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Alexandrite (Wavelength : 755nm)
 The best results in laser hair removal are obtained with
Alexandrite lasers. Among this type, a brand and model that is
recognized at the top of the technology curve is the Cynosure Apogee
9300. Similar in its ability to permanently remove hair is the Candela
GentleLease plus.
The best in the Alexandrite Class is the Apogée 9300 from
Cynosure. It comes either as an air-cooled or water-cooled laser. It
is linked to a skin-cooling machine called a SmartCool. Some countries
have replaced the SmartCool with the Cryojet C600, which provides
added cold air to the skin. The colder the air the better the skin is
during treatment. The skin needs a strong cooling mechanism to remain
intact. The Candela lasers use a spray of cryogenic gas during each
pulse. All other cooling methods are under par. Such low-grade methods
involve clear gels such as sonographic gel, which tends to disturb the
coherent laser light. These gels are always used with Flash Lamps or
Intense Pulse Light systems.
The world’s best laser centers use either the Apogée 9300s
or the GentleLease Plus. In these lasers they find reliability,
efficacy, power and speed added to patient comfort. Since the Apogee
9300 is a rather large equipment requiring a special ventilation
system and drainage, it’s not going to be found in your around the
corner laser center. Please call your laser center to find out if they
are using this latest generation laser.
Nd YAG
Long Pulse (Wavelength 1064 nm)
New lasers released in 2005 such as the Cynosure Elite
Modular or Candela Gentle YAG Plus have an NdYAG 1064nm wavelength
beam capable of removing hair on darker skins ( phototypes V and VI
–black ). What makes them safe and effective is their Long Pulse
delivery system which spares the skin from burning.
These new lasers, with a different type of settings can
treat spider veins on your legs or these little red and thin veins on
your face. Often quite embarrassing and unable to be treated by
sclerosis, these small veins are nicely “erased” by these NdYAG long
Pluse lasers. They will fade away with a local redness for 1 to 2
weeks.
Ask your laser physician if his/her center is equipped
with new type of laser if you are considering a hair removal program
and your skin is dark. Ususally, with these lasers, your program will
require up to 2 additional sessions as compared to Alexandrite lasers.
The great advantage is that your skin won’t have any white or dark
spot afterwards but during the session the discomfort will be higher
than with an Alexandrite.
Some older lasers may be used for hair removal : rubis or
diode (810 nm). Diode lasers with a higher wavelength come closer to
the absorption curve presented by skin tissues such as blue and red
veins. For fair skin individuals, these lasers may not be as safe as
Alexandrite lasers that produce a wavelength further away from blood
structures (755nm).
ATTENTION - CAREFUL: some laser centers promote their use of “lasers”
when in fact they use Flash Lamps or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for
permanent hair removal ; It’s confusing and misleading. These
machines ARE NOT lasers. Many laser physicians throughout the world
have demonstrated the difference between the two technologies. Flash
lamps are not as reliable or as efficacious as lasers. Flash lamp
treatments require twice as many sessions; they can stimulate hair
growth and may harm some structure in the epidermis. In the long run,
Flash lamp treatments cost more than laser’s.
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