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Technology Differences

The Cosmetic Laser Difference

 

Technology matters!  Many times when people call they ask what kind of lasers we use. There are significant differences with certain lasers and people are more conscious now to make sure they go to the right place with a top of the line laser.  Please take a few minutes to read why we choose the best lasers in the industry.

The first two lasers we mention here are the ones we use in our practice. You can see what makes them the best choice over the other brands.

 

1. Candela GentleLase - An Alexandrite Laser, best for lighter skin types.

 The GentleLASE™ by Candela is precise and can be computer-adjusted to the exact parameters that will disable the hair germ cells in the follicle, minimally affecting the surrounding skin, and considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process. By delivering an effective energy beam deep into the tissue, the GentleLASE laser ensures predictable results, patient comfort, and a high degree of safety.

Because GentleLASE™ has pre and post cooling devices...they have become the leaders among long pulse, Alexandrite lasers. A small burst of cryogen spray covers the treated area just before the laser fires thus cooling the skin and allowing the laser energy to be absorbed by the hair follicle not the surrounding tissue.

The GentleLASE 755 nm alexandrite laser is Candela's premier laser for removing hair, pigmented and vascular lesions and wrinkles. The GentleLASE treats most skin types quickly, comfortably and effectively. The GentleLASE family of lasers is fast, versatile and easy to use. And only Candela lasers feature the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCDTM) to maximize patient safety and comfort.

Speed - Treat patients faster and comfortably with the a large 18mm spot size and fast repetition rate. The GenteLASE is up to four times as fast as our competitors 10 mm diode.

Efficacy - 17,666 watts of peak power enables the GentleLASE to treat a variety of conditions. The GentleLASE is capable of delivering 755 nm fluences up to 100 J/cm² in pulse durations of 3 ms for unparalleled treatment efficacies.

Adjustable Penetration - The GentleLASE uses adjustable spot sizes so whether you have fine hair or thick dark hair the beam can be adjusted to a 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, or 18 mm beam. This gives us the ability to treat at all depths of hair growth regardless of hair diameter.

Versatile - The GentleLASE can be used to treat for permanent hair reduction, vascular and pigmented lesions, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Patented Epidermal Cooling - Candela's Dynamic Cooling Device represents an adjustable epidermal protection technology to maximize patient safety and comfort.

 

2. CANDELA Gentle Yag Laser Made for darker skin types

Nd:YAG (Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is the correct laser for tanned or darker skin types. The Nd:YAG is designed to avoid the top layers of the skin and attract mainly to the lower part of the hair follicle. However if there is no pigment or melanin for the laser to be attracted to this laser will reflect its' energy and can be painful to lighter skin types.

Patients of color such as: African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean, European and Middle Eastern use the Nd:YAG laser. If an Alexandrite laser hair removal device is used on darker skin types, it can result in serious burning or loss of skin pigment (hypo-pigmentation).

Nd:YAG lasers provide breakthrough performance for the removal of unwanted hair and treatment of larger deep reticular vessels. Now, practitioners can safely treat all skin types, including tanned patients, based on utilization of the longest laser wavelength available. Independent control of key parameters, enables treatment to be customized and thus optimized for each patient. The Nd:YAG laser provides rapid delivery of high-energy pulses in a very large spot size. The result is fast, effective treatment of both small and large body areas. High peak power makes it ideal for treating fine and coarse hair. The FDA has cleared this Nd:YAG laser for all skin types, so that they can safely and effectively be used on tanned or dark patients.

In addition to an innovative system design, the Nd:YAG laser features a variable spot hand pieces. The new hand piece incorporates different spot sizes in a single delivery system. With the simple twist of the hand piece dial, the practitioner can select the appropriate spot size for the desired treatment.

Pseudo-folliculitis Barbae, commonly known as shaving bumps, is a widespread problem among individuals with curly hair and dark skin. As the hair follicle grows out of the skin, it immediately curls and re-enters the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign body and becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps. The Nd:YAG laser can provide a long-lasting effective relief for PFB by removing the hair follicles and is also FDA cleared for all skin types, so it can also be safely and effectively used on tanned or dark patients.

 

Below are a couple of the leading lasers used by some of our competitors:

Diode LASERS - (long pulse) for lighter skin types

The Light Sheer™ laser, made by Lumenis, the one of the leaders in the laser hair removal industry. It is also safe, non-invasive and FDA- approved for permanent hair reduction. This laser does have its' limited use however . With the small spot size and high intense peak power it should be used on lighter skin types and shallower, finer hair.

Backed by long-term clinical data, the Light Sheer™ system has the ability to permanently reduce hair growth and treat lighter skin types and finer hairs.

The Light Sheer™ laser utilizes the patented ChillTip™ technology with a square sapphire tip that actively cools your skin before, during and after treatment pulses. This technology protects the epidermis, minimizes discomfort and allows for the use of a very powerful and effective laser treatment. BECAUSE OF THESE STUDIES THE LIGHT SHEER DIODE IS A BAD CHOICE FOR THICKER DARKER HAIR WHICH IS WHAT MOST PATIENTS WANT REMOVED.

-- IPL ™ - Intense Pulsed Light not the best for hair removal - designed for Foto-FacialTM

Quantum SR - IPL™ by Lumenis is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and rid your skin of various complaints. Remember the word 'intense' means intense.

Employing a broad spectrum of light energy in a range of wavelengths, IPL supplies high levels of light power in millisecond bursts. IPL devices also offer sophisticated, computer-driven precision and tremendous versatility.

Due to the nature of treatment, intense pulsed light energy can be applied to the sub-surface skin layers for gradual results with reduced side effects and patient downtime. For certain aesthetic challenges, IPL™ technology provides a refining touch to laser procedures.

However there are many disadvantages of using IPL™ for permanent hair removal- see below

Disadvantages

  • Long-term data on safety have not been established.

  • Long-term data on effectiveness have not been established.

  • Response rates have not been established.

  • Must be used very cautiously on darker skin tones.

  • Must be used very cautiously on tanned or bronzer applied skin.

  • Improper treatment can cause burns, skin discoloration.

  • Some find treatment very painful.

  • Some consumers do not respond to treatment.

Resources:

All studies done by Rocky Mountain Laser College Rocky Mountain Laser College (RMLC) - is one of the worlds oldest and prestigious laser colleges. The RMLC (Rocky Mountain Laser College, Inc.) was established in 1948 in Colorado as the leader in aesthetic and medical laser training.