Laser Hair Removal With Candela Laser Technology
The GentleLASE by Candela is precise and can be adjusted to the exact parameters
that will disable the hair germ cells in the follicle, minimally affecting the
surrounding skin, and considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal
process. By delivering an effective energy beam deep into the tissue, the
Alexandrite laser ensures predictable results, patient comfort, and a high
degree of safety. Because GentleLASE™ has pre and post cooling devices...they
have become the leaders among long pulse, Alexandrite lasers.
Are You A Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?
Anyone with dark pigmented hair. Laser does not work on blonde, light red, white
or gray hairs since they can not absorb the laser light. Skin tone does not
matter since we have a light and a dark skinned laser. We can effectively treat
all skin tones even tanned skin. The following skin types are all eligible for
laser hair removal.
How Does laser hair removal work?
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 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. 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 5 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. All hair needs to be completely clean shaven before arrival for your
treatment unless instructed otherwise. If you have a dark skin type, or are
tanning, we recommend using the GentleYAG laser which allows the light to
penetrate through the dark pigmented skin without doing damage.
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 Anagen 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.
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.
Why does it take so many treatments?
Under normal circumstances hair growth in each hair follicle occurs in a cycle.
There are three main phases of the hair growth cycle; A C T = Anagen, Catagen
and Telogen. The laser will only work on hairs that are in the Anagen growth
stage. So each treatment is only getting a certain percentage of hair (usually
about 15-20%) Below is a sample of how a hair grows in cycles
Anagen (active) is the
growing phase or when the hair fiber is produced. During anagen, the hair
contains an abundance of melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color.
This is the phase during which laser hair removal treatment is most effe ctive.
The growth cells in the papilla rapidly divide and produce the hair shaft, which
in turn becomes keratinized as it pushes up and out of the follicle into the
pore. The follicle grows down into the deeper levels of the dermis (skin)
seeking nourishment. (Active Hair)
Catagen (club hair) is
the period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. This p hase is when
the lower part of the hair stops growing, but does not shed, and the follicle is
reabsorbed. It will be difficult for permanence to be achieved when the hair is
in the catagen growth cycle. As the catagen phase begins, the bulb detaches from
the blood supply and the hair shaft takes on the look of a club. (Club Hair)
Telogen (tired) is the
last of the hair growth cycle. In this resting phase, the old hair falls out in
preparation for the development of a new anagen hair. Permanence cannot be
achieved when the hair are in the telogen growth cycle. After resting, the
follicle can be re-generated and begin growing again if not treated again.
(Tired Hair)
Remember, Anagen is followed by catagen, a period of controlled regression of
the hair follicle. Ultimately the hair follicle enters telogen, when the
follicle is in a so-called resting state. Diagram to the left shows regression
of an anagen hair follicle. On entering catagen the dermal papilla condenses as
the cells become inactive. With the lack of dermal papilla cell stimulation, the
hair fiber and root sheaths stop growing. In telogen the dermal papilla can
become isolated in the dermis and sit dormant for a long period of time.
Normally this cycle of hair production will continue for the duration of the
individual's life, however other factors can influence, promote and inhibit hair
production. How well the laser can eliminate the hairs will depend on the skin
type/color, hair type/color and what initially caused the hair to grow.
Before and After Photographs
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