The Candela GentleMax Pro is different from other lasers because it contains two different lasers: Nd:Yag (with a wavelength of 1064 nm) and Alexandrite (with a wavelength of 755 nm). This allows it to treat many different types of conditions, such as unwanted hair, leg veins, facial capillaries, rosacea, hyperpigmentation (discoloration) from sun exposure. The two different lasers also provide the ability to treat all skin types, from light to dark.

Laser Hair Removal

The laser works by penetrating the hair follicle with light energy, destroying it at its root while preserving the surrounding skin. If you are planning on having a laser hair removal treatment, or have had it done recently, please see our patient instructions page.

Contraindications/Precautions:

• Accutane: Wait 6 months after the completion of accutane therapy

• Tattoos: Tattooed skin, including decorative, permanent makeup, and radiation port tattoos cannot be treated

• History of photosensitivity

• Pregnancy

• Seizure disorders: Patients with a history of light-triggered seizures cannot be treated

• Medications: There are certain medications that induce photosensitivity or bruising. Please consult your physician and review your medication list with him/her.

• HSV 1 & 2/active skin infections: If you have an active cold sore or open wound, you should not be treated. If you have a known history of HSV 1&2 lesions, you should be pre-treated with valtrex (or a similar antiviral medication) prior to treatment. Contact your physician for a prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments does it take to clear an area?

On average, it takes 4 to 6 treatments, but some people may require more treatments.

Should I expect to be hair free in the treated area after the series of treatments?

No, most patients experience a 80 to 90% reduction in the amount of hair in the given area after the series of treatments.

Why does the hair appear to still be there, and will look like it is growing for 1 to 3 weeks post treatment?

The laser does not actually remove the hair at the time of the treatment. The hair falls out or “sheds” 1 to 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. These colors do not have much or any pigment in them.

Why must the area to be treated be shaved just prior to treatment?

Surface hair, if present, will be singed. This increases the risk of a burn, as well as absorbs some of the laser energy that is supposed to target the hair root.

Does the laser treatment hurt?

There is a stinging sensation. However, we use a cooling spray which helps to decrease this sensation. Patients who have waxed or used electrolysis in the past report that the laser treatment is less painful.

What are the possible side effects of laser hair removal?

Side effects include: blistering, hyper/hypo-pigmentation, or scarring.

How long does each treatment take?

Depending on the area treated, the treatment may take a few minutes up to an hour. The 18 mm head allows for more efficient treatment of large areas, such as the back or legs.

What will the treated area look like immediately afterwards?

The skin in the treated area will have some redness and the hair follicles will look like goose bumps for 1 to 2 hours.

What precautions should I take throughout the process?

Sun exposure, including artificial tanning MUST be avoided for two weeks before and after treatment.

Melanin formation in the skin as a response to ultraviolet light decreases the effectiveness of the treatment and increases the likelihood of blistering.

Do not use any form of  bleach or epilation (waxing, plucking, electrolysis, or threading) for 6 weeks prior to treatment.

The laser targets the hair root (with it’s pigment). If the patient has bleached or removed the hair, then there is nothing for the laser to target.

Veins (facial veins/telangiectasias and leg/spider veins)

The laser treats vascular anomalies by emitting a wavelength that is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin (the red portion of blood) in the targeted vessels.  The laser causes the vein to collapse and eventually to be absorbed by the body. The laser energy is coupled with a cooling mechanism to protect the skin. If you are planning on having a laser vein treatment, or have had it done recently, please see our patient instructions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be treated?

Patients of all Fitzpatrick skin types (from fair to dark) can be treated. See our “Skin Typing Questionnaire” to determine your skin type.

What type of veins can be treated?

Small facial veins (telangiectasias) and red spots (cherry hemangiomas) can be treated. Spider veins can also be treated with excellent results. However, we advise that if you have large, bulging varicose veins, that you seek consultation from a vascular surgeon.

How many treatments will I need?

Some patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments needed depends on the size and darkness of the vessels. Some patients will require three to four treatments.

Do the treatments hurt?

Most patients describe a stinging sensation, “like a hot rubber band”. There will be more discomfort with larger and darker vessels, due to the increased amount of light energy being absorbed.

Immediate expected response:

• Temporary darkening/redness, and swelling of veins (less than 24 hours)
• Some patients may experience bruising or blistering of the skin (less than 24 hours)
• Red/purple discoloration of veins resolves within two weeks
• Gradual fading over several weeks to months

Are there any restrictions on activity after treatment?

You can resume most normal activities immediately after your treatment. However, we recommend that you avoid vigorous activity, such as strenuous exercise, for the first 24 hours after treatment. As allows, the use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas which may be exposed to the sun.

Benign Pigmented Lesions

The laser works by targeting melanocytes. No cooling is used, as this would defeat the purpose of targeting the epidermal melanocytic lesion. If you are planning on having a laser benign pigmented lesion treatment, or have had it done recently, please see our patient instructions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

Some patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments needed depends on the size and darkness of the lesion. Some patients will require three to four treatments.

Do the treatments hurt?

Most patients describe a stinging sensation, “like a hot rubber band”. There will be more discomfort with larger and darker lesions, due to the increased amount of light energy being absorbed.

What is the expected response?

• Immediate darkening of the lesion
• Temporary redness and swelling around the lesion
• Formation of gray-brown scale that resolves within one to two weeks
• Gradual fading over several weeks