WHERE CAN I HAVE A LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

WHAT SITE SHOULD I HAVE HAIR REMOVAL

Most people find themselves bored with hair in the annoying areas of the body like armpits, mustache, bikini area, legs, chest, etc. In their quest for permanent hair removal, they don't make a good choice.

Here you will find some steps that will help you improve this decision.

What is frequently done by most people is to ask about the prices and costs of hair removal. Find out if they have promotions or discounts without taking into account other aspects that can make you end up in the wrong hands. Many people decide on price alone by making a bad choice. But what should I ask?

Who performs the initial assessment?

It's important to ask who is the person who is going to check me, if he has any specialty if he is a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, it is not the same thing that a general doctor sees you as a plastic surgeon. If you have any LASER training. If during the consultation you completely clarify the doubts.

The equipment that you're suggesting for hair removal is LASER?

As I have already mentioned in other articles it is important to know if the equipment is LASER or IPL. LASER technology has shown more effectiveness in this type of treatment, you can check the different brands in hair removal equipment. However, the choice of equipment will be made by the doctor who is reviewing you in this case, Dr Yesid Cárdenas Plastic Surgeon.

Are you promising me a permanent hair removal?

Currently there is no team that achieves 100% hair removal, although high hair removal rates can be achieved, it is not a permanent hair removal, the doctor who evaluates it will explain why. And if they are promising you 100% hair removal, hesitate because to date medical studies say that this statement cannot be made.

The personnel who carry out the depilation are suitable?

You should ask who is going to do the hair removal, if it is a nurse, doctor, therapist, etc. If you have any laser certification or not. Ideally it should be performed by some health personnel who can identify when any alteration occurs that requires the presence of the responsible doctor. People who are not from the health area generally do not identify these injuries in time, they leave them unnoticed, allowing complications to occur without timely treatment.

Have you treated any acquaintances?

Although this information is useful, I would say that it must be supplemented with other additional information. Convincing people about something they do not know is very easy because any information will be easily accepted by patients without knowing if it is correct or not. But you can check on the internet and check if what they told you was right or wrong.

What's the price of the procedure?

The value of hair removal is also important, after analyzing all the mentioned aspects if a much better good price is achieved.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND IPL

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND IPL

It's difficult to find clear and serious articles that show or try to clarify the doubts that arise when trying to choose the best hair removal method for a patient or for oneself. This article will solve most of the doubts when two different teams are faced, such as LASER and IPL (Pulsed Light). Through questions.

What do LASER and IPL have in common?

Laser and IPL belong to a group of technologies that use light as an energy source. The hair traps these light waves (if it is the right wave), heating up until it is destroyed. Melanin (chromophore) is the substance that traps these light waves in the hair. This light wave should affect only the melanin in the hair by burning it without hurting the melanin found in the skin. Here we find the first advantage of LASER is that it is easier to control one wave than to control many in IPL.

What's photo waxing?

Photoepilation is the destruction of hair using equipment that emits light waves, which achieves permanent damage to the hair follicle, preventing it from coming out again. The laser and the IPL (Pulsed Light) are photoepilation equipment, however the effectiveness to achieve this depilation is different in each one of them, later we will talk individually about each one of them.

How do light waves work?

Light waves have an amplitude in nanometers. The lower the number, the more melanin traps it, the higher the wave the less trapped by the melanin in the hair. In the LASER a single wave is defined depending on the laser used and this is unique, in the IPL there are multiple waves that are limited by filters to allow certain waves to pass. The effect of these waves are modified depending on the penetration, duration of the impulse, the power and technical aspects that must be regulated depending on the hair and skin to be treated. But in practical terms it means that organizing all these parameters is easier when it is a single wave (LASER) than when there are many (IPL).

What's LASER?

Laser is the abbreviation in English (Light Amplified by Stimulation Emission of Radiation), it is a monochromatic light (One color), with a defined simple wavelength, with ordered rays that avoid energy dispersion, they have the same direction, with coherence temporal and spatial. These teams use a medium (solid, liquid, gas or diode) that is stimulated by a determined energy source to generate photons. It is a specialized team that only serves one purpose, in this case waxing.

Are there different types of LASER for hair removal?

If several types of lasers have been developed that work at different wavelengths

Ruby Laser Hair Removal (694 nm)

Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal (755nm)

Epilation with laser diode (800 - 810 nm)

Depilation with Laser Nd: Yag (1064 nm)

Which LASER equipment is better?

This question is not easy to answer, however in my opinion the LASER that achieves the destruction of the hair generating with the best effectiveness is the LASER diode, because with a known light wave, it obtains a good penetration, almost exclusively affecting the hair follicle , preventing skin lesions from occurring (Fewer adverse effects).

What's IPL hair removal?

IPL is short for intensed pulsed light - also known by other names as Elight, M light, and ELOS. It is a polychromatic light (many simultaneous wavelengths ranging between 400 and 1500nm) that moves in all directions (which disperses the energy) causing much of the energy to be lost because it is absorbed by the skin (Epidermis), this Light is not spatially or temporally coherent (the waves are neither in phase nor parallel), causing the energy to not be concentrated on the objective set, which translates into less effective hair removal.

How does IPL work?

The light from IPL equipment is used for hair removal when filters are used that limit light waves from 590 to 1200 nm allowing longer waves to be emitted. These filters are 590, 615, 640 and 690 nm. The light from these devices is highly absorbed by the skin and therefore is not recommended in non-white skin or in patients with hairs of a color other than black, because it can damage the skin in the hair removal area, causing depigmentation, burns, among others.

In an article published in 2014, they report that the equipment that handles IPL has shown variability in fluences and wavelengths between shots, which makes the results unpredictable despite the filters.

Unlike LASER these equipments are not specific (only for hair removal) they are used for the treatment of telangiectasias, skin spots, facial rejuvenation, hair removal, among others.

What are the differences between LASER and IPL?

Comparing hair removal equipment is difficult, however most of these comparisons have been made between Laser Diode hair removal and IPL, we are going to mention the biggest differences.

The LASER diode allows for more stable operability because it is easier to control a beam of light with a single wavelength than a beam with many wavelengths (IPL).

When performing a laser impulse, it generates immediate changes on the skin that allows the operator to see where it was used or where it is passing and avoid passing through the same site again so as not to concentrate energy in the same place, reducing the risk of effects adverse (Burns, depigmentation, etc.), while in the IPL this phenomenon does not occur and you can review an area without realizing it and present these adverse effects more easily

When IPL is used, many considerations must be taken and it requires a very qualified staff, including ideally medical personnel and with great knowledge in technical aspects for the use of IPL equipment, since it handles many parameters depending on the filters to be used, the flow rates and pulse duration times so as not to hurt patients depending on skin color, hair color, etc.

The more specialized equipment is safer and serve only one thing, so the laser is specialized equipment because it is designed and directed only for hair removal.

Which is cheaper IPL or LASER?

There are multiple reasons and I am going to explain what in my opinion may be the main reasons.

The cost of the equipment is considerably different, the equipment with which IPL hair removal is performed is much more economical, for this reason the sessions are cheaper.

With laser, fewer sessions are required than with IPL, LASER may initially be more expensive, but when looking at the final cost, adding all IPL sessions can be the same

LASER and IPL depilate all hair types?

No. Definitive hair removal, seeks to destroy the cells that have melanin (In charge of giving color to the hairs) So in white hair it does not work and in very light hairs it requires more sessions. The Laser Diode has been used on all skin types and on hair of different colors. The literature does not recommend the use of IPL in patients with dark skin because it increases the risk of adverse effects.

What has medical literature shown about LASER vs IPL?

There are few works that allow evaluating this confrontation and analyzing it objectively. When reviewing the serious medical literature, it is found that in 2008 Cameron et al. Found that the diode laser showed better results observing a considerable reduction of hair more than the IPL. In 2010, Haak et al. Found a difference in hair reduction of 40% for LASER diode and 34% for IPL at 6 months, finding that pain was reported higher in IPL. In 2013, Klein et al. Carried out a study monitoring 1 year, finding that both treatments are effective; however, the treatment with the diode laser was more effective and took less time per session than IPL. The most recent study was published in 2014 where a diode laser was applied to the same patient in one armpit and IPL was applied to another, the conclusion was that the diode laser showed greater effectiveness in hair removal than the IPL.

What do you suggest as a LASER or IPL treatment?

Personally, I believe that people should choose for their health the best equipment that exists for what they need. An equipment that is specific with a manageable, stable light, and that can be used on different skins with less risk of adverse effects, I think it is the Diode laser. There are several teams on the market, some better than others, but this is where the experience and recommendation of a plastic surgeon is ideal. At the time of the consultation, he will recommend which diode laser equipment will achieve the best result.

FINAL HAIR REMOVAL TECHNOLOGIES

FINAL HAIR REMOVAL TECHNOLOGIES

There are currently different technologies that use light for photoepilation, LASER and in another the IPL (Pulsed Light). In each of them we find sub groups where we will find many different brands in each of them. Here we will name the majority so that they can locate the name and to which group the team with which they are proposing a hair removal belongs and so they know what type of hair removal they offer.

Why don't hair removal centers mention the equipment they work with?

The patients today are not fooled so easily and perhaps this is the reason why they do not mention the name of these teams on the web pages of the different hair removal centers. I invite you to do the exercise, search for a hair removal center by google and check if they show the name of the equipment they are using to wax on their website, many of them mention technologies with different names that confuse the patient and make him think that laser is being used. They use names like IPL technology, aft technology, Laser technology, but they don't mention the name of their computer. Because if the patients investigate they will find many times that it is not laser and possibly they will not consult. In addition to this, it is important that when you consult, verify that the name of the team that you mentioned on the page is the one that you are going to deal with, DO NOT be fooled because many times they will tell you that they are going to start with another one or that it is damaged but they have another equal, or any other excuse because they do not have the equipment.

FINAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL EQUIPMENT

Ruby Long Pulse Laser (694nm)

This technology was approved by the FDA for hair removal. It was initially one of the most widely used wavelengths, however currently it is not one of the frequently offered options for hair removal because its usefulness is limited to patients with low photo types (very white skin) due to the high risk of adverse effects such as blisters, scabs, depigmentation, spots, etc.

In this group we find the

E2000 (Palomar, Lexignton, MA)

Epitouch Rubi (Sharplan / ESC, Needham, MA)

Rubi Star (Aesculap, Irvine, CA)

Alejandriata Laser (755nm)

This laser has a longer wavelength than Ruby, which allows greater penetration of the skin, being safer in patients with dark skin than ruby. In this group we find the following brands

• Apogee series (Cynosure, Chelmsford, MA)

• Epitouch ALEX (Sharplan / ESC, Needham, MA)

• GentleLase (Candela, Wayland, MA)

Laser Diode (800-810nm)

These teams are lasers that operate with a wavelength between 800 and 810 nm. In this group we find some brands such as lightSheer et and Duet (Coherent, Santa Clara, CA). This is the brand that has the most studies in serious medical publications. Due to its wavelength and long wave pulses, it can be used safely on light and dark skin. In my opinion it is the Best Laser Hair Removal System.

The brands that belong to this group are

• LightSheer ET (Coherent, Santa Clara, CA)
• LightSheer Duet (Coherent, Santa Clara, CA)
• Apex 800 (Iriderm, Mountain View, CA)
• LaserLite (Diomed, Boston, MA)
• SLP 1000 (Palomar medical Technologies, Lexinton, MA)
• MeDioSstar (Aesculap, Meditec, Irvine, CA)
• Epistar (Nidek, Freemont, CA)
• Soprano XL (Alma lasers, Bufalo Grove, IL)
• Vectus  (Palomar Medical Technologies, Burlington, MA) of the latter did not find any article in databases of scientific publications.

This LASER operates with a high power of 1064 nm. These wide wavelengths allow hair removal on dark skin. However, although they are capable of causing a delay in growth, these systems are not as effective in the long-term removal of hair. Here we find the brand

• MedLite IV (Conbio, Dublin, CA)

A Long Pulse Nd: YAG Laser (1,060)

Here we find laser with 1064 waves. These lasers have a deep penetration, at this wavelength there is a poor absorption by melanin which requires high fluences, making the following brands safer in dark skinned patients:

• Lyra (Laserscope, San Jose, CA)

• CoolGlide (Altus Medical, Burlingame, CA)

• The Image (Sciton, Palo Alto, CA)

• VascuLight (ESC, Needhm, MA)

• Gentle YAG (Candela, Wayland, MA)
• 
  

DEPILATION EQUIPMENT WITH IPL (Pulse Light)

In this group, we found teams that, depending on the wavelength, require the use of filters that limit these waves to those necessary to damage the desired chromophore, in this case melanin. Difficult to evaluate due to the variability of each team. We find the following brands

• EpiLight IPL 590-1200 nm (Esc, Needham, MA)

• Ellipse IPL 600-950 nm (Danish Dermatologic Development, Hoersholm, Denmark)

• Estelux IPL 500 - 1200 nm (Palomar, Lexington)

• Spatouch IPL 400 - 1200 nm (Radiancy, Orangeburg, NY)

• Starlux IPL system IPL 525-1200 nm (Palomar, Lexinton)

Waxing with IPL vs LASER?

This question is very good because when reviewing the medical literature there are very few studies that show an adequate comparison because, being different teams and having different teams in each of the subgroups in the studies, they compare one team against another. But in serious medical literature there are very few, so the equipment to be compared is always the LASER lightsheer, because everyone compares with it to know if they are good or not, giving the impression that it is the best equipment so far.

What's AFT Technology or Advanced Fluorescence technology?

AFT or AFT technology or light-induced fluorescence. Although I did not find any study in databases that spoke about this type of technology, I will make a mention of it. AFT is short for Advanced Fluorescent Tecnology. It is a proprietary technology consisting of a very intense light source that converts ultraviolet and other short light waves into a light spectrum. The light rejected by the AFT goes through a filter and is converted into visible light spectra that increase the spectral emission. These light spectra classify them in A - Blue acne treatment, F- Green to revitalize the skin and T - Red for hair removal (650-950 nm) (Information obtained from the manufacturer's page). However I want to clarify that it is NOT LASER.

Here we find

• Harmony (Alma Lasers, Bufalo Grove, IL)

What adverse effects occurs with all these mentioned equipment?

There are many adverse effects that can occur with any of these equipment such as burns, stains, color changes, burning, ertiema etc, misused can cause damage, however there is greater security using the laser because it requires less manual configuration than the IPL generally speaking. The IPL should be used by someone who has extensive knowledge and specifications to calibrate the equipment depending on the skin and hair color to be treated.

With which equipment should I shave?

According to everything I have reviewed, my opinion is to use a team that has diode laser technology and I would recommend using the ligthsheer Duet because it is a team that is backed by a very large company called lumenis leaders in laser equipment development, also because literature suggests that it is the gold standard equipment. This equipment not only shows great support but also in clinical practice shows great safety in its use and the results are excellent. All this goes hand in hand with being attended by a professional specialist such as in this case a cosmetic plastic surgeon who will always seek the best treatments for patients and will be attentive to any eventuality.

LASER DEPILATION

MEDELLIN LASER DEPILATION