Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES THE LASER TREATMENT WORK?
The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light
that penetrates deep into 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.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?
Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s
office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect
your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner
will guide the laser to the treatment areas with
a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may
be preceded by a short pulse of cooling spray.
A treatment could take as little as a few minutes
to as long as an hour, depending on the area
and condition being treated.
DOES IT HURT?
Some patients may feel a slight discomfort
with each laser pulse, sometimes described as
the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.
This discomfort resolves in several seconds
and is minimized by Candela’s DCD cooling.
For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be
used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this
with your practitioner.
HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The number of sessions depends on the treatment
you require and the condition of your skin. For
hair removal, multiple treatments are required, as
the process is most effective when the hair follicle
is in its active growth phase.
Many factors impact
the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including
the severity of the condition being treated.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid
plucking, electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks
prior to treatment. If you have had a history of
herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for facial
hair treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may
be prescribed. Also, any hair should be completely
removed by shaving, and your skin should be
thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any
makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or skin
tanning products before laser treatment. The
intended treatment area should not be exposed to
sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days
prior to treatment
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for
comfort following your treatment. Any redness
or swelling should resolve within a few hours.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER TREATMENT?
After laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by
applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first
few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the
treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include
redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation,
blistering, and purpura (a laser bruise),
in the treated area—these usually do not last
more than a few days. Permanent side effects
are rare.
|
|
|
Pigmented Lesions |