Candela GentleMax Pro Plus: Why Device Choice Matters

Woman with smooth hair-free skin enjoying coffee at a Miami Lakes café after Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser hair removal

Candela GentleMax Pro Plus: Why Device Choice Matters

Woman with smooth hair-free skin enjoying coffee at a Miami Lakes café after Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser hair removal

The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is the gold-standard laser hair removal device — and the one we chose for Miami Lakes Med Spa for a simple reason. The machine matters as much as the hands using it. Two clinics can both advertise “laser hair removal,” but the technology behind that promise can be worlds apart.

Here in Miami Lakes, our patients come from all over — Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral — with every skin tone and hair type you can imagine. That diversity is exactly why our lead provider, Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN, and our Medical Director, Dr. John Serpa, MD, invested in a dual-wavelength platform instead of a single-laser shortcut.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the GentleMax Pro Plus works, why the alexandrite Nd:YAG combo matters, and what to look for when choosing where to get treated.

TL;DR

The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is widely regarded as the best laser hair removal device because it combines two wavelengths — 755nm alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG — in one platform. That lets us safely treat every skin tone, from fair to deep. At Miami Lakes Med Spa, sessions start at $50 with 6-session packages from $250.

Key Takeaways

  • The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus combines alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, making it safe and effective for all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-VI).
  • Not all laser hair removal devices are equal — wavelength, cooling, and FDA clearance directly affect safety and results.
  • The 755nm alexandrite wavelength targets fine, light hair on lighter skin, while the 1064nm Nd:YAG safely treats darker skin tones.
  • Built-in Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) protects the skin and improves comfort during each pulse.
  • At Miami Lakes Med Spa, packages start at $250 for 6 sessions on small areas, with financing through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna.

Clinical Summary

  • What it is: Laser hair removal using the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, a dual-wavelength platform combining 755nm alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG lasers.
  • Who it’s for: Adults with unwanted hair on the face or body, all skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-VI).
  • Session length: 10-45 minutes depending on the area treated.
  • Pain level: Mild — most clients describe it as a warm snap, eased by the built-in cooling spray.
  • Downtime: None. Mild redness for a few hours is normal.
  • Results timeline: Visible hair reduction after 2-3 sessions; full results after 6 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
  • Risks: Temporary redness, swelling at the follicle, rare pigment changes if aftercare isn’t followed.
  • Contraindications: Active tanning, pregnancy, recent isotretinoin use, certain photosensitive medications.
  • Cost at our clinic: $50-$595 per session; 6-session packages from $250-$2,950.

Cost at Miami Lakes Med Spa

Laser Hair Removal (Candela GentleMax Pro Plus) pricing — transparent, no hidden fees

Starting at $50/session — 6-session packages from $250 (small areas) up to $2,950 (full body)

All packages include 6 sessions on the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — no hidden fees, no per-pulse charges.

Financing available through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna.
Free consultation included

What Makes the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus Different

The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is a medical-grade laser system FDA-cleared for permanent hair reduction. What sets it apart is that it houses two different lasers in one machine: a 755nm alexandrite laser and a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser.

Think of it like having two different tools in one toolbox. A carpenter wouldn’t use a hammer for every job — and neither should your laser tech. Different skin tones and hair types respond to different wavelengths. A single-laser device forces a one-size-fits-all approach, which can mean weak results on some patients and burns on others.

The GentleMax Pro Plus also has a built-in Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). Right before each pulse, it sprays a cool burst of cryogen on the skin. That protects the top layer and makes treatment far more comfortable.

Close-up selfie of smooth hair-free legs after laser hair removal treatment with the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus
Photo by Shane on Unsplash

Alexandrite vs Nd:YAG: Why Two Wavelengths Matter

The two lasers inside the GentleMax Pro Plus do different jobs, and matching the right one to your skin is the key to safe, effective hair removal.

755nm alexandrite laser: This shorter wavelength is highly absorbed by melanin (pigment). It works best on lighter skin tones with darker hair. It’s faster, treats fine hair well, and is the go-to for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III.

The science behind why this works is called selective photothermolysis — a fancy term for a simple idea. The laser targets pigment in the hair follicle and heats it up enough to disable future growth, while leaving the surrounding skin alone.

1064nm Nd:YAG laser: This longer wavelength bypasses melanin in the skin and goes deeper to the follicle. That makes it the safer choice for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI), tanned skin, and coarse hair. Single-wavelength devices that only use alexandrite simply cannot treat darker skin safely.

This is why the best laser hair removal device for a multicultural city like Miami isn’t one laser — it’s both. Dr. Sabrina selects the wavelength, pulse duration, and energy settings based on your unique skin and hair profile.

Why Device Choice Affects Safety and Results

Cheaper IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines and older diode lasers flood the market because they cost the clinic less. But they come with real trade-offs:

  • IPL isn’t actually a laser — it’s broad-spectrum light. It’s less precise, weaker per pulse, and not safe for darker skin tones.
  • Older diode lasers often lack the cooling tech the GentleMax Pro Plus has built in, so treatments hurt more and risk burns.
  • Single-wavelength devices can’t adapt to different skin tones, so providers either turn the energy down (weak results) or push it too high (risk of burns and pigment changes).

The FDA clears specific devices for specific skin types and indications. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is cleared for permanent hair reduction across all six Fitzpatrick skin types — that’s not something every device on the market can claim.

What to Ask Before You Book Laser Hair Removal

If you’re shopping around, here are the questions that separate a quality clinic from a discount one:

  • What device do you use? If the answer isn’t a brand name and model — or if they dodge the question — walk away.
  • Is it FDA-cleared for my skin type? The GentleMax Pro Plus is. Many cheaper machines aren’t.
  • Who performs the treatment? At Miami Lakes Med Spa, treatments are done by licensed medical providers under MD oversight from Dr. John Serpa.
  • How many sessions are included? Hair grows in cycles. You need 6 sessions, spaced 4-8 weeks apart, to catch every follicle in the active growth phase.
  • What does the pricing actually include? Beware of “per pulse” or “per minute” pricing. We use flat-rate, transparent packages.

A free consultation is the easiest way to get clear answers. We do them for every patient — no pressure, no upsell.

Pricing at Miami Lakes Med Spa

We keep our pricing flat and easy to understand. Every package includes 6 sessions on the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus:

  • Small Areas (upper lip, chin, underarms): $50/session or $250 for 6 sessions
  • Medium Areas (bikini, lower arms, half face): $95/session or $495 for 6 sessions
  • Large Areas (full legs, back, chest): $195/session or $950 for 6 sessions
  • Full Body: $595/session or $2,950 for 6 sessions

All packages qualify for financing through Cherry, CareCredit, or Klarna. That means you can break it into monthly payments and start treatment right away.

Choosing where to get laser hair removal isn’t just about price — it’s about the device, the provider, and the medical oversight behind your care. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus with its dual alexandrite Nd:YAG platform is the safest, most versatile choice for the diverse skin tones we treat across Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral.

Ready to see if you’re a good candidate? Book a free consultation with Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN at Miami Lakes Med Spa. Call 305-418-0392 or schedule online. We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, at 7980 NW 155th St, Suite A, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.

Last reviewed: 2026. This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results may vary. Please consult with a qualified provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus safe for dark skin?

Yes. The 1064nm Nd:YAG laser inside the GentleMax Pro Plus is specifically designed to safely treat Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. The longer wavelength bypasses surface melanin and targets the hair follicle directly. At Miami Lakes Med Spa, Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez selects the right wavelength and settings for your skin tone.

How many sessions of laser hair removal will I need?

Most patients need 6 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart to catch hair in every growth cycle. That’s why all our packages include 6 sessions. You’ll start seeing reduced hair growth after 2-3 sessions, with full results by the end of your package.

Does the GentleMax Pro Plus hurt?

Most patients describe it as a warm snap, like a rubber band flick. The built-in Dynamic Cooling Device sprays a burst of cryogen right before each pulse, which numbs the skin and makes treatment much more comfortable than older devices or IPL machines.

What’s the difference between IPL and the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus?

IPL is broad-spectrum light, not a true laser, and it can’t safely treat darker skin tones. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is a medical-grade dual-wavelength laser, FDA-cleared for all Fitzpatrick skin types. It delivers more precise energy, better cooling, and significantly stronger long-term results.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your free consultation at Miami Lakes Med Spa today and take the first step toward looking and feeling your best.

Book Your Free Consultation

Or call us at 305-418-0392  |  Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM

Financing available through Cherry, CareCredit & Klarna. Se habla español.

Individual results may vary. Consult with a qualified provider to determine the best treatment for your needs.