GentleLase

The Candela GentleLASE system safely and effectively treats a wide variety of cosmetic skin problems that before now were difficult or impossible to treat. Our GentleLASE laser technology is known for its ability to provide permanent hair reduction for all skin types as well as treatment capabilities for pigmented and vascular lesions, and wrinkles.

Laser Lift Instructions

Before Treatment

1. The area to be treated with the laser should NOT have been exposed to the sun or the tanning booth for at least 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. If sun exposure has occurred, your skin will be more susceptible to side effects from the treatment including blistering and discoloration.
   
2. Stop the use of tanning creams one week prior to treatment.
   
3. If you are taking high doses of iron, or if you have an olive complexion, you may need a test spot to see if you are susceptible to developing dark spots after treatment. You may also need to begin using a bleaching cream one-month prior to your first treatment.
   
4. Please arrive at your appointment with clean, dry skin. Be sure to remove all lotions, perfumes or other skin care products prior to your treatment. You may use all of your usual skin care regimen right up until the night before treatment unless otherwise instructed.
   
5. EMLA or ELA-MAX may be prescribed to decrease pain. Also, if you have a history of cold sores, an antibiotic will be prescribed for the day of treatment.

During Treatment

1. You will need to wear opaque goggles to protect your eyes. When we are treating the cheek skin near the eye, you will “see” light, this is okay.
   
2. A puff of cold air will precede and follow the laser pulse. This helps to protect the surface of the skin while the deeper collagen layer is being stimulated.
   
3. The laser makes a knocking sound when it is being calibrated and with each laser pulse. Over the years, they have been able to shrink the size of the Alexandrite laser and with the decreased size, it has become louder!
   
4. Immediately following your treatment, a cool, wet cloth will be placed over the area to help reduce redness. After some of the redness has subsided, a moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied.

After Treatment

1. Sun avoidance is still crucial. Sunscreen with good UVA coverage containing zinc, Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) or titanium dioxide is required every morning (“THINK ZINC”) for at least a month post treatment. Ideally, you will use sunscreen daily throughout your lifetime.
   
2. A gentle cleanser followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen daily is recommended. A specific regimen may be recommended for you. This should be continued until all redness has subsided. Then you may return to your pre-treatment regimen.
   
3. It is normal to be red for one to several days after treatment. Please do not apply cortisone creams unless instructed as they may decrease the positive benefits of treatment. Broken capillaries may become smudgy in appearance and gradually disappear over the next couple of days.
   
4. It is normal for skin to become flaky where you have sunspots or freckles. However, call the office immediately if you notice any fluid-filled blisters.

 Please Click here to open and print our Laser Patient Questionnaire.