14856 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75254
Questions About Laser Hair Removal
- Why do you use the Candela gentle YAG laser?
- What should I know about Laser Hair Removal?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is treatment covered by insurance?
- What other skin conditions can be treated with the Candela Gentle YAG Laser?
- Is hair removal permanent?
- How does the Candela Gentle YAG laser work?
- Does laser hair removal hurt?
- What about cost?
- What are the risks and/or complications that may be involved with laser hair removal?
- How many treatments may be required in order to achieve my desires results?
- Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
- After treatment, will I be completely “hair free”?
- Will I need a “Test Spot”?
- Are there any restrictions on my activities following treatment?
Why do you use the candela gentle YAG laser?
The Candela Gentle YAG laser uniquely provides laser hair removal for everyone. Whether you’re fair skinned, dark skinned, or well-tanned, the Gentle YAG can eliminate the need for shaving, plucking, waxing, or depilatory creams. Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots, and skin rejuvenation. The Gentle YAG System, a revolutionary long-pulse high-energy ND: YAG laser, emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) in which cryogen is sprayed onto the skin, cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort. Gentle YAG selectively helps to protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair.
What should I know about Laser Hair Removal?
The procedure varies from patient to patient depending on the amount of hair being treated. You should be aware of the following:
- Certain types of skin require a “test spot” prior to treatment.
- The patient and the physician will wear safety eyewear at all times.
- The doctor will use a small hand piece that touches the skin and delivered the laser light. Cryogen spray will cool the skin just before each laser pulse. Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the Dynamic Cooling Device™.
- The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia is available.
- The procedure can take as little as a few minutes, or as much as one hour for large areas.
- The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color, hair color, coarseness of hair, and location of treatment area. Everyone will require at least 4 to 6 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.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However, you should consult with your insurance carrier for more information.
What other skin conditions can be treated with the Candela Gentle YAG Laser?
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is a common skin condition caused by irritation of the hair follicle and causes skin to appear rough and bumpy, especially in the jaw area. This condition can be resolved with laser hair removal in the affected area.
Nasal Veins—the tiny purple/red blood vessels that appear around the nose can be easily and painlessly removed utilizing the Gentle YAG laser.
Leg Veins—the tiny purple/red spider veins that form on the legs can also be painlessly and quickly removed utilizing the Gentle YAG laser.
Is hair removal permanent?
Permanent hair removal is not possible with any method of removal at this time. Laser hair removal is the premier treatment option today and provides long term hair REDUCTION. You can expect to see a 70% to 90% reduction in total hair after 3 to 6 treatments. The remaining hair grows back much finer and lighter than before treatment. Results will be long term, lasting from seven years to indefinitely. Lasers have being used for hair removal since 1997, and the data for results does not go beyond that at this time. It is very likely that results from laser hair removal will last beyond 10 to 20 years.
How does the Candela Gentle YAG laser work?
The Candela Gentle YAG laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deep into the skin tissue where it delivers a controlled amount of targeted therapeutic heat. Candela’s patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long pulse laser and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects. The Candela Gentle YAG laser treats pigmented hair and works best on brown or black hairs. Lighter hair may require additional treatments and white hair does not respond to laser treatment.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
While most patients report little to no discomfort during treatment, some patients may feel a slight discomfort during treatment. The discomfort experienced resolves in several seconds and is minimized by Candela’s DCD cooling. A topical anesthetic may be used prior to your treatment, and many patients find it helpful to take Advil or Tylenol about an hour or two before treatment.
What about cost?
Laser hair removal can be a very affordable solution to unwanted hair. Laser hair removal can produce fast results with less of an investment of time and finances than other hair removal techniques. Because of the variation in body shapes, sizes, and the amount of time required to perform a particular procedure, our fees are not posted on this web site. During your free consultation, you will receive a skin typing evaluation, spot test and personalized treatment plan which clearly outlines your fee. The treatment plan and payment options will be thoroughly presented to you, and you may decide whether to proceed with treatment. Market research and planning have provided us with the confidence to say that our fees for laser hair removal services are some of the best in the area. You may also be able to save even more with package pricing. Financing is available through Citi Health. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American express.
What are the risks and/or complications that may be involved with laser hair removal?
Although risks and complications from laser hair removal are uncommon, it is important to understand that as with any cosmetic procedure, there may be short- and long-term side effects associated with treatment. Short-term side effects may include reddening or slight swelling of the skin, which may last for about an hour up to a few days. Hyperpigmentation (increased pigment) and Hypopigmentation (decreased pigment) may also occur in the skin. This is a rare complication which occurs in less than 2% of patients. Pigmentation changes are rarely a cosmetic concern, and generally resolve on their own within a few months. Blisters from the laser light, similar to a sunburn, can occur in less than 1% of patients. If a blister occurs, you should apply an antibacterial cream and contact the office. A blister from laser hair removal can cause scarring.
How many treatments may be required in order to achieve my desires results?
Laser hair removal works only on the hairs that are in an active growth stage. Each hair is in a different stage of development and growth at any given time. Follicles that are in the dormant or non-growth stage will not be affected by the laser. Additional treatments ensure the treatment of hairs that have returned to an active growth stage. In addition, the light, fine “peach fuzz” hairs that are unaffected by the laser can mature over time and will require touchups.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
The Candela Gentle YAG laser can be used safely on almost any skin type including dark skin and tanned skin. Hair that is light blonde, light red, or white will not be affected by the laser. Treatment may be performed on men and women of all ages, including children over the age of 12. Some medications and health concerns contradict laser hair removal, and you should discuss any prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you may be taking with your clinician during your consultation.
After treatment, will I be completely “hair free”?
Laser hair removal will not remove 100% of the hair in treated areas. Light blonde, light red, and white hair is not affected by the laser. Patients should expect a 70% to 90% reduction in the amount of hair in a treated area after 3 to 6 treatments. The remaining hair will grow back much finer and lighter than prior to treatment. This is usually a very acceptable result. It is important to understand that no hair removal treatment will permanently remove 100% of unwanted hair.
Will I need a “Test Spot”?
Test spots are often performed during your consultation in order to determine exactly how your skin will react to the laser hair removal. Test spots are performed on an inconspicuous area of the skin. Test spots are most often performed on darker skin types and are checked a few days to a week later to help ensure proper energy usage for your laser hair removal. These test spots are not usually necessary on lighter skin tones. They are an important tool for minimizing the risk of skin discoloration and blistering.
Are there any restrictions on my activities following treatment?
Since laser hair removal is non-invasive (meaning it does not cut or burn the skin), you may return to normal activities on the same day. Please do not tan or expose your skin to the sun in between treatments. Always wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater while outdoors. Avoid tweezing, waxing, or sugaring in between treatments. You may shave or clip hair in between treatments. Do not shave the bikini area in between treatments. Shaving increases the chance that you will have ingrown hairs.
Patients from throughout the Dallas Metroplex visit Cosmetic Youth for exceptional service and first-class results. Our Dallas and Irving offices are conveniently located for North Dallas, Las Colinas, Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and the surrounding areas. Call our Dallas and Irving plastic surgery offices today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Weinstein and learn how we can improve your self-image and take years off your appearance.
