Both Alexandrite and Diode lasers offer advantages and disadvantages when treating unwanted hair, although Diode lasers tend to be more successful with darker skin types.
2004 research published in Dermatologic Surgery compared Alexandrite and Diode lasers. Twelve-month results for both lasers showed similar hair reduction results. For this research study, simulations of real world skin were done with ASAP software model simulation.
Pain
Lasers are electro-medical devices that utilize light energy to effectively remove unwanted hair and improve skin texture. There are two primary types of lasers – Alexandrite and Diode lasers – commonly used for these purposes, with Diode being less painful than its counterpart. Each laser works by targeting pigment cells (melanin) on your skin to be destroyed using heat energy and then naturally eliminated by your body, leaving behind smooth and hairless skin that’s free from unsightly hair growth. However, results may take multiple sessions in order to see results!
Painful laser treatments depend on both your pain threshold and skin type; those with darker complexions may feel more discomfort than those with lighter tones; however, many laser treatment providers have found solutions to alleviate discomfort caused by these procedures. Some machines now provide cryogen cooling on the surface of skin to lessen sensation from laser pulses.
Cryogen cooling is particularly useful on Alexandrite lasers, since the Cryogen comes in liquid form at very low temperatures and helps protect your skin from feeling the full force of laser pulse. This makes it easier for laser to penetrate layers where melanin exists and destroy hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue.
Cryogenic cooling allows Alexandrite lasers to penetrate more deeply into the skin for effective and lasting results. Furthermore, their deep penetration enables them to target hair follicles more directly – speeding up hair removal processes while decreasing treatment length and costs.
Alexandrite and diode lasers both perform admirably on darker hair colors and skin types from I to IV on the Fitzpatrick scale, according to studies conducted. One clinical trial demonstrated similar outcomes from both laser types; their results being still visible 18 months post treatment!
Diode lasers are a relatively recent advancement in aesthetic medicine and can be used for an array of treatments, from treating scarring and wrinkles, to shrinking fat cells in specific areas. By emitting wavelengths that absorb easily into fat cells in targeted areas, diode lasers cause their triglycerides to breakdown, shrinking or even eliminating them altogether through lymphatic systems.
Safety
Diode lasers are one of the safest types of laser hair removal machines currently available, featuring long wavelengths that penetrate deep into hair follicles without harming or altering skin pigmentation, and shorter pulse duration than other lasers – reducing burn risks during treatment sessions and risk. While diode lasers may seem safe enough, their pain-inducing treatments still can occur; many manufacturers now utilize vacuum systems before releasing laser pulses so as to provide more comfortable experiences for their customers.
Alexandrite lasers may have shorter wavelengths than diode lasers, yet are still effective at treating darker skin tones. Their ability to absorb melanin and destroy hair follicles makes this laser one of the best options available for treating darker skin colors. Furthermore, this type of laser offers greater efficiency when treating coarse or thicker hair than other lasers can do.
Alexandrite lasers offer another advantage by having larger spot sizes that enable them to cover large areas quickly than other lasers, making them suitable for treating backs and bikinis as well as treating pregnancy-induced discolorations such as melisma. Furthermore, alexandrite lasers also work well against discolorations caused by hormone fluctuations during gestation or hormone replacement therapy.
Alexandrite lasers offer lower risk of burning than other types of lasers; however, any form of laser can pose complications if used incorrectly and therefore it is essential that a certified laser technician be consulted prior to beginning any treatment plan.
Alexandrite lasers’ lower incidence of side effects is due to their lower fluence rates, resulting in less energy per pulse and making more contact with skin surface layers, making thermal damage more likely. A recent study used low-fluence alexandrite lasers on dark and medium skin types with indocyanine green (ICG) dye as an indicator to gauge light absorption by alexandrite lasers.
Speed
Lasers offer an efficient way to treat unwanted hair quickly. By employing low power and pulse rates, they can target hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue – typically taking between five and 30 minutes for treatment depending on which laser type you choose. Alexandrite and Diode lasers both target melanin found within hair follicles to destroy them; whilst the latter has longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into skin layers than its counterpart; helping prevent skin damage or pigmentation changes caused by shorter wavelength lasers.
Diode lasers can also be effective on darker skin types and work well to target coarse, dark pubic hairs. Additionally, this laser can also be used on larger body areas, including back or bikini areas. In comparison, alexandrite lasers operate at shorter wavelengths that work by absorbing melanin molecules that cause hair follicles to collapse and die; then can easily be removed to leave behind smooth and hair-free surfaces.
Diode and Alexandrite lasers offer numerous additional applications, including treating spider veins, acne scarring, tattoo removal and freckle and stretch mark reduction as well as fine line removal around the mouth and eyes. Furthermore, both laser types are safe for use by both children and expectant mothers alike.
Early studies on the effectiveness of diode and Alexandrite lasers for hair removal have demonstrated they are equally as effective in reducing heat related skin complications among patients with darker skin tones, with diodes offering slightly longer wavelengths, making it safer for dark skin types and working more effectively on darker hair colors. It may be possible for an experienced laser operator to push up intensity and power levels of diodes lasers for treatment on lighter hair colors but care should be taken to avoid complications.
Cost
Laser technology is ever evolving and evolving with each year that passes, offering more advanced features. One area in which it has seen rapid expansion is hair removal treatments using Diode and Alexandrite lasers for hair removal treatments; both solid-state medical devices that have many advantages over gas (CO2) or liquid lasers.
The alexandrite laser emits longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin and are particularly effective at targeting darker skin tones than diode lasers. Unfortunately, however, this system should not be used by patients with very dark tans as the laser could potentially damage melanin production in their bodies; rather it should be utilized with skin tones from I to IV for maximum efficiency.
Both types of lasers can effectively remove hair when the proper procedures are followed, meaning patients should refrain from shaving, waxing or plucking the area to be treated prior to laser treatment, as well as avoid sun exposure and tanning for several weeks prior to beginning therapy.
Additionally, patients should undergo thorough screenings for skin disorders or health concerns that could compromise the safety of laser treatment. As lasers may not be appropriate for everyone, it’s essential that each individual fully understands how the procedure works and any potential side effects before beginning therapy.
Ideally, when seeking laser surgery it is wise to consult a physician who has extensive training in its use for this purpose. Furthermore, selecting a device with high peak power and long pulse duration allows greater control over energy delivery while protecting surrounding tissue more effectively.
Diode or alexandrite laser hair removal systems tend to cost more than other laser systems; however, their investment usually pays off over time and reduces reliance on other methods of hair removal. Before making your choice of laser system, be sure to get quotes from multiple clinics to find one best suited to your needs.
