What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted hair from the body. Many people find it an ideal solution over the temporary nature of shaving or waxing and their irritating effects on sensitive skin.
Laser hair removal uses pulses of intense light to disable cells responsible for producing hair. This method is also called “laser epilation” or “permanent laser hair removal.” During treatment, the laser is set against the skin in a variety of angles. When it penetrates into the skin, the laser then targets the dark pigment in the cells that are associated with hair growth. The laser pulse destroys these targeted cells, stopping them from producing new hairs.
The most common treatment areas for laser hair removal for women include legs, bikini, underarms, and upper lip. Commonly treated areas for men include facial hair, ears, shoulders, back and chest.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
There are many advantages of laser treatment, including:
- Eliminates ingrown hairs
- Leaves the skin softer than before
- Leaves no scars or painful side effects
- Provides lasting results
- Saves time
GentleMax Laser
The GentleMax laser penetrates the hair follicle with light energy, destroying it at its root while preserving the surrounding skin. Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD) technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the laser pulse and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Before the laser hair removal treatment, the area being treated will be cleansed. Some patients may receive a numbing gel to help make the treatment more comfortable and if the skin is very sensitive. During the treatment, the laser is pulsed for a millisecond, emitting a beam of light onto the skin. The light energy penetrates the skin, traveling down the shaft of the hair and into the hair follicle. The heat from the laser light destroys these targeted hair follicles, stopping them from producing new hairs.
Treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated. A small treatment area could take just a few minutes, while larger areas may require an hour or more. Multiple sessions are required and generally spaced four to six weeks apart.
Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid tweezing, waxing and depilatory creams for six weeks prior to treatment. Shaving is allowed and required the day of treatment. Tan skin, natural or artificial, should also be avoided before and after sessions.
