How the GentleLASE Laser Works

Lasers set at specific wavelengths will selectively treat certain components of the skin, such as hair and vascular legions. This is called selective photothermolysis.

The GentleLASE is a long-pulsed alexandrite laser which pulses laser energy at a wavelength of 755 nanometers (nm). The laser light passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed by the pigment or melanin. (Melanin gives skin and hair color.) The laser energy heats the melanin to the extent that there is significant damage to the hair follicle, which can disable the follicle while leaving the skin unchanged.

The Gentle YAG is also a long-pulsed alexandrite laser which emits energy at the 1064 nm wavelength.

To be even more technically specific, the 755 nm and the 1064 nm wavelength causes maximum selective energy absorption by the hair follicle's melanin and minimal absorption by the surrounding skin structures. Along with this, the laser pulse duration is controlled to be equal to or shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the hair, to help minimize the heat transfer to surrounding tissues.

The Candela laser systems are the only hair removal laser to feature the Dynamic Cooling Device. The DCD delivers a spray of cryogen on the skin's surface directly before the laser pulse. This cools and protects the skin and increases the comfort of the treatment.

The Gentle YAG laser

The Gentle YAG laser is a new long-pulsed, high energy ND:YAG laser.  The YAG laser has a longer wavelength of 1064 nanometers (nm).  This longer wavelength contributes to reduced scatter and provides deeper penetration.  This laser also has reduced melanin absorption, which decreases epidermal (a layer of the skin) heating and damage.  Because of the relatively high concentration of melanin in darker skin, and decreased melanin absorption, this laser is specifically made to do hair removal for darker skin types.  The efficacy of hair removal for darker skin types Fitzpatrick V and VI has been well documented. 

The YAG laser targets the blood supply of the hair.  The laser energy is transformed into heat, and the heat disables the hair follicle.  The skin is further protected during the treatment by the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD).  This icy spray of cryogen precedes the laser pulse, cools the upper layers of skin, decreases the risk for epidermal damage, and increases the comfort of the treatments. 

The YAG laser also very effectively treats unsightly facial and leg veins.  In addition, this laser will work to tighten skin and collagen. There will be more to come on these upcoming services.