The Candela hair removal lasers are non-invasive light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate unwanted hair from all parts of the body. The lasers generate a pulse of intense, concentrated light which is directed through a small handpiece when it is applied to the treatment site. This laser energy passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and hair follicle, causing selective damage to the hair root without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. Some of the hair which was in the treated follicles is ejected during treatment, and the rest is shed over the next 2-6 weeks, depending on the laser. The surface of the skin is protected by the Dynamic Cooling Device. This device sprays a short burst of cryogen to the skin to cool and protect the epidermis. This protects the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair. Because the lasers can treat dozens of hairs with each pulse, it is possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. The laser's design allows us to customize treatment, according to your hair and skin color, hair texture, and location on the body. Treatments are safe, fast, gentle and effective method for hair removal. In just a few treatment sessions using the gentle power of laser, you can greatly improve the appearance of skin which is disfigured by unwanted hair.
What areas of the body can be treated?
ALL parts of the body can be treated with these lasers. In women, the most common areas for treatment are upper lip, chin, bikini line, arms and legs, and underarms. In men, the most common areas for treatment are shoulders and back, and the beard area.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal compared to alternative treatments?
The primary benefits of laser hair removal include:
- Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort than with electrolysis, waxing or tweezing.
- Lasers combines speed, comfort and long lasting results.
- Lasers works on any area of the body where a hair-free appearance is desired.
Laser hair removal offers you a long-term reduction in both the amount of hair, and also in many cases a reduction in thickness and color of hair shafts which do grow back.
What are the advantages over electrolysis?
Removing hair by electrolysis is like mowing grass - one blade at a time. Electrolysis is very useful with white and very pale blonde hair (which does not absorb laser light efficiently). We refer patients for electrolysis if we believe the laser cannot be of help, or after we have removed all of the dark hairs that are treatable with the laser. Electrolysis is a tedious process and a difficult undertaking for patients. Even a small area like the face, for example, in the case of a woman with heavy facial hair, may require electrolysis for 2 -3 hours per week for 2 years, with further treatments over an undetermined period of time, for a total treatment time exceeding 200 hours. Hair removal is much faster with a laser because each "pulse" of laser light disables a large numbers of hair follicles and pulses can be delivered as often as once every second.
Many people want laser hair removal, but question how much it costs?
Laser hair removal can be surprisingly affordable. When time is at a premium, laser can produce fast results. People come in different sizes and shapes. Treatment protocols and prices are highly individualized. We price accordingly. We offer a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. At that time, measurements are taken to determine the actual cost per treatment and a treatment plan is arranged for you at that time. Many of our clients have compared bids from our competitors and have returned here because our prices are better. Remember, finding the cheapest price does not guarantee the best treatment or result. We have been using lasers for over 10 years .
Remember, an important consideration is to evaluate the person doing the laser treatment to find out what their qualifications are and to evaluate the laser system being used. You should feel comfortable with the provider of the service.
Consultations about laser can usually be arranged within a week by calling us at (781) 431-8900 where our staff can take the time to discuss your wishes and options, and answer your questions. No referral is required. Treatment may be scheduled for the same day as the consultation if there is a time slot is available, or may be scheduled for a later date.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling called perifollicular edema which typically lasts less than an hour, although it may infrequently last a few days. Another potential side effect can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally resolves after a few months. The light from the laser does not cause cancer. Unlike plucking, waxing and sugaring, laser hair removal does not run the risk of making hair grow back thicker, darker or quicker. After laser treatment, hair growth will frequently be delayed, and when the hair does grow back, it is often lighter, finer and less dense.
Should I expect to be "hair free" in the treated area after the series of treatments?
No, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area, and a reduction in the thickness and color of the remaining hair, but should not expect to be "hair free". It has been suggested that a 6 month follow-up may be sufficient to assess final outcome after the final laser hair removal session, because once regrowth has stabilized (usually within 6 months), there is usually little or no change in hair counts at 6,12, and 24 months.
Is laser hair removal "permanent"?
"Permanent hair removal" means: "All the hair is gone, forever" . There is no hair removal method (including laser) which can guarantee "permanent hair removal". The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment is: "long-term hair reduction". This means: "After four to six treatments the total amount of hair is greatly reduced - generally by 70% to 90% - and hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in color." Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as long as they know that this is what to expect before they have laser hair removal treatment. It is important for you to realize that after having between four and six treatment sessions it is VERY LIKELY that there WILL BE a very substantial reduction in both the amount of hair and also a reduction in the thickness and color of the hair in the treated areas. We do know that stable, long-term hair reduction commonly lasts for at least two years, and some patients who had their last treatment 10 years ago are still enjoying a high degree of hair reduction.
What are some factors to consider with laser hair removal?
- the desired degree of hair reduction (as the amount of hair declines, some people become very enthusiastic and want even LESS hair than they had originally planned on).
- hair color (people with naturally light colored hair need more treatments)
- ethnic and genetic background (people with dark skin sometimes need more treatments).
- hormonal status
- area being treated
- hair density
- age
- weight (obesity can increase hair growth)
- medication (for example medicines like Dilantin and cyclosporine can increase hair growth)
Additional "touchup" treatments on small troublesome areas are treated at reduced rates There is no safety limit on the number of treatments a person can have.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
The unique design of the Candela GentleLASE Plus allows treatment of people with most skin colors, and treatment of even light brown hair. Because hair which is naturally blonde, light red or white does not have enough pigment in the roots, it cannot be reliably treated with any type of laser. Fewer treatments are needed when the hair is dark and the skin is light colored. The GentleYAG treats darker skin types and those with suntanned skin. We frequently treat young, preteen girls who have developed dark hair on the upper lips. Those with ingrown hair and folliculitis are good candidates for laser hair removal.
What is a "test area", and why is it performed?
"Test areas" are small areas of skin that are treated at various laser energy levels prior to treatment. "Test areas" are to determine the level of energy that is best for that individual,. On darker skin types, these tests are reviewed one week later to make sure there was no pigment change. Light skin types generally don't have to have wait because test results are fairly rapid. This may be done at the same time as your consultation.
What will happen after treatment?
Immediately after treatment, ice will be placed on the treated areas to remove excess heat, then an Aloe Vera gel will be applied. There are no limitations to your activities, however, we ask that you do not take a hot shower or bath for the first day. We will ask you not to workout immediately after the treatment. Our experience has shown that better results are achieved with less irritation when you do not reheat the skin with hot water or exercise.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
You can return to work the same day and resume all your regular activities. Please do not tan the skin or use tanning creams between treatments. Tanning between treatments can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin coloration.
Please do not wax or tweeze the hair for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. The hair root must be intact in order to treat it. The hair root is the target for the laser energy.
Please stop tanning immediately or using self tanning lotions. A fresh tan can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment and possibly even cause complications. Tell is if you have tanned recently. Shaving before you come in also allows you to shape the exact area you want treated - this is sometimes very useful in areas like the hairline and sideburns, and in the bikini area. Excess hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy, and reduces the amount of energy that reaches the hair root, where it is really needed. Excess hair above the surface of the skin also increases the chance of burning or irritating the skin.
During the treatment, remember that we care about your comfort. Quick acting topical anesthesia may be applied before treatment to further reduce discomfort.
No matter what the season, we ask you to apply sunscreen or sun block over the treated areas to prevent any additional sun exposure.
Do not tan or use tanning creams between treatments. If you must be in the sun, please wear a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher and apply it frequently if you are swimming or perspiring.
Hair will be released from hair follicles in the treated area for a week or two after treatment. You do not need to do anything, but you may gently exfoliate or shave the areas if you wish.
Please call us at 781-431-8900 if you have any other problems or questions
