Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

alexandrite laser hair removal

Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular and less-painful photoepilation method, but darker skin types may experience hyperpigmentation, erythema or crusting as side effects [1, 2].

The alexandrite laser uses a 755nm wavelength bundled light that efficiently absorbs hair color pigments and destroys them, creating permanent* hair reduction.

Effectiveness

Laser hair removal is an efficient, painless and safe method for eliminating unwanted hair. It works by targeting pigment in hair follicles to destroy them and stop further growth; any non-pigmented hair is simply damaged by light energy reflected from nearby skin. When receiving laser treatment, the epidermis is protected by an agent called Coolair to keep epidermal burns at bay – making the procedure relatively painless for people with sensitive skin, making laser treatment far superior to waxing, shaving and plucking which may be painful processes! This advantage far outweighs waxing shaving or plucking which may take many hours of work before success can even become visible!

Laser technology has rapidly advanced over the years and now there are various types of lasers available for hair removal. Of these lasers, alexandrite laser is one of the most efficient at both hair reduction and safety; however, some people experience discomfort with its use. There have also been reports of temporary side effects including erythema, crusting and hyperpigmentation occurring from this treatment if administered incorrectly. These side effects usually subside within hours after completion of treatment if done properly.

Recent research compared the efficacy of long-pulsed Alexandrite and Nd:Yag lasers in removing leg hair. Results revealed that combination therapy had higher rates of adverse events compared to alexandrite laser treatment alone; however, this study had limited sample sizes and short follow up periods.

diode and Alexandrite lasers can both be effective solutions for hair removal; the choice depends on a few key factors. First, select a laser center with qualified staff. Next, establish the optimal settings on the laser. Also take into account how experienced each operator is by counting how many laser treatments have been completed; to maximize results avoid centers which switch operators between treatments.

Candela GentleMax Pro’s dual-wavelength laser is an ideal way to remove hair. This device combines two powerful wavelengths: 755nm alexandrite laser and 1064nm Nd:Yag laser. It can be used on all skin types and tones and even reduce age spots and pigmented lesions without risking burns or blisters – perfect for treating darker skin without burns or blisters!

Side effects

Laser hair removal generally results in some level of irritation and redness; these should subside within hours following your session, but for added relief apply an ice pack to reduce discomfort and swelling. Your doctor may also suggest a topical pain reliever during sessions to ease any discomfort, though sun exposure and tanning beds should be avoided after receiving laser treatment; especially if your skin tone is light. Should any signs of more serious reaction arise please notify your physician immediately.

Additionally to these common side effects, laser hair removal procedures may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals or an overreaction from certain laser types used with certain laser hair removal gels or numbing cream. You may also develop hypo- or hyperpigmentation following treatment – this often signals that either it was not successful or performed at an inappropriate setting for your skin type.

Laser treatments may also cause your hair to grow back lighter, as the light energy only affects dark hair pigment. This is considered normal and is most noticeable for people with darker locks than those with blonde or reddish locks.

Other possible side effects you could experience include blistering, skin crusting and scarring. Although these side effects are unlikely, they could happen under certain circumstances; such as using an at-home laser kit or visiting an untrained technician for laser treatment on dark skin; or being exposed too soon after having laser treatment to sunlight and having a history of easy scarring.

The SP and Moveo 755 alexandrite lasers appear to be safe and effective treatments for hair removal in all Fitzpatrick skin types, including pseudofolliculitis (PFC). The Moveo system features longer pulse duration to decrease post-treatment erythema and pigmentation without sacrificing effectiveness, while its cryogen cooling contact tip ensures consistent skin contact while preventing heat damage during treatment; additionally, its ergonomic design provides more comfortable operation compared to diode lasers due to a lack of contact cooling technology.

Safety

Laser hair removal is an inherently safe procedure that does not cause cuts or burns, unlike razor shaving and wax treatments. When selecting a practitioner to perform laser treatments for hair removal, experience is always key – ideally at a doctor’s office; however many medi-spas and salons offer cheaper laser services, although quality equipment and expertise of technicians may often be compromised at these cheaper outlets. Also avoid laser treatments in places without adequate filtration systems or evacuators that control plumes of laser light emission.

studies conducted by experts have proven that long-pulsed alexandrite laser is an effective and painless method of removing unwanted hair in darker skin phototypes, according to various studies. According to these specialists in this field, this laser was more safe than others used for hair removal (Finkel, Eliezri & Waldman 1995) with repetition rates up to 5pps and energy fluences of 25-40 J/cm2. 126 patients across various body areas participated in their research study.

Although some individuals may experience side effects from laser therapy, these typically aren’t serious and should fade within several days on their own. Common examples include hypopigmentation, edema, itching and dermatitis – in rare cases there may also be temporary bruising that eventually clears itself up on its own.

Laser hair removal carries additional risks, including an increased risk of herpes simplex virus that requires prophylactic antiviral therapy to avoid outbreaks; some medications can increase this risk as well; it is therefore prudent to review your medical history prior to beginning laser treatments. Furthermore, pregnant women must avoid receiving treatments as their unborn fetuses could be injured by laser radiation.

Candela’s Motus AY Alexandrite laser provides high-powered, safe and painless treatment of hair removal as well as other cosmetic issues, including ingrown hairs and razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). Utilizing its proprietary Dynamic Cooling Device keeps skin comfortable throughout treatment; and its larger spot size ensures faster treatments than traditional lasers.

Duration

Laser treatments differ from shaving or waxing by disrupting the growth cycle of hair follicles, thus stopping them from producing new hair growth and decreasing unwanted hair growth. For optimal results, multiple treatment sessions will need to be undertaken – each lasting anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area being treated – for best results to last for up to six months post treatment regimen completion.

Alexandrite lasers boast a specific wavelength that’s easily absorbed by melanin, the pigment found in hair follicles. During a session, an alexandrite laser device emits a beam of bundled light which is transferred directly to its target area through a dynamic cooling system for optimal effectiveness and minimum discomfort. This ensures maximum effectiveness at minimal expense.

Laser light absorbs color pigments found within your hair follicles, disintegrating them via heat energy from the laser beam and leading to permanent hair reduction*.

Different laser systems feature different wavelengths, pulse durations and power levels to effectively remove hair. The most efficient lasers include those with high power density and large spot size that can reach into the dermal layer where hair follicles reside – the Candela GentleLase laser has an effective spot size range between 6-16mm while Nd:Yag has longer wavelength at 1064nm to address darker skin tones.

Though there are other methods available to remove unwanted hair, they tend to be less convenient and cause irritation, as well as require regular maintenance that may be costly. Therefore, many opt for laser hair removal as a more long-term solution; you’ll save both time and money with its investment worthiness.

Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you stop plucking or waxing in the area in question. In order for the laser to effectively work, hair follicles must remain present and this step must be taken for your safety.

Share This Article