Laser hair removal is the ideal way to manage unwanted hair. Shaving, tweezing, and plucking are just some of the archaic tools that have been used to combat unwanted hair. While temporarily effective, these methods are very time consuming and can even result in pain, rashes, swelling, cuts, and scarring. We use the MedLite laser for laser-assisted hair removal. Click here to download a brochure and to view before and after photos.

Laser Hair Removal

Be Hair Free

Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure used to permanently reduce unwanted hair and for long-term hair removal. Laser treatment can effectively eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. Unlike many other hair removal methods, laser treatment leaves your skin looking and feeling much smoother and softer.

What is treatment like?

Preliminary setup involves cleansing and shaving the area to be treated. A laser is then directed toward the area and a beam of highly concentrated light is produced. Without damaging the surrounding tissue, controlled pulses of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by hair follicles. The heat generated in the process discourages and ultimately destroys the hair and its potential for regrowth. Post-treatment includes a clean up of the treated area and the application of a sunblock. Large areas such those found on the back, shoulders, abdomen, and legs are rapidly treated. Smaller facial areas like the lip, chin, and bear can be treated in minutes.

What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

• FDA-approved for permanent hair reduction
• No “down-time”. Immediately resume regular activities.
• Less pain and discomfort compared to other treatment methods.
• Large areas can be quickly treated.
• Changes of scarring and pigmentation change are minimized.

 How many treatments are required?

Because the laser affects only hair follicles that are in the growth phase, more than one treatment may be necessary. During a consultation, the approximate number of required treatments will be determined based on your particular situation.

Who are candidates for treatment?

Millions of men and women have been successfully treated. Treatment is customized according to hair color, texture, and the area being targeted. Treatment for most hair colors typically yields high levels of success and patient satisfaction. Treatment is effective on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals of all ethnic origins.

Is treatment painful?

The procedure is well tolerated by most patients since only a mild sting is felt. Local anesthesia and pain medication are not required. A topical anesthetic may be used for the treatment of more sensitive areas.

Are there any possible side effects?

Side effects are rare. Sensitivity, irritation, and redness may occur at the treatment site but then quickly disappear. Susceptibility to these side effects will be identified during your consultation. To greatly minimize the risk of side effects, sun exposure must be limited prior to and immediately following treatment.

 GentleLASE® Laser System for Hair Removal

What is the Candela GentleLASE® laser any why is it a safe treatment?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots, and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLASE® System, a revolutionary long-pulse, high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling Device^TM where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort. The GentleLASE® selectivity helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

What conditions are treated with the laser?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing, and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis -- which can be tedious, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE® System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs, the back, and large areas can take longer.

What other conditions does the GentleLASE® treat?

The GentleLASE® System is also effective for the treatment of the large, “blue” leg veins.

What does the treatment include?

Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:

• Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient’s eyes from the laser light during the procedure.
• A small hand piece that will be used to touch the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse.
• A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction.
• Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device.
• The degree of discomfort varies with each person depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment.
• The procedure can take as little as ten minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treated.
• The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.

 What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

• Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment, or until your practitioner allows it.
• You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment.
• If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed.
• If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.
• You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together, you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.

 How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color, hair color, and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growth phase.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However, consult with your insurance carrier for more information.

You may download a printable PDF here.

For more information please visit the Candela website here.

MedLite Laser System for Hair Removal

A new dimension in hair management…

Shaving, tweezing, waxing, and plucking are just some of the archaic tools that have been used to combat unwanted hair. While temporarily effective, these methods are very time consuming and can even result in pain, rashes, swelling, cuts, and scarring. The MedLite laser for laser-assisted hair removal is now offering a new dimension in managing unwanted hair.

How does the MedLite laser remove the unwanted hair?

The MedLite laser produces an extremely fast pulse of light that is passed through the skin and absorbed in the hair bulge, hair shaft, and follicle. The laser light is strong enough to damage the hair bulge and hair follicle without harming the surrounding skin. The damage to the hair is sufficient enough to delay growth for several months.

Is the procedure safe?

The MedLite laser used at this office for laser-assisted hair removal is one of the safest lasers available today. While other lasers are available for this procedure, they all run the risk of side effects because they use the heat from much longer laser pulses to destroy the hair. Because the MedLite laser produces light in such short pulses, it destroys hair through a photomechanical method (similar to hitting the hair follicle with a hammer) and does not heat the hair or surrounding skin to the same degree as other lasers. The MedLite can easily and safely be used with much less of a risk of blistering, burning, scarring, or changing the pigmentation of the skin. This is the only laser available that removes hair with this unique method.

What does the treatment feel like?

One of the main benefits of the treatment with the MedLite laser is that it offers a very comfortable treatment. This is due largely to the fact that the MedLite does not work by heating the skin. The sensation can be described more as a “tingling”. Anesthesia is generally not necessary for treatment with this laser.

How long will the treatment take?

Treatment with this laser is very fast. Large body areas, including the legs and back, can generally be treated in minutes.

What body areas can be treated?

Any skin area can be treated with this laser including the face, underarms, legs, back, chest, and bikini line.

 How many treatments will I need?

Every hair on your body goes through three basic stages: growth, rest, and hair loss. These stages repeatedly cycle, and the length of each cycle varies according to the location and your own body chemistry. The laser is most effective on hair when it is in the growth phase. Due to the fact that at any given time, only about one third of your hair is in the growth phase, you will need to have several treatments to obtain maximum results. This is a factor for all laser hair removal methods.

Will the hair grow back?

Eventually some of the hair will grow back. Today, there is no laser that will permanently remove 100% of unwanted hair. You should think of using the laser as a hair management technique. The safety, effectiveness, speed, and comfort of the MedLite make it the ideal laser for this procedure.

Am I a candidate for this treatment?

The MedLite laser can treat any skin type, even tanned skin, and works best on darker hair colors. Because the laser light is absorbed by the pigment or color in the hair, it has minimal effect on white or light blonde hair.

What can I expect after the treatment?

You may notice that some of your hair may have turned white after treatment. This will slough off naturally 2-3 days later, but you may choose to manually remove it with a razor if you wish. Your skin may be red for a brief period of time after the treatment. You may experience minimal itching for 12 hours. You can immediately return to your normal activities.

How do I get started?

Your physician will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to make an appointment for a consultation to discuss your specific needs.

You may download a printable PDF here.

For more information please visit the HOYA ConBio website here.