Hair Removal for Smoother-looking Skin - Laser Hair Removal
HOW DOES THE LASER TREATMENT WORK?
The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light
that penetrates deeply into skin tissue, where
it delivers a controlled amount of targeted therapeutic
heat. Candela’s patented Dynamic
Cooling Device™ (DCD™) technology protects
the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst
of cryogen. Together, the long-pulse laser and
DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with
minimal side effects.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?
Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s
office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect
your eyes from the laser light. Your laser specialist
will guide the laser to the treatment areas with
a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may
be preceded and followed by a short pulse of
cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as
a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending
on the area and condition being treated.
DOES IT HURT?
Some patients may feel a slight discomfort
with each laser pulse, sometimes described like
the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This
discomfort resolves quickly and is minimized by
Candela’s DCD cooling. For some patients, a
topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment.
Be sure to discuss this with your laser specialist.
HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The number of sessions depends on the treatment
you require and the condition of your skin. For
hair removal, multiple treatments are required,
as the process is most effective when the hair
follicle is in its active growth phase. Other
conditions may clear up in only one treatment,
but many factors impact the efficacy of individual
laser treatments, including the severity of the
condition being treated.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid
plucking, electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks
prior to treatment. If you have a history of
herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for laser
treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be
prescribed. Also, your skin should be clean
shaven, and your skin should be thoroughly
cleansed and dried, removing any makeup,
creams, oils, topical anesthetics or self-tanning
products before laser treatment. The intended
treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight
or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment.
Before laser treatment, prevent sun exposure
by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above).
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for
comfort following your treatment. Any redness
or swelling should resolve within a few hours.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER TREATMENT?
After laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by
applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first
few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the
treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Your
practitioner may advise additional precautions.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include
redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation,
blistering and purpura (a laser bruise)
in the treated area—these usually do not last
more than a few days. Permanent side effects
are rare. Be sure to discuss potential side
effects with your practitioner.
ARE THESE TREATMENTS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement
for cosmetic procedures. Some carriers
will, however, cover the treatment of disfiguring
birthmarks such as hemangiomas. Consult your
insurance carrier for conclusive information.
As most insurance companies do not cover these
procedures, we do not file laser treatments with
your insurance company.
Speak to our receptionist today to schedule your appointment.
View Laser Hair Removal Before and After Photos
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