Question
I am new to this forum and have a question for the doctor or qualified technicians. I completed my first laser treatment on my bikini line four weeks ago and am scheduled for the second treatment tomorrow (using the Candela GentleLASE).
After the first treatment my skin was "sunburned" in some areas and now has faded to the color of a tan. Will this coloration of my skin affect my second treatment? Should I go ahead with that treatment tomorrow? I have very pale, sensitive skin. Is this a normal side effect, or is the laser too strong for me?
Help!

Answer
I am new to this forum and have a question for the doctor or qualified technicians. I completed my first laser treatment on my bikini line four weeks ago and am scheduled for the second treatment tomorrow (using the Candela GentleLASE).
After the first treatment my skin was "sunburned" in some areas and now has faded to the color of a tan. Will this coloration of my skin affect my second treatment? Should I go ahead with that treatment tomorrow? I have very pale, sensitive skin. Is this a normal side effect, or is the laser too strong for me?
Help!

Answer
If you have very pale skin, the GentleLase Alexandrite laser should be fine for you. It is unusual to have a pigmentation change lasting 4 weeks in a very pale person. The technician may trun down the power this next visit, or simply make you wait a few weeks until the color is normal (my choice). Bleaching creams are an option, but rarely necessary.
If this transient coloration problem recurs with the next treatment, I would consider using another machine, if it is available. The GentleLase is a good machine, but it has a fixed, short pulse duration (3 milliseconds); longer pulse durations on another Alexandrite system such as an Apogee or an EpiCare are less likely to effect the skin. Or switch to another wavelength altogether, like a Diode Laser (LightSheer, Mediostar, etc). Also, there are rare cases where the cooling spray from the GentleLase may be the cause of the problem, not the actual laser fire. Don't be afraid to give it another chance, though.

Answer
Thank you so much for your reply, doctor. I appreciate it!