GentleLase Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments does it take to clear an area?
On average 4-6, but it may take more.
Should I expect to be hair free in the treated area after the series of treatments?
No, most patients experience a 80-90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area after the series of treatments, but should not expect to be hair free.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal has been in use for some time, and stable hair loss has been reported as far back as seven years, and Candela has clearance through the FDA to claim permanence. It still needs to be spoken of in terms of permanent "reduction" rather than "removal" since removal denotes 100% and that is not realistic.
Why does the hair appear to still be there, and will look like it is growing for 1-3 weeks post treatment?
The laser does not remove the hair at the time of the treatment, but the hair will fall out, or be "shed" 1-3 weeks after treatment.
Why does the laser not work well on blonde, grey, or red hair?
The laser energy interacts with the pigment in the hair root, and these hair colors either don't have much or any pigment in them, or is of a type (pheomelanin) that does not absorb light as well as the other form of melanin (eumelanin).
Why must patients not use any form of epilation for 6 weeks prior to treatment with the GentleLase?
The hair root has to be present for the laser to work, so if the patient has removed it with waxing, plucking, or electrolysis, then there is nothing for the laser energy to interact with.
Why must tanning be avoided 6 weeks before and after treatment?
Melanin formation in the skin as a response to sun exposure, decreases the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as makes it more likely that the patient will experience hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation or blistering from the treatment.
Why must the area to be treated be shaved just prior, or up to 2 days before treatment?
Surface hair, if present will be singed off, increasing the risk of a burn, as well as taking up energy that does not get to the root of the hair follicle.
Why must protective eyewear be worn by everyone in the treatment room?
The GentleLase is a high powered laser system, and can cause eye injury if proper eyewear is not worn while the laser is used.
Beautiful Skin At Any Age
Meredith Bay Laser Center
169 Daniel Webster Highway
Meredith, NH 03253
(603)556-7271
