Marietta Dermatology Associates

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Marietta Dermatology Associates

5041 Dallas Highway, Suite D
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Ph: (770) 427-5467

GentleLASE Laser Hair Removal

What is the laser hair removal system and why is it a safe treatment?
Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical procedures, including cosmetic treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and fine lines on the face. The GentleLASE, an alexandrite laser system, 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 can disable the follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. The skin is protected during treatment by a process where a coolant is sprayed onto the skin, cooling the outer layers to provide patients increased comfort.

What are the methods of hair removal?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, chemical depilatories, 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 cosmetic areas. Scarring, allergic reactions and ingrown hairs are common side effects of all these hair removal methods. The laser more safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin.

Why should I have laser treatment?
This is a procedure to remove unwanted hair. The best results have been achieved on darker, finer hair in people with lighter skin color, but other factors may influence the treatment process and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person.

What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:

* Safety eyewear to protect the patient’s eyes during the procedure from the intense laser light.
* A small handpiece will be 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.
* Most patients experience mild 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 may be used. Be sure to discuss this with your physician in advance of laser treatment.
* The procedure can take as little as 10 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 until your physician allows it. You must avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have a history of facial fever blisters, antiviral therapy may be prescribed before treatment.

If you are tan or have darker skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment. If your skin tone is too dark, you may not be a good candidate for this type of treatment. You should discuss with us the improvements you expect to achieve. Together you and the physician 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, hair coloring and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase.

It is not possible at this time to assure permanent, complete hair removal after a series of treatments. Most patients have at least some long term reduction in hair growth and/or somewhat less coarse hair.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures; however, consult your insurance carrier for more information.

For further information, call our Marietta office at 770-422-1013. A consultation can be scheduled to discuss your specific situation. Information on fees is available at our front desk at the Marietta office, which is the only location offering this treatment.

GentleLASE Hair Removal Treatments are only available at our Main Office in Marietta on Campbell Hill Street.

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