What are the advantages of the laser ?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only semi-permanent way to remove hair has been by electrolysis, which can be painful, time-consuming and is limited to small skin areas. Scarring, allergic reaction and ingrown hairs are possible side effects of all these hair removal methods. The "Candela laser" can remove unwanted body hair without damaging the surrounding skin structure. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in ten to fifteen minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.

Who is a good candidate ?
The best results have been achieved on individuals with light skin and dark hair. Results may be somewhat limited with dark skin and light hair. Many factors may influence the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person.

What does the treatment include ?
Generally, the treatment will include :

• Safety eyewear to protect the patient’s eyes during the procedure from the laser light.

• A small hand piece is used with a probe that touches the skin to deliver the laser light.

• A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse, followed by a slight popping sound as the laser removes the hair follicles being treated.

• Most patients experience only a little discomfort at the treatment site.

• Topical anesthesia may also be used.

• The procedure can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treated.
  All patients can go home immediately following treatment.

• The treated area may become pink or red within about 30 minutes of treatment. This may last from a few hours to several days.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment ?

• Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.

• Avoid plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of lip herpes, prophylactic antiviral medication may be prescribed.

• If you have a tan or have a dark skin, a bleaching cream is started 2-4 weeks before treatment.

How many treatments will I need ?
Hair grows in cycles: ‘active’ phase, followed by ‘resting’ phase, etc. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin type, hair color and hair coarseness. Everyone will require at least 3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their ‘active’ growing cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat the follicles that were in the ‘resting’ phase when they re-enter the ‘active’ phase.

What are the possible complications ?
Like any other laser treatment, complications are possible but uncommon, temporary or permanent, such as infection, inflammatory reaction, skin discoloration (hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation), redness, scarring, poor hair response, etc.