The Candela GentleLase system is a flashlamp-excited, alexandrite laser that may be used for hair removal and also to treat dermatological vascular lesions. Pulsed laser energy at a nominal wavelength of 755 nanometers (nm) is used in both applications. This wavelength causes maximum energy absorption by the target (lesion or hair) and minimum absorption by surrounding skin structures. In addition, the laser pulse duration is controlled to be equal to or shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the target, to minimize heat transfer to surrounding tissues. The GentleLase may also be used to remove spider leg veins.
