FAQs

Do I qualify for the laser treatment?

In general, the best candidates for laser hair removal are the patients that have dark and coarse hair, however as individual circumstances vary, it is best to consult the laser specialist to determine whether you may qualify for the results you are looking for. Laser hair removal is not effective on light (blond), grey and red hair. Anti-aging, skin tightening, acne, and other laser skin treatments are suitable for all hair and skin types and with minimal to no downtime! For years, people of color were unable to benefit from the laser hair removal services, but now GentleMax PRo® by Candela makes it safe and possible to forget about shaving and save so much more! We highly recommend you conduct your own research as well and ask all relevant questions during your FREE Consultation.

What part of the body is laser treatment best for?

Individual results vary, however, for the hair removal procedures experience shows that laser hair removal has faster and longer-lasting results with coarser (e.g shaved) and darker hair. Nevertheless, it is also proven that with a persistent and well-spaced treatment plan, the patients with different hair types may have reached desirable and sustainable results. Usually, melanin scarce lighter (blond, grey, red) hairs and roots are not susceptible to the hair reduction procedures as the laser is targeting melanin and lack of thereof does not make the procedure as effective. A certified and experienced laser specialist will be able to recommend the best treatment option, based on your medical history, individual priorities, and other important variables that make-up the patient assessment during our FREE consultation at the clinic.

What can I expect during laser treatment?

GentleMax PRo® by Candela uses a patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), a burst of the cryogen (cooling effect) at the same time as the laser pulse (heat) works on the treatment area. Patients often compare it to the snapping rubber sensation, however, it resolves quickly and most of the time is a rather comfortable procedure to endure. If the pain intolerance is very high, the patient can apply topical anesthesia prior to the procedure to minimize the discomfort. Please consult your family doctor if you are going to use a prescription-based local anesthetic cream or ointment and consider applying it at least 40 minutes to one hour before the laser procedure.

Is there downtime after the laser treatment?

Most of the procedures performed by GentleMax PRo® require no downtime. Individual skin type, skin sensitivity, and type of the procedure of course vary and the experienced laser specialists will walk you through what you may expect post-treatment. Some swelling, bruising, or redness is considered a normal skin reaction and should subside in a relatively short period of time. It is strongly recommended not to get extensive sun exposure or tan after the laser treatments in order to avoid any skin pigmentation. Remember, wearing sunscreen even for regular walks will prolong a healthy appearance and significantly reduce sun damage, pigmentation, and wrinkles in the future! More detailed post-care instructions are provided to every patient following the procedure and upon the FREE consultation.

How does laser hair reduction work?

Our bodies have millions of follicles, some of which are dormant and never grow hair unless stimulated; Physiologically, hair protects the skin and depending on genetics, ethnic background, medical history, and other factors some people may have minimal and some may experience excessive hair growth. Many patients wonder, why it takes several sessions to see a significant reduction of hair on your body - the answer is not always simple, but in addition to the individual medical background, underlying conditions, genetics, environmental issues, and more, our bodies react to the “loss of hair” by stimulating the growth to keep protecting the skin with the hair cover. Given the hair regrowth is a continuous process, it is almost impossible to get rid of all the hair and what you will often hear is a “permanent hair reduction” rather than “removal”. The good news is that you can permanently reduce the hair growth and those hairs captured in the Anagen (growth) stage during the laser treatment absorb laser energy the best and never grow back! Multiple sessions ensure to capture as many of the hairs in the anagen stage as possible and therefore permanently result in up to 75-90% of hair reduction.

Is it safe to perform laser treatments?

GentleMax Pro® by Candela is FDA approved and a gold standard premium, especially for Laser hair removal procedures. Technically trained and certified specialists know how to identify the right type of treatment (skin type, wavelength, pulse intensity, etc) to avoid any adverse skin reactions that may occur using the laser. While the results are individual and you may have a varied reaction to the laser treatment, it is otherwise cleared as a safe, globally used equipment and procedures implemented by many medical and laser specialists around the world. Individual side-effects may occur, therefore it is important to follow all pre and post-care instructions and work with the specialist to minimize the risks.

Do I need to prepare for the laser treatments?

As you have consulted the laser specialist and the right treatment plan has been identified to address your issues, you will also be provided specific instructions on how to maximize the outcome of your intended results. For example, for the laser hair removal procedure, you will be asked to stop plucking or waxing the area where you would like the procedure to be performed at least 3-4 weeks prior, in order to allow for the follicle to grow hair that will be targeted during the laser treatment. It is also advised to shave at least 24-48 hours in advance of the procedure to get rid of extra hair length and focus on the follicle itself. For all other laser procedures (e.g. rejuvenation, skin tightening) please refer to the pre and post-care instructions sent to you prior to your appointment as they may vary depending on the procedure.

Can a person of color undergo a laser hair removal procedure?

YES! Our newest equipment allows for both fair and dark skin laser treatments and offers both Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm ) treatment options. Nd:YAG, used for the procedures performed on dark skin, penetrates deeper than Diode laser available on the market and is less absorbed by the skin pigment (thus, avoiding irritation or damage while focusing on the hair follicle only). Please note, that due to the gentle nature of the laser treatment options on people of color, patients with darker skin types may require more sessions to ensure desirable permanent hair reduction results. Any medical condition (e.g. hormonal disbalance) may also prolong the treatment to achieve maximum clearance of hair growth.