Laser Hair Removal

CONCERN:	Unwanted body or facial hair.
SOLUTION:	Candela GentleLASE Alexandrite Laser Candela GentleYAG Nd:YAG Laser Candela technologies deliver unmatched performance in removing unwanted hair for all skin types. Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) provides consistent epidermal cooling, resulting in unparalleled comfort and safety for patients.
RESULT:	Permanent hair reduction to permanent hair removal.
SESSIONS REQUIRED:	6 to 8 sessions.
SESSION INTERVAL:	4 to 8 weeks.
SESSION DURATION:	5 to 60 minutes, dependent on area treated.
RECOVERY PERIOD:	Most patients experience a slight reddening or local swelling of the skin, similar in appearance to sunburn, which typically lasts a few hours or less.

HOW DOES LASER WORK?

The Candela GentleLASE and GentleYAG emit a single concentrated light beam which is absorbed and transmitted by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light is converted into thermal energy which travels down the hair shaft to the dermal papilla, disabling hair that is principally in the active growth phase.

IS LASER SAFE?

Yes, laser has been used in a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures for many years. Laser is a form of light which is unable to produce genetic change, and thereby, does not contribute to the development of cancer or pose any risk to the skin (unlike UVA and UVB).

In addition, Evolution Laser uses Candela Technologies, a highly regarded name in the industry which has pioneered the development of some of the safest and most effective products available in today’s market. Although laser hair removal is considered safe, it is important to have your treatments conducted by an experienced and trained professional.

HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED?

The amount of sessions required will vary from person to person and also the area being treated. For the majority of people an average of 6 to 8 sessions are required to permanently reduce hair. This average is dependent on factors such as age, hormones, hair thickness, and an individuals’ hair growth cycle. Interestingly, not all hairs actively grow at the same time; they actually grow in three distinct phases: growth, transition, and resting. Hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment will be disabled. The residual hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times in which the proceeding sessions will disable the actively growing hair.

Click here to view the Hair Growth Cycle and the Structure of Hair.

IS LASER PAINFUL?

Most patients describe the treatment as mildly uncomfortable, similar in sensation to the flick of an elastic band. The degree of discomfort experienced is dependant on the energy levels used, skin type, hair type, and of course the individual. At Evolution Laser the GentleLASE and the GentleYAG is available to patients. Having two technologies available means more effective and less painful treatments for our patients. Generally the treatment is well tolerated and relatively pain free. For those who find the procedure uncomfortable or are treating a sensitive area, a topical anaesthetic is available.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

Several companies performing laser hair removal treatments use the word “permanent”. The permanence of the treatment is dependent on an individual’s hormones and hair growth cycle. Many patients experience permanent hair removal, however falling pregnant, the onset of menopause, medications and stress can re-stimulate the growth of hair in some individuals. Imbalanced hormones, usually associated with facial hair on females, can cause hair to persist in a lighter and finer growth.

In summary, an individual’s response to laser is unique; a certain percentage of patients will achieve permanent hair removal within 6 to 8 sessions, while other patients will require additional sessions. The key to permanent hair removal is to treat the hair while it is actively growing.

IS LASER SUITABLE FOR ME?

The ideal candidate for laser is an individual with dark hair and light skin. Laser is more effective on thick dark hair than it is on thin light hair. Individuals with dark hair and dark skin can still be treated, however additional treatments may be required to achieve results. With both the GentleLASE and the GentleYAG available, Evolution Laser can safely and effectively treat any skin type. Both male and female patients, of all ages can be treated on any area of the body with the area beneath the eyebrows being the only exception.

Laser is not effective on blonde, red, grey or white hair. Hair with insufficient pigment (melanin) is unable absorb and transmit the laser energy, resulting in little or no destruction at all.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENT?

To maximise results and to reduce the risk of adverse skin reactions the following activities should be avoided for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treatment:

• Sun exposure (apply a SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid the sun)
• Solariums
• Fake tan
• Harsh exfoliants or products containing AHA’s

Hair should not be removed by the root (waxing, tweezing, threading, or emjoying) or bleached for approximately 4 weeks prior to treatment. Two days before your treatment shave, trim or use a depilatory cream on the area so the hair is short; this will ensure optimum results and reduce unnecessary discomfort.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY TREATMENT?

Immediately following your treatment, the area may appear slightly red and swollen. Three to ten days after the procedure you may experience what appears to be “re-growth”. This resurfacing hair is actually being shed as a result of your treatment, and is not re-growing. Over a two week period the treated area will progressively become hair free. Between four to eight weeks residual hairs not disabled in the previous treatment will resurface, initially as tiny black dots, developing into stubble. It is at this stage of growth that your next session is required.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MY ACTVITITIES AFTER THE TREATMENT?

After the treatment you may resume your normal day to day activities; however some patients may experience more redness than others, and should plan their social engagements accordingly. Patients should limit their sun/solarium exposure and apply a SPF 30+ sunscreen to the area treated.

In general the following activities should be avoided until all redness has subsided:

• Strenuous exercise or activities that can cause profuse sweating
• Make-up and topical medications
• Scrubbing, shaving, and exfoliating
• Swimming pools and spas (chlorinated water)

Fake tans, AHA’s and harsh exfoliants should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after treatment. The next scheduled treatment should also be considered when deciding to do particular activities or using certain products; enough time needs to have had elapsed before proceeding with the next treatment.

WHY ARE CANDELA TECHNOLOGIES DIFFERENT?

The advanced technologies of Candela Lasers are recognised as one of the most efficient and effective hair removal systems on the market. The GentleLASE and the GenltleYAG emit optimal wavelengths of light that are best absorbed by the hair follicle, while protecting the surrounding skin from thermal damage via the patented Dynamic Cooling Device.

The Dynamic Cooling Device prepares the skin for treatment by spraying the upper layers of the skin with a cooling burst of cryogen (ice) providing greater epidermal protection and patient comfort. The GentleLASE and the GentleYAG treat all skin types quickly, safely and effectively. Both Candela Lasers are FDA approved in effectively reducing unwanted hair in approximately 6 to 8 sessions, with clinical studies confirming Laser is more effective than IPL or SPL.

LASER OR IPL?

Both laser and IPL emit light to cause thermal damage to the hair follicle. What separates the two technologies is the difference in the wavelength of light. The GentleLASE and the GentleYAG emit a precise, near infra-red light at the single wavelength of 755nm and 1064nm respectively. These wavelengths produce optimal penetration and adsorption due to their coherent and low divergent properties, resulting in the destruction of the hair follicle.

IPL emits a variety of wavelengths, 500nm to 1200nm, combining to produce a white light. These wavelengths are divergent and incoherent, resulting in scattering and interference. This scattering and interference reduces the overall power of the light and therefore its ability to effectively penetrate the skin and destroy the hair.

The variety of wavelengths present in IPL make it useful in treating several conditions, however this ability prevents IPL to selectively focus on one concern, adding a greater risk of adverse skin reactions. The GentleLASE and the GentleYAG on the other hand are separate machines that are able to permanently remove hair from the lightest to the darkest of skin types. The ability of these lasers to channel all of the available energy from one wavelength into one concern delivers unmatched performance in permanent hair reduction.