Frequently Asked Questions

 

What precautions should I take after treatment?

After laser treatment, avoid sun exposure. In the first few days after treatment, don't scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Your practitioner may advise additional precautions.

 

Are there side effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and swelling in the treated area-these usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation or scarring, are rare.

 

What can I expect after treatment?

Patients should avoid sun exposure before and after treatment, and should apply sunblock (SPF 30 or above) when going outdoors.

 

How do I prepare for treatment?

Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of perioral herpes and are scheduled for facial hair treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Also, any hair should be shaved, and your skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, cream, or oils on its surface before laser treatment.

 

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal, most people require at least 5 go 6 treatments, as the process is only effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Other conditions may clear in as few as one treatment, but many factors impact he efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

 

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with the laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort is minimized by Candela's DCD cooling. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner.

 

What can I expect during treatment?

Treatment will take place in your practitioner's office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handheld probe. Each laser pulse may be preceded and followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and the condition being treated.

 

How does laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deep into skin tissue where it delivers controlled amount of therapeutic heat. Candela's patented Dynamic Cooling Device (TM) technology provides a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long-pulse laser and DCD cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effect.

 

Can I have treatment on the same day as my consultation?

It is possible to have treatment on the same day of a consultation depending on the severity of your problem or the time involved for the treatment. Most treatments require more time, so follow up appointment will need to be scheduled.

 

Is a consultation necessary?

Yes, a consultation is necessary to determine the best course of treatment for your condition. You will receive a complete skin analysis and review the different treatment options.

 

Where are you located?

We are located in Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. We are in Suite 312 on the third floor of the Professional Office Building (POB).

 

What type of parking is available?

Parking is available throughout the Infirmary facilities. We recommend parking in the covered visitor parking garage attached to Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, the Outpatient Parking Deck.

 

 

Cancellation Policy

Our dedicated laser technicians, nurse practitioners, and physicians reserve valuable time for you. As a courtesy to their busy schedules and our patients who are requesting appointments, we require a 24 hour notice for canceling or rescheduling appointments.