Reveal a Clearer, Brighter Complexion with Laser Pigmentation Removal in Portland, Oregon

To ensure the best results and a safe experience, follow these preparation guidelines before your laser pigmentation removal session:

• Shave the Treatment Area:
  Arrive with the treatment area freshly shaved the same day. A close shave is crucial because the laser targets the hair follicle beneath the skin. Electric clippers or similar devices don’t provide a close enough shave, so we recommend using a new razor for each session.

• Avoid Visible Hair or Stubble:
  For safety and effectiveness, hair in the treatment area should not be visible or feel stubbly. If an area isn’t shaved properly, we may need to skip it during your session.

• Avoid Lotions and UV Exposure:
  Do not apply lotions, creams, or topical products to the treatment area on the day of your session. Also, avoid tanning or exposing the area to UV rays in the days leading up to your appointment.

Following these steps ensures your laser treatment is as safe, effective, and seamless as possible. If you have any questions about preparing, feel free to reach out to us!

Laser pigmentation removal with our Candela GentleMax Pro is designed to be as comfortable as possible. 

Most clients describe the sensation as mild and tolerable, often likening it to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Any discomfort is brief, and cooling mechanisms help keep the experience manageable. Thanks to the GentleMax Pro’s advanced design, even those with lower pain thresholds can tolerate treatments without the need for topical anesthesia. Plus, our skilled team works to ensure every session is as quick and stress-free as possible, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

We’d love for you to experience the comfort of our Candela GentleMax Pro lasers firsthand! That’s why we offer FREE test pulses—a no-pressure way to try the treatment before committing to a plan. Discover just how gentle and effective our advanced technology is, and feel confident in your decision to begin your journey to pigmentation-free skin.

The number of laser pigmentation removal sessions required varies depending on individual factors such as depth and severity of pigmentation. Many clients see noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions, while others may require 8 or more treatments for optimal results.

After your first laser pigmentation removal treatment, you should typically schedule your next treatment around 3-4 weeks later to allow for proper skin healing and cell turnover between sessions; most experts recommend waiting at least four weeks to see optimal results.

The length of your laser pigmentation removal session depends on the area being treated and whether it’s your first appointment. Your initial visit includes a complimentary consultation to ensure you’re an ideal candidate and to customize your treatment plan, making it the longest session.

Generally, appointments are 15 – 30 minutes. Your time is valuable, and we’re here to make each session quick, comfortable, and productive!

You can typically start to see noticeable lightening of pigmentation within 1-2 weeks after a laser pigmentation removal session, although the treated area may appear darker initially as the pigment breaks down; most people see significant improvement within 2-4 weeks, with the full effect taking longer depending on the severity of pigmentation and skin type.

After your first laser pigmentation removal treatment, you should typically schedule your next treatment around 3-4 weeks later to allow for proper skin healing and cell turnover between sessions; most experts recommend waiting at least four weeks to see optimal results.

It can be. However, there are times when all pigmentation cannot be removed. Also, while it is effective at removing current pigmentation, there’s always a chance of recurrence, especially if the underlying causes like sun exposure are not addressed, meaning ongoing sun protection is crucial to maintain results; most patients will require multiple sessions to achieve optimal outcomes.

Yes, the Candela Gentlemax Pro™ can be used on all skin types for laser pigmentation removal. Advances in laser technology have made pigmentation removal safer and more effective across a variety of skin types. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin to determine the best approach, ensuring a safe and successful treatment.

Laser pigmentation removal is a safe and effective treatment, but like any procedure, there may be some temporary side effects. Common side effects include:

• Redness (Erythema):
  Mild redness around the treated area is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a day.

• Swelling (Perifollicular Edema):
  Small, localized swelling around the hair follicles, often resembling a mild rash or tiny bug bites, is a common and expected reaction.

• Warmth or Sensitivity:
  The treated area may feel slightly warm or sensitive for a few hours after the session, similar to a mild sunburn.

• Dryness or Itching:
  Some patients experience mild dryness or itching, which can be alleviated with a gentle, unscented moisturizer.

• Crusting or Temporary Skin Darkening:
  As the pigmentation is exfoliated, some patients may notice crust on their skin or that their skin appears temporarily darker as the pigmentation is coming to the surface to be exfoliated.

These side effects are generally mild and temporary. If you experience anything unusual or have concerns after your treatment, please contact our office for guidance. Our team is here to ensure your comfort and safety every step of the way.

No, you should not blister during laser pigmentation removal treatments. If someone tells you that burning or blistering is necessary for the treatment to be effective, it’s a clear red flag—this is absolutely false. Burns and blisters are considered adverse events and should never be part of a properly conducted laser pigmentation removal session.

Our clinical endpoint is erythema (redness) and local swelling (small bumps resembling a rash or bug bites). These are normal, temporary reactions that typically fade within 24 hours or less.

In the rare event of a reaction, we encourage you to contact our office immediately for a thorough evaluation within 48 hours of your treatment. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we are committed to delivering effective results without adverse effects.

Burning and blistering have no place in our process—we prioritize safe, comfortable treatments that work!

Laser pigmentation removal is a safe and effective procedure for most individuals, but certain conditions and circumstances may make someone ineligible for treatment. The following are contraindications:

• Health Conditions:

• • Immune system disorders

• • Hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation

• • Abnormal blood coagulation or clotting disorders

• • Active skin cancer

• • Diabetes mellitus

• Skin Conditions:

• • Light energy-sensitive skin

• • Psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis in the treatment area

• • Active herpes simplex in the treatment area

• Medications and Treatments:

• • Oral prescription Vitamin A (e.g., isotretinoin) use within the last six months

• Lifestyle and Expectations:

• • Unwilling or unable to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions

• • Unrealistic expectations or unhealthy psychology

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• • Those who may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding

It’s essential to disclose your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors during your consultation to ensure the procedure is safe and effective for you. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, our team is here to guide you through the evaluation process. Safety is our top priority, and we’ll work with you to determine the best course of action for your needs.

Both IPL and the Candela GentleMax Pro are effective for treating skin pigmentation, but the Candela GentleMax Pro is generally more effective because it uses stronger energy than IPL.

No, you should not get laser pigmentation removal over a tattoo. The laser’s energy is attracted to pigment, and the ink in a tattoo will absorb too much energy, causing the laser to damage the skin at the site of the tattoo. This can result in burns, blisters, skin damage, distortion of the tattoo, and pain. If you have a tattoo, we will draw a white line around it during your laser pigmentation removal treatment to provide a clear boundary for avoidance. We can treat skin up to one inch from the tattoo.

To ensure the best results and minimize side effects after your laser pigmentation removal treatment, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid Heat and Intense Activities:
  Refrain from hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, intense workouts, or any activities that generate direct heat on the treated area for 24 to 48 hours.
• No Swimming:
  Avoid swimming in pools, oceans, or other bodies of water for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
  Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for four weeks prior and two weeks after your treatment. Laser pigmentation removal makes the skin more photosensitive, so sun exposure can increase the risk of adverse effects. Ideally, avoid tanning altogether during your treatment plan to ensure the best results.
• Skip Chemical Products:
  Avoid fragranced lotions, harsh skincare products, or additional laser or chemical procedures in the treated area for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent irritation or infection.
• Apply Recommended Topical Products:
  Apply topical products based on the recommendation of our esthetician based on your consultation.

By following these simple post-treatment care steps, you’ll support optimal results and keep your skin healthy and comfortable. If you have any questions about aftercare, feel free to reach out to our team!