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How does the Candela GentleLASE laser system remove hair?
This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. Once the hair follicle is thermally destroyed it will no longer produce hairs. Unlike electrolysis, which disables one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.
Is it safe?
Yes! The Candela GentleLASE laser system was developed from years of research. It has been FDA approved for hair removal since 1997. The laser is pulsed, or “turned on”, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the system is the patented Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM (DCDTM) which provides consistent epidermal cooling and helps to preserve the surrounding skin. The DCDTM sprays the upper layer of the skin with a cooling burst of cryogen, milliseconds before and after the laser pulse. This spray of cryogen cools the skin’s temperature so that the laser light can pass through it and be absorbed selectively by the hair.
How long will the procedure take?
The length of a laser treatment may last anywhere from just 5 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the area being treated.
Does it hurt?
Some people explain the sensation as a “snapping” of a rubber band against your skin. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation with each laser pulse, however, the spray of cryogen before each pulse (provided by the DCD) cools the skin and reduces that discomfort. Most people tolerate the procedure very well. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.
Who performs the treatments?
Our laser treatments are performed by technicians who are trained and certified in Laser Hair Removal procedures and safety.
How many treatments will I need?
Most people will need an average of 6 treatments. Some individuals will need 6-8 laser treatments. Skin type, hair coloring and coarseness of hair are all contributing factors to how many treatments will be needed. During your consultation, we will discuss the estimated number of treatments you may need, depending upon your specific genetic factors.
I have dark skin / I tan – can I be treated?
That depends. The melanin content in your skin is one of the factors that must be considered when determining whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal. When you come in for your free consultation, we’ll examine the areas you want treated, determine your skin type and discuss your desired results. Each client needs to be individually assessed.
What about blonde / red / gray hair?
The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in your hair. The greater the amount of melanin, the better the results. White or gray hair does not contain any melanin and, therefore, does not respond to treatments. However, some hair that many would call blonde or red actually does contain enough melanin to be treatable. That’s precisely why we offer a complimentary consultation, so we can evaluate your hair and skin type and discuss your options.
Do I need to grow the hair out before my consultation / treatment?
No, in fact we ask that you do shave the area you want treated. We’re actually targeting the anatomical structures below the skin. Surface hair interferes with this process.
Do I have to stop bleaching / tweezing / using depilatories, etc?
Yes! You need to cease all other methods of hair removal because the target hair is needed in the follicle to absorb the laser light. You may still continue to shave throughout your treatment.
How far apart are the treatments spaced?
Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. Treatments may be spaced anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the area of the body being treated. For example, the face is retreated every 4 - 6 weeks. The underarms and bikini every 5 – 6 weeks. And the back every 8 – 12 weeks.
How long before I see results?
You will see some results almost immediately. It takes anywhere from 1 – 3 weeks for all of the hair in the treated area to fall out. After that, you will experience a period of no growth and smoothness in the treated area. Each treatment session will result in a reduction of hair growth. Hair will also grow progressively slower, lighter and finer with each treatment.
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