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 Laser Skin Care
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing
and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only
recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which
can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE System
safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and
structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in
under ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer. The use of lasers in dermatology has advanced rapidly over the
past 30 years. Today, lasers have a broad range of dermatologic applications,
including:
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removal or improvement of wrinkles & lines |
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improvement of aging and photo-aging |
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treatment of superficial brown pigmentation |
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treatment of age spots and deep pigmented
lesions such as port wine stains and birthmarks |
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removal or improvement of scars |
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removal of some skin cancers |
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removal or improvement of vascular moles |
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removal of tattoos |
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removal of warts |
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removal of unwanted hair |
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The principal applications of lasers in facial skin
rejuvenation are reduction or removal of wrinkles, lines and age spots, to
"resurface" the skin.
The laser (Light Amplification by the Stimulated
Emission of Radiation) is a "light pump". It applies
principles of radiation physics to narrowly segregate light of selected
wavelength and "pump" the light radiation to high intensity. These beams of
selected wavelength can be varied in intensity and in the duration of
emitted pulses.
For example, powerful, rapid pulses of the
infrared-wavelength carbon dioxide laser can vaporize targeted skin. The
pulses of the carbon dioxide laser can be directed toward resurfacing skin
without bleeding. The benefits of laser skin resurfacing include
bloodlessness, plus:
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reduced risk of infection |
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precisely controlled surgical effects |
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one-day outpatient treatment in many instances |
After-effects and recovery times vary with different laser
procedures. A dermatologist will explain the risks, after-effects and
benefits of recommended procedures.
Lasers are powerful instruments and laser surgery should be
performed only by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon with experience in
the procedure. To learn more about lasers and laser surgery, go to the Web
site of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
| Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your
practitioner allows it. |
| You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to
treatment. |
| If you have had a history of per ioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral
therapy may be prescribed. |
| If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks
before treatment to optimize results. |
| You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to
achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations
will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option. |
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Underarms
Bikini
Chin
Leg
Back |
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How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your
skin color and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3
treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing
cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they
re-enter the early growth phase.
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