FAQs
Candela GentleLase
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. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.
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. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment. 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 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.
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. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of peri-oral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment 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?
Most body areas need a series of 6-8 treatments for best results, as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Fewer treatments will be needed in areas where thinning of the hair is desired.
Candela GentleYAG
Laser Skin Tightening with Candela GentleYAG can provide facial and body skin tightening results without surgery.
What is Laser Skin Tightening?
Laser Skin Tightening is a series of laser treatments, using the Candela GentleYAG laser, designed to stimulate collagen production and regeneration of damaged skin cells. The light energy produced by the GentleYAG laser targets fibroblasts deep in the skin, stimulation them to produce new collagen. The increased turnover of skin cells helps to regenerate and replace damaged cells. As this new collagen forms the skin becomes more firm and smooth.
Will I have to take time from work or social events to recover?
No. There is no downtime. A person can return to work or reapply makeup immediately following the procedure. After the treatment the skin may appear pink or sunburned, usually for less than an hour or two.
How long will the results last?
The new dermal collagen that is produced becomes part of the structure of the treated skin, so the improvements can last for years. GentleYAG skin tightening is so powerful that new collagen production can continue several months after the treatment. Some people report improvement immediately, with even more dramatic results weeks to months later. Of course gravity and continued exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays will result in breakdown of both existing and new collagen over time. Therefore it is very important to protect your results by limiting sun exposure, using a high-SPF sunblock, and maintaining a healthy and scientifically sound skin care regimen.
Is Laser Skin Tightening effective for both the face and body?
Yes. LST can be used to treat any part of the body that may benefit from tighter, smoother skin. The GentleYAG can provide firmer skin on the face, neck, chest, breasts, upper arms, legs and other body areas with no downtime.
How many treatments would I have to have?
Clinical studies suggest that 4-6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart in most cases will produce a significant increase in dermal collagen, remodeling of dermal matrix components, and a resulting improvement in overall skin tone and texture.
When will I see results?
We recommend a series of 4-6 treatments, spaced one month apart. A few clients will notice slight improvement after the first treatment. However, for most people, improvements in skin begin several months into the series. The treated skin will continue to improve for 6-7 months after the final treatment.
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