Laser hair removal

Which laser is right for you?

It is a no-brainer to choose laser hair removal but the choice of equipment and technology is mind-boggling. But relax. Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology, has made it simple for us. "Today, the vast majority of laser hair removal procedures are safe, virtually painless, take less than 20 minutes and cause minimal, if any, side effects," he notes. However, the keys to experiencing such an uncomplicated procedure lie in choosing the right laser - or non-laser - for the patient's particular needs, and in following the right protocol. The following are the most popular technologies used today:

Laser type	Properties and what it does
Short Pulsed Alexandrite	Most common lasers used for permanent hair removal. The beam penetrates the skin at a longer wavelength than some other lasers, meaning that the top layer of skin is less likely to be affected by the heat of the beam. Most Alexandrite lasers, such as the Apogee® and the GentleLASE®, also include cooling mechanisms that chill the surface of the skin during treatment for added protection.
Long Pulsed Nd:YAG	Such as the Lyra® are often most appropriate for patients with very dark skin, as the wavelength of the laser beam is longer than that of the Alexandrite laser and therefore spares the melanocytes. It has been shown safe and effective for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types up to VI - the darkest of the six skin pigment categories used by dermatologists to describe melanin levels. This laser also uses a skin cooling device to protect the epidermis during treatment.
Intentse Pulsed Light	Offers long-term hair loss and growth reduction with a less intense light source than laser. These treatments are often gentler to the epidermis, and are a good choice for patients with very sensitive skin.
Electro-Optical Synergy (ELOS)	Uses a combination of radiofrequency and intense pulsed light energies to causing long-term loss of light-colored hair, which is often resistant to laser treatment. In several studies this finding was not reproduced.

Dr. Fox advises those who are considering long-term or permanent hair removal procedures to consult a dermatologist for the safest, most appropriate - and most satisfying - outcome. "A dermatologist can help patients determine, based on skin type, hair type and sensitivity issues, which is the best approach, can assist patients in preparing for the procedure and their recovery, and provide the deepest level of expertise," Dr. Fox concludes, "not only about the procedure itself, but also about the overall, long-term health of their skin."

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