What is Candela GentleMax® laser hair removal?
Here at Nash Dermatology, we provide an award-winning, multi-wavelength laser, GentleMax Pro®, for Laser Hair Removal. Unlike other lasers, the GentleMax Pro® treats ALL skin types, offers more versatility because of a multi-wavelength approach to hair removal and it is also designed with the patient’s comfort in mind. Gentlemax laser is delivered through a small handpiece operated by your laser technician. During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. Destroyed hairs are then either dissolved within the skin or rejected by the body within two to three weeks.
What parts of your body are good candidates for treatment?
Where do you have unwanted hair? This hair removal system can help remove hair on the:
- Underarms
- Legs
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Bikini area
- Back
- Chest
Does Candela GentleMax hurt?
Laser hair removal using the GentleMax Pro device is typically very comfortable. Treatment is conducted in a comfortable room where the patient sits or lies down comfortably. Everyone in the room wears protective glasses that filter laser light. The provider reviews the treatment area and answers any last-minute questions, then begins the procedure. The device settings are adjusted to the treatment area and pulses of laser energy begin. Just before each laser pulse, the device handpiece emits a short burst of cooling spray. This protects the skin and also diminishes the sensation of thermal energy entering hair follicles. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the process may be done in just a few minutes or may take close to an hour. Like all laser hair removal treatments, GentleMax Pro hair removal is performed in a series of 6 to 10 sessions. Each session targets the hair follicle in its active growth phase to disrupt the cycle and disable the follicles’ ability to produce new hair.
Do you need multiple sessions?
You have many hair follicles even in a small area. Targeting all of them in one session isn’t possible, but each session leaves you with fewer active hair follicles. The number of sessions required depends on:
Skin tone and color of hair.
Growth cycles of your hair.
Genetic and hormonal factors.
Your hair removal history.
If you have darker hair on lighter skin, you will get the fastest results. The laser uses the contrast between hair color and skin color to guide it. A single area will typically take six-eight sessions.
What’s it like after the procedure?
Your skin may be red for a few minutes or a few hours. Occasionally, some patients may have an inflammation response which will involve the treated area having slightly raised bumps on the skin. This typically goes away after a few hours.
How do you get ready for Candela GentleMax laser hair removal?
Unlike prior to a waxing session, you’ll want to shave before you go in for this procedure. Shaving not only removes the longer hair; but will provide a more comfortable laser session as the laser is attracted to melanin in the hair follicle. It is advised that patients wanting laser hair removal should avoid sun exposure for a few weeks before/after the procedure. Spray tans and tanning cream should also be avoided as it will interfere with the hair removal process. Don’t wax or tweeze for four to six weeks prior to a session. If there’s no hair there, the laser can’t target its follicle. Avoid skin care products with irritants such as Glycolic Acid or Retin-A in the procedure area for about a week before treatment. Accutane is completely incompatible with laser hair removal as it will increase the risks of scarring. Thus, patients should wait at least 6 months after they stop their Accutane treatment and before they start laser hair removal.