Laser hair removal can be an effective and safe solution to unwanted hair growth, but before beginning treatment it’s essential that a licensed practitioner be consulted to make sure the appropriate laser technology is employed for both your skin type and color of hair.
Studies comparing alexandrite and diode lasers revealed no significant distinction between them; both can provide effective treatments for most skin tones.
What is it used for?
Alexandrite is an essential component of laser systems that produce visible to near infrared wavelengths, from visible through near-infrared. Additionally, it can be used as a pump material for other materials like argon or Nd:YAG lasers (see Chapter 8). Alexandrite lasers are widely known for their high power density and stability when producing Q-switched lasers for industrial purposes.
Alexandrite serves as both a semiconductor and amplifier in laser systems, converting optical energy from its source into laser radiation. To maximize efficiency, its crystal structure should face parallel to the resonator mirror; flash lamps or Nd:YAG lasers (see Chapter 6) provide power; it’s available both as single mode laser and in multimode configuration that provides multiple wavelengths.
Tattoo removal requires multiple wavelengths in order to effectively address all possible colors. All Q-switched lasers work well on black and India ink; however, 1064nm Nd:YAG and alexandrite lasers have proven particularly efficient at eliminating blue, green, red, orange and yellow colors.
Color is an integral factor in evaluating a gemstone’s value; more noticeable color shifts and those closer to true green and red will increase its price tag. Furthermore, polish plays an integral part in this assessment process, increasing brilliance and increasing transparency for any given gem.
Durability of gemstones is another important consideration. Alexandrite boasts a Mohs scale rating of 8.5, between diamond (10) and corundum (rubies and sapphires) (9), making it suitable for daily wear but should still be treated carefully to prevent scratches or abrasions. Jewelers offer professional cleaning services which may help keep this beautiful gem looking its best!
Alexandrite takes its name from Czar Alexander II of Russia; when discovered in 1834 in the Ural Mountains he had recently turned 16 and would soon become Emperor. Because the color matched that of his uniforms at that time it received its moniker; furthermore it is said to protect and enable its wearers to adapt more readily in new situations.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal works using selective photothermolysis, in which light energy from a laser beam is targeted specifically to melanin in hair follicles but not surrounding tissue areas. This allows melanin to absorb energy, effectively disabling its ability to grow back hair again – with long-term results from just a few sessions needed to maintain them.
Light energy is distributed using a laser diode, composed of semiconductor material with differing concentrations of electrons and holes on either side of its material boundary (also referred to as Homojunction). As current passes through, photons created within this laser diode emit at specific wavelengths depending on whether more holes or electrons exist, giving off laser light with very narrow band widths.
Laser hair removal can be used on virtually any area of the body, including underarms, bikini line, legs and back. Its effectiveness in removing hair is such that many patients can stop shaving altogether after just a few treatments! In addition, laser hair removal offers some unique advantages not found with other methods, including permanent hair reduction.
Diode lasers offer another advantage in that they can be used on all skin types regardless of color or tone, due to using a lower repetition rate and longer wavelength than other hair removal devices such as ruby or Nd:YAG lasers. Their longer wavelength also makes them suitable for darker skin tones as it absorbs better through melanin pigment.
Note that diode lasers do not produce as much heat, due to melanin’s ability to absorb light energy quickly from its source in hair follicles, rather than increasing in temperature like other tissues in their proximity. As such, diode lasers can be safely and painlessly used on most skin types without damaging or irritating them; in comparison with waxing or electrolysis.
What are the side effects?
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to safely and permanently eliminate unwanted hair on legs, backs, arms and faces. However, it is important to know that both alexandrite and diode lasers may produce side effects if used incorrectly or by untrained personnel; while such side effects are rare it’s still best to seek advice from an experienced technician when getting treated by laser.
The alexandrite laser (755nm) is often preferred when treating light skin types (I-IV). This laser has lower melanin absorption compared to ruby lasers and does not lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation as often. Furthermore, alexandrite laser treatment has proven highly successful at treating leg telangiectasias and reticular veins with satisfactory results.
Diode lasers (810nm) have proven highly successful at treating hair follicles which are difficult to target with other wavelengths, while their longer wavelength allows it to penetrate more deeply into skin layers where pigment and hair follicles reside. Furthermore, these lasers do not increase postinflammatory hyperpigmentation risk as much as ruby or alexandrite lasers do.
PROS of Diode Laser Systems: Diode laser systems boast larger spot sizes that make them suitable for treating large areas of the body quickly and with minimal discomfort, with most patients only experiencing mild heat or tingling sensations during their treatments. Furthermore, diode lasers use cutting-edge cooling technologies which protect epidermis from being damaged during treatments.
Diode Laser Systems Have Drawbacks:
Diode laser systems may offer reduced repetition rates and shorter treatment duration compared to other laser technologies, leading to less effective results as well as an increase in pain levels during treatments. Cooling technology may not be as efficient with diodes leading to greater discomfort during sessions.
What is the cost?
Laser hair removal can be an extremely effective treatment for unwanted hair. This method works by targeting pigment in hair follicles to be destroyed with heat from a laser, making it suitable for use on various skin types and colors. There are some considerations when selecting which laser to use; keep reading!
Lasers vary significantly in terms of wavelength. This is because different wavelengths target various areas of skin. Therefore, it’s essential that you select a laser designed for both your specific skin type and hair color; shorter wavelengths tend to absorb differently by melanin in hair follicles, making shorter wavelength lasers the superior choice when treating darker hair and longer wavelength lasers being better for lighter skin tones.
Laser hair removal involves administering short pulses of light energy directly onto the skin in short and rapid bursts, in order to disrupt melanin in hair follicles without harming nearby skin tissue. Pulse length can also have an impactful impact; too long could damage epidermis cells while too short might not reach all hair follicles effectively enough.
There are two primary lasers used for hair removal: alexandrite and diode lasers. Both have proven successful at eliminating unwanted hair, yet there has been much debate as to which is superior; each wavelength affects how they interact with different skin tones and complexions.
Alexandrite lasers feature longer wavelengths than diode lasers, enabling them to penetrate deeper into the skin for greater penetration and to avoid superficial skin damage in darker-skinned patients. As diode lasers tend to work best on lighter skin tones they may be less effective when it comes to coarse hair such as pubic or back hair removal.
