Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.

The use of lasers in dermatology has advanced rapidly over the past 30 years. Today, lasers have a broad range of dermatologic applications, including:

• removal or improvement of wrinkles & lines
• improvement of aging and photo-aging
• treatment of superficial brown pigmentation
• treatment of age spots and deep pigmented
• lesions such as port wine stains and birthmarks
• removal or improvement of scars
• removal of some skin cancers
• removal or improvement of vascular moles
• removal of tattoos
• removal of warts
• removal of unwanted hair

The principal applications of lasers in facial skin rejuvenation are reduction or removal of wrinkles, lines and age spots, to "resurface" the skin.

The laser (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a "light pump". It applies principles of radiation physics to narrowly segregate light of selected wavelength and "pump" the light radiation to high intensity. These beams of selected wavelength can be varied in intensity and in the duration of emitted pulses.

For example, powerful, rapid pulses of the infrared-wavelength carbon dioxide laser can vaporize targeted skin. The pulses of the carbon dioxide laser can be directed toward resurfacing skin without bleeding. The benefits of laser skin resurfacing include bloodlessness, plus:

• reduced risk of infection

  Underarms

  Bikini

  Chin

  Leg

  Back

• precisely controlled surgical effects
• one-day outpatient treatment in many instances

After-effects and recovery times vary with different laser procedures. A dermatologist will explain the risks, after-effects and benefits of recommended procedures.

Lasers are powerful instruments and laser surgery should be performed only by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon with experience in the procedure. To learn more about lasers and laser surgery, go to the Web site of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it.
You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment.
If you have had a history of per ioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed.
If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.
You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.