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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Candela GentleLASE laser and why is it a safe treatment?
Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLASE System, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser 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 destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort.
What conditions are treated with the GentleLASE?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Also the GentleLase has the ability to remove wrinkles, sun spots, freckles, age spots and rosacea.
What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser light during the procedure. A small handpiece will be used that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction. Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold, most say they just feel a burst of air on the skin with a slight rubberband like snap. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treatment. The treated area may become pink or red within minutes of the treatment, also small red bumps from follicular swelling could appear. This may last from a few minutes to several hours and is relieved with the application of post laser lotions.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it. (This is only for the GentleLase. With the GentleYag tanning only needs to be avoided for one week before and one week after treatments.) You must avoid electrolysis, bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you have a dark skin type, or are tanning, we also have the GentleYAG laser to optimize results. You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color, coarseness of the hair, and the laser being used.. Everyone will require at least 5-6 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat new follicles when they enter the early growth phase. The average person is expected to have 6-8 treatments for optimal results.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures.
Does laser treatment hurt?
Comfort levels vary with each person, however most patients experience very little discomfort due to the DCD (Dynamic
Cooling Device) that is built into our lasers. The DCD sprays cold cryogen onto the skin a millisecond before the laser pulses which cools the upper layers of skin allowing all the energy to be absorbed by the hair follicle.
How long does each treatment take?
Laser hair removal on smaller areas like the lip, chin, cheeks, underarms, and bikini line can be treated in 5-10 minutes. Medium areas like arms, chest or back take about 30-45 minutes, and large areas like the legs can take 60-90 minutes.
How do you treat spider veins?
Spider veins are the little red or blueish/purple veins that are either in starburst formations or spread out like river channels. The laser produces a small beam of light that seeks out the vessel and creates enough heat in the vein to constrict or collapse the vein walls. Over the next few weeks the vein will change colors and start to lighten as it absorbs back into the body. Most patients see immediate results, but optimal results can take 6-8 weeks.
How many treatments for spider veins?
The average is 2 treatments. The first will usually give 60-80% clearance. A second treatment can be done 8 weeks after the first and is usually at a reduced cost.
For any other questions feel free to call us 491-6789 or e-mail us at cosmetic_laser1@bellsouth.net
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