What is a Pulsed Dye Laser?

Pulsed Dye Lasers deliver an intense but
gentle burst of light into selectively targeted
areas of the skin. The light is absorbed by
specific blood vessels or melanin pigmented
areas in the dermis depending on the
condition being treated. Factors such as
the age, color and type of lesions, as well
as the location on the body, all determine
whether lesions can be removed.

What is the procedure for being treated with a Pulse Dye Laser?

Your practitioner will ensure you are as
comfortable as possible; most patients are
reclined or lying down depending on the
area being treated. Both the patient and the
practitioner will be wearing protective eyewear.
When treatment begins, the laser will
be calibrated and parameters will be set based
on the specific condition being treated, each
condition and each individual is unique and
these settings maximize the results you will
see following treatment.

Are there any requirements for treatment ? How do I know if I qualify for treatment?

The only requirement is that you have a desire
to improve the condition of your skin. Most
patients who receive cosmetic laser treatment
opt for procedures to correct skin conditions
not out of medical necessity, but because they
are interested in improving the appearance of
their skin without invasive surgery that would
cause downtime away from daily activities.
From total facial rejuvenation which involves
the reduction and removal of red and brown
pigmented lesions with a general firming of
the skin, to the removal of sun-spot damage,
patients should discuss with their practitioner
which treatments are right for them.

Does it hurt?

No anesthetics are required, but they may
be used. The feeling most patients report is
a warming or tingling sensation during treatment.
The skin being treated is additionally
protected by Candela's dynamic cooling
method, DCD, which delivers a cooling
mist on to the skin before the laser pulse is
emitted. This cooling mist increases comfort
during treatment, as well as protects the skin
to minimize side effects like redness.

Is PDL Treatment safe?

Yes. In fact, treatment is so safe that it has
been successfully used since the 1980's for the
treatment of port wine stain birthmarks in infants
and young children. During treatment, the
epidermis is protected by Candela's exclusive
dynamic cooling method, DCD, which sprays
a cooling mist onto the targeted area of skin
before each laser pulse, maximizing comfort
and protecting the skin during treatment.

Are the results of Pulse Dye Laser treatment permanent?

Permanency of results depend on many
factors, like the condition being treated, or
lifestyle of the patient. For example, if a
patient has sun spots removed, and continues
to spend time in the sun without adequate
skin protection, it is likely that the sun spots
will return. Talk with your practitioner about
your goals and expectations for treatment.

How soon will I see results of my treatment?

Most patients notice beneficial results
right away, and often times feel a firming or
tightening of the treated area. The results of
laser therapy vary depending on the condition
that is being treated and the number of treatments
required for clearance.