Question: Is the Gentle Laser safe for my skin?
Answer: FDA approved, this medical laser can safely disable hair follicles for silky smooth skin. It is also fast, comfortable and affordable. The Gentle Laser is the elegant new solution to unwanted hair.
This information is provided by The Gentle Laser™ A medically supervised aesthetic service of the Laser Medical Skin Center® 61615 Mt. Bachelor Drive Bend, Oregon 97702 Phone Paul Van Camp MD, FACLMS, Medical Director
Questions and Answers about Hair Removal
Q: What forms of therapy are available for removal of unwanted hair?
A: Mechanical methods of hair removal provide only temporary results. These include shaving, waxing, tweezing, and epilation. These methods remove the hair but leave the hair follicles intact. The hair re-grows within one to four weeks in most cases.
Electrolysis is able to provide long term hair removal using electricity. A needle is inserted into each individual hair follicle then electricity is applied. This method is painful, time-consuming, and expensive. Electrolysis can sometimes cause folliculitis, infection, or scarring. To be successful multiple treatments are required. Typically once weekly for up to one year.
Medical lasers are available that can effectively treat the hair follicles using laser light. They can disable the follicles so hair will not grow while avoiding damage to the surrounding skin. This method is more efficient, rapid and safe. It is also more comfortable. Multiple treatments are usually needed: on average between three and six treatments are sufficient.
Q: Are all hair removal lasers the same?
A: Several early hair removal lasers had variable results. The most advanced systems now in use are the Ruby and Alexandrite lasers. These are more simple, effective, comfortable than the early lasers. The GentleLaser is an excellent Alexandrite hair removal laser. It has dynamic skin cooling which protects the skin and makes the procedure more comfortable.
Q: How does the Gentle Laser remove hair?
A: The light emitted from the GentleLaser is absorbed mainly by the melanin in the hair follicles. It is delivered in a very short pulse (3/1000 second) which disables the hair follicle without heating up the surrounding skin. The laser light does not break or burn the skin.
Hair follicles respond best to laser treatment when in their active growth phase. 50 to 85% of the hair follicles are in the active phase at any one time. Some hair will grow from remaining hair follicles several weeks after treatment. This hair is usually finer, lighter and thinner after each treatment. Treatments repeated at four to eight week intervals give the best long-term results. Three to five treatments are typically required. Some patients may require more.
Q: Is it safe? What are the potential complications?
A: The Gentle Laser's Alexandrite laser is safe and effective. Operators are licensed health care professionals well trained in the proper and safe use of the laser.
Treatment of patients with naturally dark skin or tanned skin can produce temporary irregular darkening or lightening of the skin color. This usually goes away in three to six weeks. Occasionally it can persist for up to three to six months. Some patients may experience a temporary skin reaction similar to sunburn (redness, puffiness, or peeling). A lightening of the skin, could occasionally occur. The light from the Gentle Laser does not cause skin cancer.
Patients who have ever had "cold sores"(herpes simplex) are at risk for a flare-up of their infection. Taking anti-viral medication for a few days during and after treatments on the face can prevent this.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: The laser emits only light. You may feel a tingling or snapping sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding and nowound is created. The GentleLaser skin cooling system can reduce any discomfort. For areas that are more sensitive, an anesthetic cream can be used. Most patients find the treatment sufficiently comfortable without this. No pain medication is needed.
Q; Is it Permanent?
A: The Gentle Laser produces long term improvement through progressive hair reduction. But we cannot not guarantee permanence. Lasers have been used for hair removal for just a few years. Once a satisfactory level of hair removal has been achieved, the results seem to persist for years. Studies have shown persistence of the improvement for over two years. Longer-term results are unknown. Touch-up treatment might be required in the future.
Q: What preparations are required?
A: You may call to schedule a consultation with us. Your skin and hair type will be determined. Your medical history will be reviewed for any history of skin problems, medications, keloids or scarring, cold sores, etc. Laser hair removal will be explained fully and all of your questions answered.
Some patients will need a "test patch" to determine the best laser settings for their skin type. A small area will be treated at varying settings and rechecked up to one week later. This may be done at the same time as your consultation, and a fee is required for this test.
For best results you should:
Avoid all forms of tanning for four to six weeks prior to treatment Use SPF 15 sunscreen when outdoors for 4-6 weeks before treatment. Cold sores should be treated and healed before treatment. Darker skin types may need to use a lightening cream for one month before treatment.
Persons who have had problems with scarring or keloids in the past, or problems with skin darkening from inflammation, may not be good candidates for laser hair removal. Those who have taken Accutane for acne should discontinue it for six months before laser treatments.
Q: What happens after the treatment?
A: Within several minutes, the skin may become slightly red and puffy, like mild sunburn. This goes away over several hours to one day. The laser does not cut the skin in any way. No bandages are required and most people return to normal activity immediately.
Q: How much does the treatment cost?
A: The cost of laser hair removal is dependent upon the size and number of body areas to be treated. Since repeat treatments are usually required, treatment plans are designed with this in mind. The average patient may require three to five treatments. Some patients may require more. Laser hair removal is not usually covered by medical insurance. Fees for laser hair removal are substantially less than fees for electrolysis when the whole course of treatment is considered. |
