Laser Hair Removal at Our Practice Serving San Jose, the South Bay, and Surrounding Communities

For laser hair removal, our practice has selected the Candela GentleLASE™ and GentleYAG™ systems, which we believe to be the safest and most effective lasers available today. Learn more about laser hair removal using the links below, or schedule a laser hair removal consultation at our practice serving San Jose, the South Bay, and surrounding areas today.

 

 

What are the Candela GentleLASE™ and GentleYAG™ lasers?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including vein treatments, tattoo removal, wrinkle treatments, and more. The GentleLASE™ laser is a revolutionary long-pulse high-energy Alexandrite laser system that is used for laser hair removal. The GentleLASE™ emits a beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed and transformed into heat. The heat disables the follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. The GentleYAG™ works in a similar manner but uses a longer wavelength that effectively removes hair from darker skin.

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Is laser hair removal safe?

Yes, laser hair removal is extremely safe. Throughout the procedure, your skin is protected from heat injury by the Candela Dynamic Cooling Device™, which places a burst of cryogen spray onto the skin before and after each laser pulse. The patented cooling technique is exclusive to Candela lasers. Not only does this protect you against thermal injury, it makes the laser hair removal treatment much more comfortable. When large areas such as the back and legs are being treated, you will appreciate the difference between the GentleLase™ and GentleYAG™ systems and other hair removal lasers.

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Why should I have GentleLASE™ GentleYAG™ treatments?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, and waxing, provide only temporary results. Until now, electrolysis has been the only semi-permanent hair removal technique. Unfortunately, this approach is limited to smaller areas and can be both painful and time consuming.

The GentleLASE™ and GentleYAG™ systems offer safe, comfortable, quick, and effective treatment. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes, while larger areas take a bit longer. The best results have been achieved on darker hair but other factors may influence the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person. The GentleYAG™ is particularly useful for darker skin types.

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What happens during the laser hair removal procedure?

Safety eyewear is provided to protect your eyes during the procedure. 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 and after each laser pulse. Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the Candela’s Dynamic Cooling Device™. However, topical anesthesia may be requested. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Lowen in advance of the laser hair removal treatment.

The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the size of the area treated. All patients can go home immediately following treatment. The treated area may become pink or red and this effect may last from a few hours to several days after your laser hair removal treatment. Our San Jose and South Bay area center also offers complimentary test sessions for patients with darker skin to determine optimal laser settings.

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What precautions should be taken before and after laser hair removal?

Tanned or darker skin can now be treated, so the older advice to avoid the sun before treatment is no longer necessary. Patients with lighter skin that would have used the GentleLase™ will be treated with the GentleYAG™ if they are tanned. However, patients must avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for six weeks prior to their laser hair removal treatment for optimal results. You should discuss your desired outcome and the improvements you expect to achieve with Dr. Lowen to determine if the treatment is right for you.

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How many treatments will I need?

The number of laser hair removal treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least two to three treatments, as hair grows in cycles and the process is only effective on hairs during their growth phase. Three to five sessions is the most common treatment program.

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How much does laser hair removal cost?

The value of laser hair removal treatment is its effectiveness and cost compared to previous time-consuming procedures such as electrolysis. At An Enhanced You Cosmetic Surgery, our fees are competitive and 10 percent discounts are given for a package of three and 15 percent for a package of five treatments. Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures, but consult with your insurance carrier for more information.

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What about IPL hair removal?

In addition to laser hair removal, Dr. Lowen performs hair removal using the Palomar Starlux™ IPL system. Also appropriate for facial rejuvenation, IPL treatments utilize intense pulsed light energy to gently and effectively remove unwanted hair. However, like laser hair removal procedures, multiple sessions are necessary to target hair follicles in the growth stage. Using the combined technology of IPL yellow and red light, and the GentleLase and GentleYAG, we offer you four different modalities to treat all areas, all skin types 1-6, and fine lighter hair as well as darker hair, providing you with a truly comprehensive laser hair removal clinic.

To schedule a laser hair removal consultation at our South Bay and San Jose area center, please contact our plastic surgery practice in Mountain View today.

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To learn more about laser hair removal, contact our practice serving San Jose, the South Bay, and the entire San Francisco Bay Area today.