This article provides an expert's guide on what type of laser is used for hair removal - from diode lasers to ruby lasers - as well as information on indications, contraindications, complications, and more.
The most suitable lasers for hair removal are those with wavelengths between 700 and 1400 nm, as this range offers the highest absorption of melanin and the least interference with other pigments, such as hemoglobin. The main advantage of the diode laser is that it allows the treatment of darker phototypes while preserving the epidermis. Its main drawback is that it is a slower system due to the small size of the dot. It is not used for facial hair removal because of its wavelength and because of the need to pre-shave the area.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is applied to the patient with a quartz guide. It allows the use of multiple pulses and the variation of the duration of the pulses and the intervals between each one. This makes many combinations possible and is especially useful in facial hair removal. Most systems include software that automatically selects the necessary parameters, but the doctor can modify them manually (user parameters).
The cooling system consists of gel (at 4º C), which improves light distribution and cools the epidermis. It is a very versatile system that requires specialized training and knowledge of the art. The main advantages of the alexandrite laser are that it has a shorter wavelength system compared to other types of lasers and can treat medium to light brown hair. People with fair skin are the best candidates, since it can cause discoloration in darker skin types.
The ruby laser, one of the oldest types of lasers used in hair removal, is best suited for people with light or fine hair and fair skin. Compared to newer laser technologies, the Ruby laser can be more time consuming because it only covers a smaller area of skin at a time. The diode laser is one of the newest and most used lasers today. It is designed for light to medium skin tones.
Compared to other lasers such as Alexandrite or Ruby, the diode laser has a longer wavelength of light, which reduces the risk of skin damage than lasers with shorter wavelengths.
Each of these lasers has been approved by the FDA for laser hair removal
. They have been proven to be effective, fast and safe methods for successful hair removal and permanent hair reduction. Your dermatologist will select the most appropriate laser for you based on your hair and skin type and the area of your body.
This activity describes different lasers, their indications, contraindications, complications, and highlights the role of an interprofessional team in educating patients who want to undergo hair removal. Melanin absorbs light in the 300 to 1200 nm range, and lasers in this wavelength range can be used effectively for hair reduction. A variety of lasers and IPL systems are available and are considered to be the best choice for long-term hair reduction. Laser hair removal involves penetrating the hair follicle with bursts of light pulses that damage cells with wavelengths and heat.
Laser hair removal can permanently reduce hair density or permanently remove unwanted hair. A variety of lasers and IPL systems are available and they are considered to be most effective options for long-term hair reduction. In order to achieve adequate results in initial phase of hair removal therapy, a minimum number of 4 to 6 sessions with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks is required. A variety of hair removal options are available such as waxing or waxing, shaving, chemical depilatories, electrolysis, eflornithine cream, and laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems.
The first method developed to remove hair was Ruby laser which has become quite obsolete as it tends to be slower and less effective than other methods. The melanin content is much higher in melanin-carrying structures such as hair shafts and matrix cells than in hair follicles. Some laser systems also work better on specific areas of body so it's best to talk to your doctor about your skin type, hair type, treatment preferences, and area you want to treat. The hair matrix is only sensitive to laser treatment during anagen phase of hair growth cycle; therefore several treatments will be necessary to treat all hair follicles when they are most sensitive to treatment.
