Gentlelase Laser

The Gentlelase laser is primarily used for permanent hair reduction. The light emitted by this laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted to heat, which hurts the cells that are building the hair.
The most common areas for laser hair removal in females are regions on the head and neck, such as the upper lip, chin, sideburns and neck. Other common areas for laser hair removal in females are the underarms, forearms, bikini, legs and buttocks. In males, the most common places for hair removal are the back, back of the neck, ears, chest, abdomen, and the face/neck. Many males get chronic ingrown hairs on the face which can cause scarring, and can make shaving very difficult. If the doctor thinks there may be a hormonal abnormality causing excessively abnormal hair growth you may be sent for a simple blood test

The Do’s and Don'ts of laser hair removal:
Do:
◦ Understand that when the treatments are complete, they cannot be undone.
◦ Shave the area to be treated 1 day prior to the treatment.
◦ Seek advice from a physician; these machines are very powerful and physicians are trained to use them properly. Improper use of a laser can cause permanent disfiguring burns and scars.
◦ Use sun protection while undergoing these treatments.
Don't:
◦ Bleach, tweeze, wax, thread the area to be treated at all during the course of the treatment.
◦ Get a tan during the course of the treatment; this can increase the risk of a burn or a scar.

What to expect during your hair laser appointment?
◦ Your physician may apply a numbing cream for a few minutes to help with the discomfort of the treatment; if prefer to have this cream applied, please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
◦ You will be given goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.
◦ After the treatment, your doctor may apply ice or a calming cream to the area.
◦ Immediately after the treatment, you may develop small bumps around the hairs, which is a good indicator that the hair was injured. 
◦ The hair may appear to be completely gone, but over the next week the hair may seem to be grow back; this growth is the root of the hair may being ejected from the skin. 
◦ Over the course of a few weeks/months after the treatment, some hair will grow back, and that means it is time for the next treatment.

How many treatments might be needed?
◦ On average, we recommend 6 treatments to achieve approximately 80% permanent hair reduction.
◦ It is unlikely that you will ever have 100% permanent reduction. However the hair that remains will be fine, thin, and slow growing.
◦ Different anatomical sites will respond faster or slower to the treatments.
◦ The face and neck generally may require more treatments whereas the legs, and armpits may require fewer.

Who is or isn't a good candidate for laser hair removal?
◦ The ideal candidate has light skin and dark hair.
◦ The lasers for hair removal can only target brown hair; they cannot target red, gray, blonde or white hair.
◦ Thicker brown hair is easier to treat than thin or fine hair, and baby fine hair may not reduce well.
◦ Dark or tan skin can get burned more easily.

After-care instructions:
◦ Follow the instructions of your dermatologist.
◦ Avoid threading, waxing, plucking, tweezing or bleaching after or between treatments.
◦ Mild gentle cleansing and mild moisturizing is helpful.
◦ Daily sunscreen is necessary to prevent a tan while undergoing the treatments.

Risks and side effects:
◦ If you have a history of cold sores, the virus can be reactivated by the laser treatment and the infection can spread throughout the treated area; this could lead to scarring.
◦ Discuss this with your doctor; it may be recommended that you take a preventive dose of an antiviral medication.
◦ Scarring, and blistering is VERY rare.
◦ Rarely one can get scabbing and a temporary discoloration; the risk of this is increased if you have a tan.