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laser hair removal

Laser hair removal with GentleMax Laser

The laser hair removal technique is a breakthrough for achieving long lasting relief from unwanted hair growth without damaging the skin's delicate pores.

Laser Hair Removal is a technologically advanced process that can dramatically and permanently reduce the number and thickness of hair on the face and body. The GentleMax can disable hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second, and promises long-lasting results. Our hair laser system can treat all skin types, from light to dark, including tanned patients. For large areas such as the back or legs, a fast laser makes treatment far more comfortable.

Hair laser technology involves a noninvasive laser specifically designed to eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. The system generates intense, long-pulsed light through an fast-pulsing hand piece, which effectively shuts down unwanted pigmented hair follicles, thus impairing their ability to regrow hair.

How Does a Hair Laser Work?

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The hand piece is placed gently on the skin and glides along and cools the skin with a super cooling cryogen blast using the patented DCD “dynamic cooling device”  before pulses of light are delivered from the laser. When the light penetrates the skin, it selectively damages the root of the unwanted hair by transference of heat energy along the hair shaft. The laser’s light is attracted by pigment in the hair. This is one reason dark hair is easier to treat than lighter hair. White, gray and blond hair do not absorb laser heat and as such will laser treatment will not be effective.

View 3d Animation – Laser Hair Removal

The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding skin. The number of treatments required will depend on skin color, hair color and coarseness of the hair. Although the hair follicle cannot be permanently removed, hair growth can be stopped or minimized for around three to five months. Repeat sessions will be required to treat the follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.

Multiple treatments are necessary for best results. Laser energy has its greatest effect on growing, or anagen hair follicles; as the dormant, or telogen hairs become active, usually within 3 weeks to 3 months, some new hair growth will be observed.

Laser Hair removal is appropriate for these areas

• Face, lip, chin
• Hairline
• Back of the Neck
• Legs
• Arms
• Underarms
• Back
• Chest
• Nipples
• Ears
• Head
• Bikini line

Photo Source Candela Laser

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After Treatment Guidelines

Although there are no major side effects associated with this procedure, temporary redness and/or swelling in the treated area might occur but generally lasts for one to two days, or longer in some patients. There might be pigmentary changes in skin color as well as discomfort during or after the procedure, which usually lasts a few hours to a few days.

Appropriate post care instructions should be followed including wearing sunscreen or protective clothing on exposed laser treated areas for one month following the procedure. Makeup can be used immediately after the treatment of facial skin. After the treatment, the hairs will slough off over two to three weeks. You may use a depilatory crème or electric razor to remove treated hair but do not pluck the hairs.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The general opinion is that laser hair removal is permanent, and the Food and Drug Administration approved it as “permanent reduction,” but doesn’t it work 100% of the time on 100% of the people. Generally, this means that you shouldn’t expect laser to remove every single hair from an area. Most patients will also need touch-up treatments 1-2 times a year after the initial set of treatments for any new growth your bod develops with age.

Removal of hair on the ears
Photo Source Candela Laser

It has also been observed that some people seem to be non-responders – this is not confirmed and reasons are not known as not enough research has been done in this area. Keep in mind that it's also difficult to judge whether someone’s lack of results is due to the person’s potential underlying medical condition that causes continuous growth and makes it seem like laser isn’t working, whether the treatment wasn't performed properly, or whether for some people it just doesn't work and we don't know why. Basically, you can’t determine this for yourself unless you try it.

How many treatments will I need?

Most areas require 6-10 treatments. However, the number of GentleMax treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on multiple factors – hair thickness, the area treated and your hair’s growth cycle. Not all hairs are actively growing at the same time as they go through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting.

Laser hair reduction treatments work by disabling the hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.

How should I prepare for treatment and what should I expect after treatment?

You should shave the area to be treated 1-3 days before treatment but not the day of your treatment. No waxing, tweezing, threading or removal of hair root with any other way is allowed 4-6 weeks before. The hair needs to be in place to be targeted by laser. If your hair is the type that you can’t see where it was right after you shave, make it a bit easier on your provider not to miss the spots you want treated by shaving 1-3 days before so the outline of where hair is growing is just slightly visible.

Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?

Following the treatment, you can return to your normal activities right away, but some redness may occur. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. In addition, Dr. Sikorski may recommend that you use a specially formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regimen especially formulated for your skin type.

Is laser hair removal treatment painful?

Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but generally laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation is different. It resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream, but one may be used for very sensitive patients/areas.

What are the possible side effects?

Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn. These effects typically last for several hours or less. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.

Starting Point To Learn What's Right For You

Not sure where to start? Give us a call and chat with our patient coordinator Michelle. Call the office at (949) 448-0487 or Request a callback through this online form.

Cosmetic Consults with Dr. Sikorski are complimentary

• No fees
• No pressure
• No obligations - Book your consult today

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