At The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL, we understand how frustrating it can be to keep your skin hair-free and beautiful. Depilatory creams smell awful and often cause burning, itching, and other problems. Shaving and other traditional hair removal methods can also cause skin irritation. Even worse, these hair removal methods need to be repeated frequently to maintain optimal results. That’s why we’re proud to offer laser hair removal, an effective and long-lasting solution to unwanted hair.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal with the Candela Gentle Max Pro provides permanent results. However, you won’t be able to enjoy permanent results right away. Typically, the hair follicles destroyed during your treatment session will not release their hair until three to five days post-treatment. Once the shedding process is complete, you can generally expect to enjoy hair-free skin for four to six weeks.
Once you start seeing unwanted hair growth in your areas of concern, you can come in for a follow-up appointment. You will need to come in for several follow-up appointments over the course of several months before you can enjoy permanent hair removal results. This is because different hair follicles in your areas of concern are in different stages of the hair growth cycle at the same time. The laser can only target hair follicles in the active growth phase.
Other FAQs Answered
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
The number of Candela Gentle Max Pro sessions you will need depends on many factors, including the areas being targeted for treatment, your skin tone and hair color, and your goals. You may only need a couple of laser hair removal sessions if you only want to thin out your lower facial hair. However, you may need four treatment sessions if your goal is to eliminate upper lip, chin, and cheek hair entirely.
If you are targeting unwanted body hair, you may need between six and 10 treatment sessions to achieve your desired results. Typically, the paler your skin is, the fewer sessions you will need to achieve satisfactory results. This is because the laser is most effective when there is a lot of contrast between your skin tone and hair color. If you have light hair and pale skin or dark hair and dark skin, you may need an extra treatment session or two.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
The Candela Gentle Max Pro is generally considered safe and effective for people who are interested in removing unwanted hair from their face or body. There is a good chance that you will qualify for laser hair removal if you are fairly healthy. However, to confirm that this treatment is safe for you, it is imperative that you attend an initial consultation to discuss your health history and pharmaceutical regimen.
During this consultation, we will also advise you on everything you need to know about what to expect throughout the process. To be considered a good candidate for this treatment, you must be able to follow all preparation and aftercare guidelines. We will also let you know what you can expect on the day of your treatment session and answer any questions you may have.
What Contraindications Are There for This Treatment?
While laser therapy for hair removal is safe for most people, there are some contraindications you should be aware of. For example, you should hold off on this treatment if you are pregnant. As another example, this treatment is not appropriate for people who have photosensitivity due to a medical condition, topical cream, or oral medication.
Additionally, you may be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you have a history of keloid scarring. Furthermore, you will not be considered a good fit for laser hair removal if you have an active skin infection or another form of skin irritation in the area targeted for treatment.
What Preparation Steps Will I Need To Take Before My Treatment?
Attending an initial consultation is the most important preparation step to take prior to your laser therapy session. Another critical step is to avoid all forms of tanning for two weeks before your treatment. Remember, this treatment is most effective when there is a stark contrast between your hair color and skin tone. Therefore, the lighter your skin is during your session, the more likely it is that you will need fewer treatment sessions.
Besides not tanning, it is essential that you protect your skin from sunburn. When you will be exposed to direct sunlight, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an adequate sun protection factor and remember to reapply it every couple of hours, especially if you will be sweating or swimming. Furthermore, you should shave the targeted areas before your treatment session to improve the efficacy of the treatment. Avoid other hair removal methods.
What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow?
Once your treatment session is complete, you will need to be very gentle with your skin. If your face is treated, you should only use a fragrance-free facial cleanser to keep the treatment area clean, and you should use tepid water instead of hot water when bathing. Additionally, you must refrain from using any topical products that may irritate your skin, including those that contain vitamin A, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, or exfoliants.
You also should avoid scratching or rubbing the treatment area during the healing process. Furthermore, you will not be able to engage in any activity, like getting intense exercise or sitting in a steam room, that causes sweating. Also, moisturize daily.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
The Candela Gentle Max Pro provides permanent hair removal results. However, it is essential to understand that you need to complete a full course of treatments to achieve permanent results. Typically, between four and 10 sessions are required for optimal results. If you are interested in learning more about this innovative hair removal method, contact us today at The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL to schedule an evaluation.