What are the advantages of the laser ?
Traditional hair
removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing,
provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only
semi-permanent way to remove hair has been by electrolysis,
which can be painful, time-consuming and is limited to small
skin areas. Scarring, allergic reaction and ingrown hairs
are possible side effects of all these hair removal methods.
The "Candela laser" can remove unwanted body hair without
damaging the surrounding skin structure. Facial and bikini
areas are usually completed in ten to fifteen minutes; legs
and larger areas can take longer.
Who is a good candidate ?
The best results have been achieved on individuals with
light skin and dark hair. Results may be somewhat limited
with dark skin and light hair. Many factors may influence
the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated and
discussed in person.
What does the treatment include ?
Generally, the treatment will include :
-
Safety eyewear to
protect the patient's eyes during the procedure from the
laser light.
-
A small hand piece is used with a probe 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, followed by a slight popping sound as the laser
removes the hair follicles being treated.
-
Most patients experience only a little discomfort at the treatment site.
-
Topical anesthesia may also be used.
-
The procedure can take
as little as 10 to 15 minutes or up to an hour, depending on
the area treated.
All patients can go home immediately
following treatment.
-
The treated area may become pink or red
within about 30 minutes of treatment. This may last from a
few hours to several days.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment ?
-
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
-
Avoid
plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If
you have had a history of lip herpes, prophylactic antiviral
medication may be prescribed.
-
If you have a tan or have a
dark skin, a bleaching cream is started 2-4 weeks before
treatment.
How many treatments will I need ?
Hair grows in cycles: 'active' phase, followed by
'resting' phase, etc. The number of treatments required
depends upon your skin type, hair color and hair coarseness.
Everyone will require at least 3 treatments as the process
is only effective on hairs during their 'active' growing
cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat the
follicles that were in the 'resting' phase when they
re-enter the 'active' phase.
What are the possible complications ?
Like any other laser treatment, complications are
possible but uncommon, temporary or permanent, such as
infection, inflammatory reaction, skin discoloration (hypopigmentation,
hyperpigmentation), redness, scarring, poor hair response,
etc.
