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- February 7, 2024
Laser hair removal is a straightforward and relatively common treatment at a med spa treatment – but the machine used can make all the difference for your comfort, safety, and overall experience.
Stadia Med Spa highly recommends researching a med spa before you make an appointment. Many procedures – even simple ones like laser hair removal – are dangerous when not done professionally. One aspect you should always consider is the equipment.
Not only do you want the most up-to-date machines, but you should also consider each type of laser hair removal machine’s effectiveness, safety, and uses. All the machines we examine in this article have a specific purpose and suggested use.
Research is a crucial part of choosing a med spa, and Stadia Med Spa wants to make that process as easy as possible! This article is your guide to different types of laser hair removal machines. As you read, carefully consider your goals to determine if the laser hair removal treatment will help you meet them!
How Do Laser Hair Removal Machines Work?
All laser hair removal machines use a similar technology with slight variations. They all use light to target melanin (pigment) in your hair. The light penetrates the hair follicle and transforms into heat, which damages the follicle and causes the hair to fall out from the root.
The different types of laser hair removal machines we examine in this article include diode, alexandrite, Nd:yag, ruby lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL). The first four are traditional laser hair removal treatments that employ varying wavelengths of light to target the hair inside the follicle.
The intense pulsed light treatment does not use a laser but applies broad spectrum light to target hair follicles for a similar result. IPL is a multi-purpose treatment that also improves the texture and smoothness of your skin, among other benefits.
Types of Laser Hair Removal Machines
In this section, we will explore the best use for each of the four lasers and IPL treatments. Stadia Med Spa only uses FDA-approved lasers and treatments for hair removal.
1. Diode Laser
The diode laser is known for having a long wavelength (810 nm). The longer wavelength helps it to penetrate deeper into the hair follicles. Diode lasers are suitable for a variety of skin types and hair colors, although they require a greater contrast between the skin and hair color for the best results.
A cooling gel is applied after treatment to aid with recovery and minimize any adverse effects like irritation, redness, or swelling. Overall, results from laser hair removal with a diode laser are good but many patients report greater discomfort and pain during treatment with the diode laser compared to alexandrite and nd:yag lasers. Stadia Med Spa does not offer services with the diode laser for this reason.
2. Alexandrite Laser
The Alexandrite laser is considered the gold standard for laser hair removal. It has a short wavelength (755 nm), which makes it better for fine hair and larger body areas like the legs, arms, stomach, and back.
This laser is known for speed and efficiency – treatments are relatively short and result in minimum discomfort. The Alexandrite laser contains a cooling spray that soothes the skin as it’s treated. Unlike the cooling gel used in diode lasers, the cooling agent cryogen is sprayed on the treatment area before the laser targets your skin to help the skin tolerate the heat and prevent adverse reactions like swelling, redness, and irritation.
3. Nd: YAG Laser
Diode and Alexandrite lasers target hair by detecting the difference between skin tone and hair color. So, the greater the contrast between your hair and skin, the better your results.
Unlike the first two lasers, the ND: Yag laser has the longest wavelength (1064 nm) of all those on this list, allowing it to penetrate deep into the hair follicle. The deep penetration makes the ND: Yag suitable for dark skin tones and coarse hair. The light is not absorbed by the skin around the hair follicle, which minimizes the risk of damage to the surrounding skin.
4. Ruby Laser
Ruby lasers have a short wavelength (695), which makes them more suitable for fine and light-colored hair. Individuals with fair or sensitive skin could benefit from using the Ruby laser designed for this specific type of hair.
5. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a laser to remove unwanted hair. It works just as well as laser treatments to target hair follicles and is acceptable for all hair types and skin tones.
Treatments with IPL are fast and efficient, ideal for large or small treatment areas. Discomfort is typically minimal as the IPL contains a cooling spray mechanism that is applied to the skin before the pulses of light (similar to the Alexandrite laser). This cooling agent soothes your skin and helps prevent adverse reactions like swelling and redness.
In addition to hair removal, IPL can reduce the appearance of sunspots and age spots. IPL’s versatile light spectrum can also address vascular issues like spider veins and redness, making it a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation. Its ability to target multiple skin concerns in a non-invasive manner has established IPL as a go-to solution for achieving smoother, more even-toned skin.
Which Type of Laser Hair Removal Does Stadia Med Spa Recommend
Overall, laser hair removal machines rely on the contrast between the skin and hair color for effective hair removal. Choosing the right laser for your skin tone and hair type is essential if you want to get better results. While individuals with darker skin should always look for the Nd: Yag, those with finer or lighter hair might consider the Alexandrite or Ruby lasers instead.
If you are looking for a more versatile treatment to target uneven skin tone and remove unwanted hair, IPL may be the treatment for you! Stadia Med Spa is happy to answer any questions you may have about the types of laser hair removal during your free consultation.
Book Your Treatment Today!
Stadia Med Spa offers laser hair removal with Alexandrite and Nd: YAg lasers. We also offer hair removal and skin rejuvenation with IPL! Let Stadia Med Spa help you discover a beautiful, confident you with smooth, hair-free skin.
Contact Stadia Med Spa to schedule your laser hair removal treatment today! Or start with a free consultation if you want more information.
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