New CANDELA GentleMax Pro

The following is an introduction to the Alexandrite Lasers CANDELA GentleMax Pro in terms of its principle, working mechanism, functions, and treatment course:

### Principle - **Selective Photothermolysis**: The GentleMax Pro Alexandrite Laser operates based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. It emits high - energy laser pulses at a specific wavelength (usually 755 nm for the alexandrite laser). Pigmented targets in the skin, such as melanin in hair follicles or pigmented lesions, absorb this specific wavelength of light preferentially. The energy from the laser is then converted into heat, which selectively damages the targeted structures while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal tissues. - **Thermal Damage to Targets**: When the melanin in the hair follicles or pigmented cells absorbs the laser energy, the heat generated causes thermal damage to these structures. In the case of hair removal, the heat destroys the hair follicle's stem cells and papilla, which are essential for hair growth, effectively inhibiting future hair growth. For pigmented lesions, the heat breaks down the pigment particles into smaller fragments that can be gradually removed by the body's immune system.

### Working - **Laser Generation and Delivery**: The device contains an alexandrite crystal that is optically pumped to produce the laser beam. The laser energy is then precisely controlled and delivered through a handpiece. The handpiece allows for accurate targeting and application of the laser to the desired treatment area.

- **Cooling System**: To protect the skin surface from heat damage, the GentleMax Pro is equipped with an integrated cooling system. This system delivers a stream of cool air or a cooling agent to the skin surface just before and during the laser pulse. The cooling helps to keep the epidermis at a safe temperature while allowing the laser energy to penetrate deeper and reach the targeted structures.

- **Treatment Parameters Adjustment**: The operator can adjust various parameters of the laser, such as the pulse duration, energy density, and spot size, according to the patient's skin type, hair color and thickness, or the nature and severity of the pigmented lesion. This customization ensures optimal treatment results while minimizing the risk of side effects.

### Functions

- **Hair Removal**: It is highly effective in permanent hair reduction. It can target and destroy hair follicles in different parts of the body, including the face, legs, underarms, and bikini area. The alexandrite laser's wavelength is well - absorbed by melanin in the hair follicles, making it suitable for treating a wide range of hair colors, especially dark hair on light skin.

- **Pigmented Lesion Treatment**: The laser can treat various pigmented skin conditions, such as freckles, sunspots, melasma, and pigmented moles. By breaking down the pigmented particles, it helps to lighten and fade these lesions, improving the overall appearance of the skin.

- **Vascular Lesion Treatment**: In some cases, the GentleMax Pro can also be used to treat certain vascular lesions. The laser energy can be absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This is beneficial for treating conditions like telangiectasia (spider veins) and port - wine stains. ### Treatment Course

- **Number of Sessions**: For hair removal, multiple sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. Typically, 6 - 8 sessions are recommended, but this may vary depending on the hair growth cycle and the individual's hormonal factors. For pigmented lesion treatment, the number of sessions can range from 3 - 10, depending on the type and severity of the lesion. - **Interval between Sessions**: The interval between treatments is usually 4 - 6 weeks for hair removal. This allows time for the hair follicles to progress through different growth phases, as the laser is most effective on actively growing hairs. For pigmented lesions, the interval may be 3 - 8 weeks, depending on the healing process of the treated area and the body's response to the laser treatment.

- **Maintenance**: After the initial treatment course, some patients may require occasional maintenance sessions to keep the results. For example, in hair removal, maintenance sessions may be needed every 3 - 6 months to address any new hair growth. For pigmented lesions, if there is a recurrence or improvement is not complete, additional maintenance treatments may be scheduled as needed.