce the chance that your tan will be somewhat uneven. Protect yourself by using a sunscreen on all treated areas before, during and after treatments.
C. Shaving or clipping the hair? Good idea!
Shaving or clipping the area to be treated is not a problem. In fact, we like the areas to be shaved the day of treatment or the day before. Some people find that the skin is less sensitive if it is shaved at least a few hours before treatment. Another advantage of shaving the area to be treated BEFORE you come in is that YOU can shape the area to be treated exactly the way YOU want it to be. This is of particular importance in areas like the sideburns, temples, and bikini line.
Excess hair must be removed from the treatment area before treatment, because hair ABOVE the surface of the skin will simply absorb and waste laser energy and keep it from getting to the hair roots, where it is needed. If you do not wish to shave the area, our technician will do it for you.
Contrary to popular belief, shaving DOES NOT make hair grow back thicker, faster, darker or more profusely! So go ahead and shave before treatment, and between treatments!
What is a "test area", and why is it performed?
"Test areas" are small areas of skin that are treated at various laser energy levels prior to treatment. "Test areas" are to determine the level of energy that is best for that individual,. On darker skin types, these tests are reviewed one week later to make sure there was no burning or pigment change. Light skin types generally don't have to have wait because test results are fairly rapid. This may be done at the same time as your consultation.
Does the treatment hurt?
The laser emits only light. You may feel a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding and no open wound is created. Some people find the FIRST laser treatment more uncomfortable than subsequent treatments. This is because there are more hair roots which are destroyed during the first treatment; and perhaps also because some people are more apprehensive during the first treatment, because they are not sure of what to expect.
While some areas of the body like the upper lip and pubic hair area are more sensitive than others, many patients report little or no discomfort. The technician is trained to make your procedure as tolerable as possible. The removal is so quick and easy most patients are amazed after their first treatment!
The Candela GentleLASE Plus features the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). This device sprays a short burst of cryogen to the skin a split second prior to pulsing. This coolant protects the skin and makes the treatment more comfortable for you. The cooling spray can be adjusted to suit your skin type and hair type and is computer calibrated for carefully controlled delivery. Some people find it helpful to take two or three plain Tylenol and/or Advil a couple of hours before coming in for treatment.
What will happen after treatment?
Generalized redness and edema are quite common after treatment. These symptoms usually subside within an hour or so. Some patients report redness lasting for up to 48 hours which is still within acceptable norms. In most cases, redness has faded greatly by the time you get home. Immediately after your treatment an ice pack and aloe gel will be applied in the procedure room and this may be continued at home if the need arises. Treat the area as if you had a sun burn for the first 24 hours, do not scrub the area.
Why does the hair sometimes look like it's "growing" for 1-3 weeks after laser treatment?
Lasers destroy hair roots which are active at the time of treatment, but do not remove hair shafts instantly. Hair shafts in the treated hair follicles will fall out, or be "shed" mostly in the first week after treatment, with all of the treated hairs falling out within 2-3 weeks. You may continue to shave between treatments or use a loofa sponge to loosen hairs. Do not pluck the hair.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Since the laser does not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary. You can return to work the same day and resume all your regular activities. Please do not tan the skin or use tanning creams between treatments. Tanning between treatments can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin coloration. It is OK to resume shaving or clipping hair in the treated area after 3-4 days. Do not tweeze, wax or sugar the hair between treatments.
Shaving really is the BEST temporary way to remove unwanted hair before and between laser treatments. Shaving leaves the hair SHAFT in the hair follicle, so the hair shaft can be a target for laser energy, heat up and KILL the hair follicle.
You can shave as often as you want. It has been shown in scientific studies that: