Laser hair removal is a fantastic solution that effectively and safely reduces unwanted hair growth. While it is generally safe and effective for most individuals, some precautions must be taken prior to beginning treatments.
Before arriving for your appointment, it is essential that you avoid UV rays, self-tanner and medications like Accutane. Furthermore, it’s essential that the area being treated be shaved prior to coming in.
Alexandrite
The Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal machine is the gold standard in permanent* hair reduction. Utilizing wavelength 755nm laser energy, its wavelength absorbs into melanin pigment within hair follicles to destroy them and stop new hair from growing back – thus making laser treatments far more effective than tweezers or electrolysis treatments. In addition, its innovative cooling system keeps your skin protected and soothed during treatment; we apply topical anesthetic beforehand for extra comfort; however, some may still experience discomfort depending on individual pain thresholds – everyone’s pain threshold is unique.
Alexandrite laser hair removal treatments can treat all Fitzpatrick skin colors and cut years off of your time spent shaving or waxing. It has become one of the fastest and most efficient lasers for hair removal; its speed allows large swaths of hair to be eliminated quickly during multiple short treatments; for best results schedule 6-8 sessions for thinner hair, 8-12 for thicker and darker ones.
Alexandrite lasers are fast, safe, and gentle laser treatments; unlike diode lasers which cause heat damage to surrounding tissue and require protective goggles during treatments.
Diode and Alexandrite lasers both deliver similar results; however, the two machines differ in how they deliver those results. Diode machines tend to work best on lighter skin tones due to being optimized for them; on the other hand, Alexandrite lasers tend to work best on darker skin tones.
No matter the machine used, all Ideal Image medical professionals are highly experienced in laser hair removal. All are certified in using Candela GentleLASE Pro machines which specialize in alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology for optimal hair removal results.
Both alexandrite and diode lasers are known for being less painful than other machines; however, results of each machine depend heavily on the technician’s skill and setting selection. Studies have demonstrated that after four treatment sessions results for either machine are almost identical.
Diode
Diode laser hair removal is an efficient and safe method of permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. Utilizing selective photothermolysis, diode lasers emit single wavelength light that quickly heats melanin-rich hair follicles before targeting melanin pigmentation directly, eventually killing off each follicle and stopping further hair growth. Cooling technology may also be added for added comfort during treatment.
Diode laser treatment is most suitable for dark hair on light skin types; however, all skin types can benefit. While treatment sessions tend to be relatively painless, you may experience slight discomfort during them. Prior to your session, it is essential that you wash your skin and avoid applying topical products in the area; in addition, avoid shaving, waxing and using depilatory creams in the weeks prior to receiving laser treatment.
Diode lasers utilize semiconductor technology to project coherent light in the visible to infrared range, matching its wavelength to your skin and hair chromophores. As energy from the laser is absorbed by pigment cells and damaged, follicles cannot grow hair anymore and existing ones will thin and become finer over time.
As with other laser treatments, the outcomes will depend on your skin type and number of sessions needed. For instance, eliminating facial or underarm hair could require eight-10 sessions; furthermore, touch-ups might be needed after reaching the desired result.
Diode lasers can be used on all parts of the body, including legs, arms, neck and bikini lines. Although treatment will cause some discomfort, it is generally far less painful than traditional methods like shaving and waxing and will leave less ingrown hairs than other techniques. Keep in mind that laser hair removal often requires multiple sessions as not all hair follicles will be in their active growth phase simultaneously.
Nd:YAG
Unwanted body hair can be an embarrassing problem for both men and women alike. Although shaving provides an easy solution, it only removes visible hair shafts – not their roots that cause new growth. Therefore many opt for laser hair removal treatments to permanently decrease unwanted follicles. Nd:YAG lasers have proven particularly successful at treating darker skin tones. Nd:YAG stands for Neodymium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and it belongs to the Q-switched laser family. Lasers emit short bursts of light which penetrate deeper into the skin than other lasers, targeting pigments like freckles, sun spots and age spots more effectively than with traditional lasers that may fail to address melanin found in dark hair. This allows them to penetrate further beneath its surface to treat pigment problems like freckles, sun spots and age spots as well as treat darker skin tones without harming dark hair melanin content effectively.
This type of laser treatment is particularly suitable for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Furthermore, this laser can effectively target pigment in hair follicles to stop future unwanted hair growth – however this treatment will not work with gray or white hair due to insufficient melanin levels within its follicles.
Dr. Burgess is proud to provide patients with this cutting-edge technology and help improve the health and beauty of their skin by helping them reduce fine lines and wrinkles and treat leg veins through sclerotherapy. Dr. Burgess takes great satisfaction in offering it at her dermatology practice and helping patients improve their skin health through this cutting-edge method.
If you are curious to learn more about laser hair removal or sclerotherapy vein treatments, please reach out to the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. We would be more than happy to set up a consultation appointment and share more information on these state-of-the-art technologies – helping you attain a beautiful, healthy complexion! We look forward to helping!
Ruby
Laser hair removal has long been seen as one of the best and most effective ways to eliminate unwanted body hair, with relatively pain-free procedures offering long-term solutions to unwanted growth. If you are considering this procedure, it is vital that you choose an experienced provider with adequate training and equipment that ensures safety as well as optimal results. It is also crucial that a quality laser treatment should never be judged solely based on cost savings; prioritize quality over price when making your final decision, as well as ask for a full breakdown of costs before making your final decision.
The ruby laser is an older form of laser hair removal used on Fitzpatrick skin types I and II; however, it should not be used on darker or tanned skin types. Emitting wavelength 694nm with an 18mm spot size capability; all devices include built-in cooling equipment to minimize risk of burns or side effects.
Ruby lasers target melanin in hair follicles to efficiently target it without damaging surrounding areas of skin. However, multiple sessions may be needed in order to achieve desired results.
Ruby lasers may be safe but are less effective at removing fine hairs than Alexandrite or Diode machines when it comes to eliminating them. Furthermore, their higher fluences require them to damage follicles properly – this is why prior to undergoing any ruby laser treatments it’s wise to consult a professional.
