ULTRA-LONG PULSE ALEXANDRITE

THE ALEXANDRITE LASER (ULTRA-LONG PULSE) IS USED TO REMOVE:

• unwanted hair
• leg veins
• some pigmented lesions

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT TREATMENT:

• How does the laser work?
• What areas can be treated?
• What will happen during the laser treatment?
• Is the process painful?
• How many treatment sessions will it take?
• How much improvement will I have and will it be permanent?
• What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
• Are there any side effects?
• Are there any contraindications?
• Instructions

The LPIR uses laser light with a long enough pulse duration to allow for Thermokinetic Selectivity (TKS ) Large volume structures (e.g. hair) absorb more effect from the laser than small volume structures (surface skin cells). Thus hair follicles are targeted and the surrounding skin is spared. This improves both the effectiveness and safety of treatment.

This laser can treat unwanted hair of the face, underarms, bikini area, legs, back and other areas.

Photographs are usually taken before treatment. You will be asked to read and sign a consent form. Everyone in the room will use eye protection. Cold gel will be applied to the areas to be treated. Treatment consists of placing a small handpiece near the skin and administering laser pulses over the area to be treated. Typically treated hairs will fall out over a 2-3 week period. You may remove the hairs before they fall out if you desire.

The laser emits light in short flashes called pulses. The impact of the light may feel like a hot pinprick. Most patients report that there is minimal discomfort.

We may recommend doing a test spot the first session. Laser hair removal usually requires at least 3 sessions for any one area. Patients with darker skin tones or light hair may require more sessions. Repeat treatments are usually done every 6-12 weeks.

Improvement is often excellent, but may not be perfect or permanent. Dark hair is usually easier to treat than light hair. This laser is safer than most others for patients with darker skin. Nonetheless, it is better to begin with mild treatments in patients with darker skin tones, thus more treatments may be required. Realistic expectations for improvement, not perfection, are essential.

The area should be treated gently. Apply Aquaphor ointment 4 times daily if there is scabbing or blistering.

Treated areas may appear red. Pain in generally mild and transient. Mild swelling of the treated area may be seen. Blistering and scabbing is uncommon. Scarring is very unusual. Some patients may have lightening or darkening of the skin after healing. This is generally temporary. Other side effects are uncommon.

Patients on blood thinners or with serious illness generally are not candidates for treatment. Patients with very dark skin tones or with suntans are not good candidates because melanin blocks the laser light and increases the risk of effects on the skin.

Please make an appointment for consultation. If you are an appropriate candidate for treatment, we may do either a test spot or a treatment at that time. Please do not wax, pluck or have electrolysis done for at least 4 weeks before your consultation/treatment. You may bleach or clip your hair. If you will have treatment of the upper lip please let us know if you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters. Do not take aspirin for 1 week before treatment. Sun exposure and tanning or tanning creams should be avoided for 1 month before treatment. Sun protection of treated areas is always advisable after treatment.