 R.J. "Chip" Splinter, MD, FACS Medical Director |
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Gentlase Plus ® Laser Hair Reduction Laser treatment is an FDA approved non-invasive approach to permanent reduction of facial and body hair. Long term studies in the U.S. and Europe have shown the technology to be effective and safe when done by experienced professionals. It is a convenient way to remove unwanted hair without shaving, waxing, or electrolysis. Women most often treat the lip and chin, under arms, bikini line, and legs. Men usually treat the back, shoulders, and upper arms. At Grant Street Medial Spa, we use the Gentlase Plus® for all of our hair removal. All laser treatments are performed by our Registered Nurse. How Does It Work? Dark pigment (melanin) in the hair attracts and absorbs the energy of the light emitted by the laser. In a fraction of a second, the absorbed laser energy is transformed into heat, destroying the hair follicle, without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue. A certain percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. How Many Treatments Will It Take? Hair grows in three phases: the growth phase, the mature phase and the dormant phase. The laser affects hair follicles only in the growth phase. Because of this, more than one treatment is necessary to disable all hair follicles. Treatments are done 4 to 6 weeks apart, in order to treat hair follicles in the growth phase. Usually 3-5 treatments are necessary to treat all hair follicles. Are The Results Permanent? Over time, skin will grow new hair from follicles that have never been active before. This is common due to a variety of reasons, such as hormonal changes, aging, maturation, etc. If you experience re-growth, you will notice the texture of the hair is fine and lighter in color. After you have successfully been treated for hair reduction, you may require an occasional maintenance session to eliminate the new hair. Will Laser Treatments Work On Everyone? Since it is the pigment in the hair that absorbs the laser energy, darker hair will absorb more energy. Thicker hair will absorb more energy, as well. Thus, the perfect patient for laser hair reduction is fair skinned and has dark hair. Patients with very light, blonde, or gray hair are not good candidates for this treatment. This is why it is a good idea to get rid of unwanted hair before it turns grey! In darker skin types, or tanned skin, hyper-pigmentation may occur. Hyper-pigmentation is a response of your normal pigment calls to laser stimulation, is basically a dark tan, in a very localized area. Fortunately, it is temporary and will fade over time. If you are tanned however, it is best if you wait 4 weeks for your tan to fade, to minimize the chances for hyper-pigmentation. Does It Hurt? The Gentlase Plus® is the only laser system available with a Dynamic Cooling Device that sprays cryogen onto the skin. This cools the upper skin layers and protects even the most delicate skin while dramatically reducing discomfort. Most patients say it is like exceeding less painful than waxing! Most patients tolerate treatment without difficulty. Some patients have a low pain tolerance, and we provide a topical numbing cream for an economical fee, depending on the area being treated. You must arrive 20 minutes before your treatment time so we can apply the cream and let it work its magic! After treatment, we apply a low-dose steroid cream to reduce any redness or swelling you might experience. You can purchase this over-the-counter cream in our office for a small fee. You should lightly apply the cream on the treated areas two times a day for several days after your laser treatment. Some patients may consider taking 2 Tylenol, 30 to 60 minutes prior to their appointment, if they feel the extra pain control is necessary. Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen (Motrin), as it could cause unnecessary bruising. When treating a large area, such as a back or chest, we also use ice packs during the treatment. What Do I Need To Know Prior To My Treatments? It is important to stay out of the sun for 4 weeks prior to laser treatments for hair removal. During this time, you should protect your skin with a sun-block with a SPF 30 or greater. Do not tweeze, pluck, wax or use depilatory creams (Nair) 4 weeks before your treatments begin or during your treatment period. By removing the follicles in their growth phase, you will reduce the effectiveness of the laser. You may shave any area to be treated, as shaving does not remove the hair follicle. If possible, shave the area to be treated before your treatment because shaving in the Spa is added into the billing time. If the targeted area is covered with longer hair, such as a man’s back or chest, come to the Spa with the longer hair untouched, and we will shave the hair to the optimal length at the time of the treatment. What Do I Need To Know After My Treatment? You will likely experience a temporary slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling. You may feel like you have a bit of sunburn. Using an over-the-counter topical steroid cream is all you should need to remain comfortable. Remember to protect the skin with a SPF 30 sun-block. You may wear moisturizer and makeup formulated for sensitive skin, as desired. You may immediately return to your regular activities. You may notice hair shedding from follicles for a few days to a week after treatment, this is normal. How Much Will It Cost? At Grant Street Medical Spa, we offer competitive and economical rates. Treatments widely vary in cost. Our prices range from $70 per treatment area (upper lip) to $850 (full legs). You may purchase a package of 3 treatments for a discounted price. We can give you a more exact quote during your initial consultation. |