3 Things to Look for When Purchasing a Laser Hair Removal Device

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular and profitable aesthetic procedures offered today. It’s no wonder more people are interested in taking advantage of this growing business.

There are many steps to starting a laser hair removal business. You have to research your market, find a clinic space, hire staff and laser technicians, and much more. But the most important step is choosing the right device to perform treatments.

In this article, we outline three things to look for when purchasing your hair removal device.

There are a variety of systems to choose from when purchasing a laser hair removal device. Including Diode lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, Alexandrite lasers, Ruby lasers, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems, just to name a few. While there are subtle differences between each of these devices, some work better than other depending on a patient’s unique skin and hair type.

• The Ruby laser is one of the first devices ever used for laser hair removal. Because of its small beam of light, treatments are usually more time-consuming due to the lengthy amount of time it takes to treat a large area. Ruby lasers deliver best results to patients with lighter and finer hair receive the best treatments.
• Alexandrite lasers have a higher repetition rate and larger spot size than Ruby lasers. This allows for faster treatment times on larger areas of the body. Patients with dark hair and pale skin receive the best treatments with this laser, but patients with darker skin types are at risk of skin discoloration.
• Diode lasers, like our ReSmooth system, use a variety of short and long wavelengths to target melanin in hair follicles. Diode lasers are one of the newer technologies offered for this procedure and are popular for their high penetration rates and safe energy outputs, allowing for optimal results and minimal damage to surrounding skin tissue. Patients of all skin types can be treated with our ReSmooth Diode technology.
• Nd:YAG lasers offer the longest wavelengths and are most effective on darker skin types. However, treatments with this laser are more painful and less effective on fine, thin hair types.
• IPL systems differ from the previous devices because they use a broad spectrum of light as opposed to single wavelengths of light. IPL systems are cleared for all skin types but are most effective on patients with dark hair and fair skin types.

It is crucial that you research the different features and specifications of a laser before purchasing. Depending on a laser’s specifications, patients may experience better results, faster treatment times, minimal discomfort, and reduced risks of side effects. Here are some laser specifications to watch out for:

• Spot Size: A spot size measures the width of a laser beam. Larger spot sizes are preferred for laser hair removal because they allow deeper penetration into the skin and faster treatments, especially on larger body areas. Our ReSmooth device features the industry’s leading spot size at 9.1 cm².
• Fluence: Fluence measures the energy level or output of a laser. It’s important for a laser to emit high enough fluence levels to heat up follicles for long-lasting results. Higher fluences have shown to produce better hair reduction results.
• Wavelength: Several wavelengths are used for hair removal. Different types of lasers emit different types of wavelengths to target melanin in the follicle. The ideal laser wavelength for hair removal is one that is selectively and intensely absorbed by melanin but not by surrounding skin tissue.
• Pulse Width: Pulse width correlates to the duration or length of a pulse. This determines the amount of damage a follicle receives. Longer pulse widths have proven to be more effective and safer for darker skin types.
• Integrated Cooling: Even if optimal settings and wavelengths are being used, laser light can still cause risks to skin surrounding the hair follicles. Cooling methods help reduce risks to the epidermis and also provide maximum comfort to patients. Some lasers, like our ReSmooth, offer integrated contact cooling technology for safer treatment and minimal discomfort.

Lastly, you want to make sure the laser you purchase comes from an established manufacturer. Reputable manufacturers will, and should, offer extensive training, some level of marketing support, fast and reliable technical service, reasonably priced extended warranty plans, and more.

If your manufacturer isn’t knowledgeable about the procedure and all aspects of the laser device their selling, run. If your manufacturer doesn’t offer in-house service and go through freelancers to service their lasers, think twice. If your manufacturer charges an arm and a leg for basic warranty plans or refuses to service your laser without a warranty plan, ditch them. Do your research, look into their existing clientele, and make sure their values revolve around you and your needs instead of making revenue off of you.

Choosing a laser can be easy once you know what to look for. Great service and expert training are things every laser manufacturer should offer, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Astanza provides all of the above and will stop at nothing to ensure you and your clinic are well-equipped and strongly supported.

To learn more about starting a laser hair removal business or adding laser hair removal to your existing practice, call (800) 364-9010 or click here to get connected with an Astanza representative.