GentleYAG

Frequently Asked Questions On GentleYAG

• What does the treatment feel like?

  The treatment is quite comfortable and requires no anesthesia. Patients describe the sensation to be similar to the snap of a warm rubber band. Patients can elect to use topical anesthetic cream if they desire. One example is called Ela-Max. This is available in a 4% or 5% formulation. It is most effective when applied 30 to 40 minutes prior to the procedure. Makeup can be worn after the procedure.
• What is Ela-Max and how do I apply it?

  Ela-Max is a brand name for a cream that contains an anesthetic called lidocaine. To apply, first, clean the area with soap and warm water and gently pat dry. Then rub a thin layer of the cream into the area to be treated. Following this, apply a heavy layer of cream, as thick as icing on a cake, to the same area. This is the approach to achieve maximal anesthetic properties from the Ela-max. The Ela-Max should be applied in the office approximately 30 to 40 minutes prior to the procedure. We don’t recommend using the cream on a large surface area such as the legs or back – since it can sometimes be confusing to patients how large of an area they can safely use this numbing cream on.

• Is downtime required?

  We don’t consider either sun spot removal or laser hair removal a procedure that requires downtime but we also don’t advise having this done if you have a special occasion coming up in the next week or two. We can help you plan for big events to minimize these concerns – just be sure to mention these during your consultation or next appointment. Sun avoidance is advised after treatment with this laser, whether for laser hair removal or sunspot removal.

• What should I do in preparation for treatment?

  Treatment cannot be performed on tanned skin and tanning is prohibited directly after treatment. The use of a high-grade sunblock is suggested. Sun avoidance/protection is most important for the 2 weeks directly before and directly after this procedure.

• How can I maximize my results?

  Sun protection before and after your treatment is the most important step you can take to ensure your treatments are safe and effective. For those having laser hair removal, we also suggest reading our post on how to properly prepare for your treatments to maximize your results from laser hair removal. For those undergoing sun damage or brown spot removal, we may also suggest a specialized skin care routine following your treatments. Often we recommend high-quality sunscreen in addition to retinol(such as Retin-A) and/or products containing certain exfoliating acids that help to speed cell turnover within the skin, making for healthier, more youthful skin at a cellular level. Your cosmetic physician will outline a maintenance plan for preserving your results during your free consultation.

• Is Gentlelase safe for my skin type?

  GentleLase was cleared by the FDA in 2014 for safety and efficacy in providing permanent hair reduction on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I- VI) including tanned skin. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime, as well as treatment of benign pigmented lesions (sun spots and brown spots), wrinkles, and vascular lesions (such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, telangiectasias).