Twelve-month results using alexandrite and diode lasers demonstrated an average hair reduction rate of between 84%-86% for most patients, thanks to higher power laser heads (12 mm round for 755nm alexandrite and 9mm for 800nm diode). These impressive outcomes were accomplished using higher power settings with relatively larger laser heads (12mm for alexandrite; 9mm for diode).
Diode lasers feature longer wavelengths to safely treat darker skin tones and coarse hairs without risking skin damage or pigmentation changes that might arise with shorter-wavelength laser types.
Results
Laser hair removal is one of the fastest and most effective ways to permanently reduce unwanted body hair. Laser energy targets and destroys individual hair follicles without harming surrounding tissues for permanent hair reduction. Treatment sessions may last several sessions depending on skin type and treatment area; touch-up treatments may also be required from time to time.
Opposite of other hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing and shaving, lasers are relatively free from short-term side effects; however, their procedures are painful; typically felt as a mild tingling sensation during treatment sessions and can vary according to size of treatment area and strength of pulse; discomfort usually lessens with thicker coarser hair as opposed to areas without it; some patients may experience discomfort both during their session as well as afterwards which can be controlled with topical anesthetic creams or topical anesthetic creams if necessary.
There are various lasers designed for hair removal, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Alexandrite and Diode lasers are two popular choices with various advantages and drawbacks. Both can safely and effectively treat most types of skin; with Diode’s longer wavelength allowing deeper penetration than shorter wavelength lasers; meanwhile the Alexandrite has larger spot size to effectively address coarse, dark hairs.
Studies published in Balkan Medical Journal and Dermatologic Surgery have revealed that alexandrite and diode lasers are equally effective at hair removal for darker skin tones. According to their studies, four treatments with alexandrite and two sessions with diode-alexandrite laser produced equal 12-month hair reductions.
Nd: YAG lasers are another popular choice for hair removal on darker skin types. According to studies in Balkan Medical Journal and Dermatologic surgery, Nd: YAG lasers may be less effective than diode and Alexandrite lasers but safer than IPL and ruby for this application.
Nd: YAG lasers can penetrate deeper into the dermis and target melanosomes responsible for pigmentation more effectively than other lasers in hair removal in darker skin types. Therefore, these lasers may prove more successful at eliminating hair than their counterparts.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal works by selectively heating dark target matter (melanin) within hair follicles to destroy it without harming surrounding tissues. A beam of light at an extremely fast rate allows treatment of large volumes of skin in short amounts of time.
Effective laser hair removal procedures depend on many variables, including wavelength, spot size, pulse duration, cooling systems and laser type. Selecting an optimal wavelength depends heavily on each patient’s unique skin tone and color as different wavelengths affect how light reaches melanin in hair follicles and heats them.
Clinical results of alexandrite and diode laser treatments showed impressive, long-term hair reduction with four treatments from each laser; equivalent to 84% reduction after one year’s time. A research trial used both devices (755-810nm alexandrite laser and 800-810nm diode laser). All participants in the study had Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV.
Some patients may require further laser treatments after their initial set, in order to stop unwanted hair regrowth. This is because not all hair follicles were destroyed during the initial session; therefore it’s essential that you consult a physician familiar with using the system you select as part of their treatment.
Before initiating laser treatment, a thorough review of a patient’s medical history must take place. Conditions like pregnancy or herpes simplex may increase risk and complications may develop further during treatment. It’s also essential to establish whether there are keloids or hypertrophic scars present that could worsen as laser treatment will only exacerbate them further.
Another element that can determine the success of laser hair removal is device power setting. If not adjusted appropriately, a poorly adjusted laser could damage nearby tissues or burn skin. Furthermore, it’s essential that medical practitioners or nurses fully prepare patients before initiating treatments by making sure they understand all risks involved and the expected outcomes.
Preparation
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution for unwanted hair growth. The procedure uses a light beam to target individual follicles with heat from the laser beam, eventually leading to permanent reduction. Although temporary side effects may occur from laser hair removal treatments such as electrolysis or waxing may exist; nonetheless, laser removal has generally proven less painful than these other alternatives. Laser hair removal works best on people who have darker hair colors and who fall within Fitzpatrick skin classification I through IV.
Laser types vary greatly in terms of their wavelength of light emitted, which can greatly alter their effectiveness on dark skin. Alexandrite and diode lasers both emit long wavelengths which penetrate to deeper layers of the skin and target melanin which gives hair its color.
Researchers used a computational simulation model that produced realistic skin structures to compare the efficacy of two lasers used on dark skin. After that, they compared fluence rates that reached targeted areas with 755nm alexandrite laser and 810nm diode laser – with diode being more effective at reaching hair follicles due to having longer wavelengths compared with alexandrite laser.
Diode lasers are more versatile than alexandrite lasers; they can be used on a wider variety of skin types and hair colors without discomfort for many patients. Furthermore, multiple areas can be treated at once using this more efficient option than alexandrite lasers; its long wavelength allows it to penetrate more deeply than other lasers while avoiding pigmentation and erythema in darker skin tones.
Alexandrite and diode treatments both boast excellent safety profiles; both treatments are gentle on skin types I to IV. Both have also proven highly effective at decreasing hair growth; with both offering remarkable 12-month hair reduction results.
Recovery
Laser hair removal is a relatively straightforward solution for unwanted hair removal, performed in doctor’s offices using laser beams to heat and destroy hair follicles, thus stopping their production of new hair strands. Results typically become visible within one or two treatments; however, it may require multiple sessions before reaching desired goals.
Numerous variables can impede the success of laser hair removal treatments, including wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse width and cooling systems. Type and color of the hair also have an effect on outcomes; alexandrite and diode lasers are among the most widely used lasers used for removal purposes.
The alexandrite laser uses a wavelength of 755nm which falls comfortably within the absorption spectrum of melanin, the target for hair removal. It is safe and effective treatment option for light to medium skin tones but can become painful on darker complexions.
Diode lasers feature shorter wavelengths than alexandrite lasers, lowering the risk of epidermal damage when treating dark skin. Their shorter wavelength allows diode lasers to penetrate deeper into skin layers without harming surrounding tissues – an advantage particularly important when treating larger areas more rapidly than alexandrite. Furthermore, slower repetition rates make diode lasers faster at treating larger areas than alexandrite.
The type and skill of operator of laser treatment have an immense effect on its success. Both alexandrite and diode lasers can work on most skin types, though following tanning avoidance guidelines is key for optimal long-term results; in one study 12-month hair reduction results were similar between both laser systems.
