Using laser energy that is selectively attracted to the darkest melanin in your hair and skin, the GentleLase 755 nm long pulse Alexandrite laser can be used to remove unwanted hair and brown spots caused by sun damage nearly anywhere on the body. This Alexandrite laser is safe for use on patients with lighter skin types, and on all areas of the face or body.
Gentlelase Alexandrite Quick Facts
- Treatment for face and body
- Safe for all skin types
- Comfortable, heat-controlled treatment
What Is The GentleLase Alexandrite Laser Used To Treat?
Using laser energy that is selectively attracted to the darkest melanin in your hair and skin, the GentleLase 755nm long pulse Alexandrite laser can be used to remove unwanted hair, brown spots caused by sun damage, redness and vascular lesions, and fine lines or wrinkles nearly anywhere on the face and body1.
Hair Removal Treatment
This laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it stunts hair growth. GentleLASE results in permanent hair reduction a long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. This laser offers faster treatment times and enhanced patient comfort than previous laser machines. The GentleLASE is also not as painful as waxing or electrolysis. The integrated dynamic cooling device emits cooling spray milliseconds before each laser for increased comfort and skin preservation. This cooling effect makes the laser safe and effective on skin types that might otherwise be negatively affected by lasers.
All areas of the body, including face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, back, and ears can be treated by the GentleLASE for hair removal. The area in between the eyebrows can be treated, however, eyebrows should never be shaped with a laser.
We use both the GentleLase Plus as well as the Mini GentleLase lasers at Reflections. These are considered by many to be the safest and most effective lasers for hair removal.
Depending on the density of hair, hair color, and hormonal factors, the number of treatments recommended varies from four to eight, spaced four to six weeks apart for the face, and six to eight weeks apart for the torso and legs. With each treatment there is a cumulative damage to the hair follicle, resulting in a progressive reduction in the number and diameter of the hairs regrowing. Hairs in the active growth phase are more responsive to the laser.
Sunspot Treatment
Sun Spot treatment is quite comfortable and requires no anesthesia or numbing (though it is available, if you prefer). After treatment, you will notice the unwanted brown spots will be darker in color and will flake off over the next week. They may become lighter in color with each treatment or be removed by a single treatment. Makeup can be worn immediately after the procedure, to ensure a discreet treatment. Sometimes we recommend this laser in combination with others, for faster, better results – this typically depends upon the individual, and can be influenced by skin tone and type.
Vascular Lesions (Port-Wine Stains, Hemangiomas, Telangiectasias)
The GentleLase has been cleared by the FDA to treat vascular lesions. This can be as simple as the broken capillaries and tiny “spider veins” left behind as scarring after acne or as part of rosacea’s symptoms – or they can be quite complex, such as port-wine stains. Our skilled and experienced physicians who specialize in laser treatments are well-equipped to provide safe and effective treatment of these types of concerns, even in complex cases. The GentleLase is unique in its ability to safely treat these lesions on all skin types and tones.
Wrinkle Treatment With Gentlelase
The GentleLase Alexandrite is FDA cleared to reduce wrinkles safely for all skin tones. This is a unique laser in that it can offer skin tightening and resurfacing for not only skin types 1-6, but also tanned skin (of any base skin tone). Most lasers require that skin not be tanned, and often they aren’t safe for all skin types. So this allows us to offer skin resurfacing for many skin types that didn’t previously have safe options for wrinkle-reduction from lasers.
How Does The GentleLase Alexandrite Laser Work?
Gentlelase Alexandrite Laser Treatments
An alexandrite gemstone is used to focus the laser beam in Alexandrite lasers, creating a beam of light 755nm in length. Longer wavelengths, such as Nd:yag, Erbium Lasers, and CO2 lasers, penetrate more deeply than the Alexandrite’s 755nm. Whereas, Ruby lasers and the Vbeam Perfecta laser penetrate less deeply. The GentleLase’s Alexandrite is perfectly positioned on this spectrum to treat surface skin concerns, such as hair and discoloration concerns.
Gentlelase is one of several Alexandrite lasers on the market. It is one of the most popular, alongside the Alex TriVantage. Where Gentlelase is best for laser hair removal and removing dark spots, the Alex TriVantage works best for tattoo removal. We use both of these Alexandrite lasers in our practice, for different reasons.
- Recovery & Downtime: None
- Numbing: Topical (if needed)
- Cost: Starts at $150 to $450 and ranges upward, depending upon use case and size of area being treated
- Candidacy: Unwanted hair and pigmentation
- Duration: Treatment time varies
- Why We Love It: Gentle wavelength for minimal negative impact
Why Choose Reflections For GentleLase Alexandrite Treatment?
Reflections Center has been offering cutting-edge laser treatments for over 20 years, and we’ve invested very heavily in ensuring we have the right laser for each and every patient that steps foot in our practice. Because our physicians spend so much time treating patients with lasers and learning about the latest science surrounding laser innovation, these doctors are well-known as some of the best laser providers in the nation. But more important than that, our team is dedicated to giving you the very best results possible – and that means, if for some reason, this laser (or all of the lasers in our practice) aren’t right for you, we’re going to be very honest with you about that. We aren’t afraid to steer you towards the right treatment, even if that means referring you to another practice. Our goal is to get you the results you want and deserve, and we put that first in everything we do.
If you’re considering laser or nonsurgical treatment options, we warmly welcome you to our offices for a free consultation with one of our cosmetic physicians. We promise you’ll leave your appointment armed with the information and guidance to make the best decision regarding your cosmetic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions On GentleLase Alexandrite
- What is pricing like for the Gentlelase Alexandrite laser?
We price all laser hair removal treatments by the area treated, and not the laser used.This allows us to switch between and combine our lasers to best suit the patient throughout their treatments. We also offer discounted package pricing for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal starts at $150 and ranges upward.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation, which will include a price quote for all of the areas you wish to treat.
We price sunspot removal, vasular lesion teatment, and wrinkle reduction by the area treated, but typically treatments with this laser cost around $450 per session, making it very affordable.
- What alternative treatments should I be aware of?
The GentleLase Alexandrite is a wonderful laser, but it isn’t right for everyone in all cases. That’s why our office has over 50 different lasers, ensuring we do have a laser that will work for you and your unique situation. To learn more about alternative treatment options based on your concern (hair removal, sun spots, red or dark spots, or wrinkles), please use the links above in the section titled “What is the GentleLase used to treat?“.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a cosmetic physician who specializes in laser treatments!
- 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 dont 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 downtime procedure 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).
Dr. Mitchell Chasin is a Cosmetic & Laser Physician at Reflections Center. Dr. Chasin believes strongly that the best cosmetic physicians are those who are dedicated to mastering their craft through continuing education and collaboration with the industry’s top doctors.