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Which body areas can be treated? The GentleLASE Plus™ and CoolGlide® Excel lasers have been used successfully to treat thousands of patients, removing unwanted hair on large areas such as legs, arms, back, and chest. Sensitive areas such as the eyebrows, upper lip, ears, nose, bikini lines, and anal area can be easily and effectively treated by GentleLASE Plus™ .  CoolGlide® Excel provides the capability of safely treating all skin types especially V and Vl's including tanned patients. Laser puts an end to routine shaving and leaves the skin looking and feeling smoother and silkier. The most important result is the confidence that comes from looking your best with younger-looking, hair-free skin.
 

How does the Laser remove hair? The laser works by a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed (turned on) for a millisecond emitting a beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. The laser is effective on hair follicles in the active growth phase (anagen).

What kind of Laser do we use? We use GentleLASE Plus™  and CoolGlide® Excel lasers. These two lasers have been approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction.

Is it safe? Laser hair removal is generally safe, but there are a few possible side effects. In some cases, a darkening or lightening of the treated skin may occur. Darker  skin is more susceptible to changes in pigment, so intentionally tanning beforehand should be avoided. Burning or blistering of the skin is also possible. Following the doctor's instructions and advice is the best means for reducing the risks involved with laser hair removal.

Does it hurt? Some patients describe the laser's pulse like a mild electric shock, while others describe a slight tingling sensation. The vast majority of people have no problems at all with the procedure. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so you may elect to use topical anesthesia (EMLA) in order to decrease the sensation even more.

How long is the treatment? The treatment time can vary based on the area. The upper lip takes only a few minutes while the back or legs can take up to an hour.

How many treatments does it take? The laser works by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycles at different times, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area. Recent studies have shown that from 3 to 8 treatments are needed to destroy the majority of hair in any given area, but patients are often happy with results after fewer treatments, as their hair tends to become thinner and lighter with even two treatments. We will work with you to develop the treatment program that best fulfils your hair removal needs.

Are the results permanent? The GentleLASE Plus™ and CoolGlide® Excel have FDA clearance for permanency. Most people achieve permanent reduction, but this does not mean that all hair is destroyed. There is not only less hair after treatment, but the hair that re-grows tends to be lighter and finer.
 

What happens to the skin after treatment? Within several minutes of the treatment, the treated area will be come slightly red and puffy. This reaction subsides, and within a few hours the area returns to normal. Since the laser does not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary, and you can return to your normal activities immediately. A test area is first given to determine which laser and which parameters are to be used.

What should I do after I am treated? The treated areas should be handled with care after treatment. Al least avoid: Retin-A, alphahydroxy acids, glycolic acids, astringents, and other photosensitive medicine. You may clean the area using mild soap and water. You should avoid tanning and use a sunscreen on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

What should I expect? Around 3-10 days after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are “falling out” it is not re-growth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin. Please refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching between treatments (shaving is okay).

How can I begin? Please contact our office for a consultation. During this consultation, we will answer your specific questions and discuss a course of treatment for you. There is no charge or obligation for a consult.