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Types of Lasers and How They Work
A large area of the skin can be treated at one time making laser hair removal cost effective and faster than other methods. Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin that is absorbed by dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles. Since hair cycles as it grows, repeated treatments are necessary to destroy about 80 present of the hairs. Different types of lasers may be used. The ruby, alexandrite or Diode and the Nd: YAG. Also there are flash lamps known as intense pulsed light, IPL that are used for hair removal.
When reviewing the different lasers available, always remember that there are typically over 100 different settings that can be used with each laser. Results, therefore, are most dependent on the level or skin and experience of the operator.
Ruby
Ruby laser is the original or oldest and first system of laser hair removal. It has a longer track record than other laser removal options but is also an older technology. Ruby laser is highly absorbed by the skins melanin. Some recommend Ruby lasers for those with light skin and dark hairs.
IPL
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broad-based light, which is different from a laser in that it has multiple wavelengths of light. There have been studies which show that these IPL devices may work as well for reduction of hair as lasers, but most think the success of IPL for hair really depends on which specific device is used, what settings are used, and the experience of the user. Again, you have to be careful of using these devices in patients with darker skin or who are tan. Typically IPL's will work better for hair removal on lighter skin with darker hair.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite laser is similar to the ruby, except that it has a greater penetration and less melanin absorption because of the slightly longer wavelength. Alexandrite lasers have been very popular in the past for laser hair removal. The Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser is best reserved for patients with light skin. The Alexandrite laser is safer than the ruby treatment of darker skinned patients.
Long Pulse Nd: YAG
Long Pulse Nd: YAG lasers generate pulse widths that closely match the thermal relaxation time of fair follicles and have recently been approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. The Nd: YAG laser is the treatment of choice for patients with dark, coarse hair, and dark skin, such as African- Americans. Compared to other lasers, the ND: YAG laser may have reduced efficiency for treatment of finer, lighter hair as there is less melanin absorption at the ND: YAG wavelength.
Diode Laser
- The Diode laser is the most advanced in the market.
- First of all we need to remember that FEW CLINICS HAVE DIODE LASER for its high cost respect to other laser technologies. Most of the clinics and the chains of franchises have lasers that are much cheaper.
- FDA approves diode laser for the permanent hair removal from the breed pseudofoliculitis, vascular treatment and pigmented lesions. It also treats all kinds of skin types (types 1- 4), including bronzed skins by a powerful cooling or the skin with long pulses of 100 ms and 400 ms.
- It is always beneficial to ask the following: "What types of laser you use?" before starting a treatment of laser hair removal.
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Laser Hair Removal Source
