Laser Hair Removal Devices
There are several different types of laser hair removal devices available today. These are alexandrite lasers, diode lasers, ruby lasers, and NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, which is commonly referred to as Nd:YAGs.
Alexandrite lasers became available for use in laser hair removal in 1997 when they were cleared by the FDA. Alexandrite lasers produce light beams in the red spectrum of visible light.
Their wavelength is 755 nanometers which is very effective but only safe on light skin. Generally, alexandrite lasers are considered long pulsed and because of this produce greater depth penetration. Five different types of the alexandrite laser are available. These include the Apogee, GentleLase, Epicare, Epitouch Alex, and Ultrawave II-III.
The FDA also cleared diode lasers for use in 1997 as an effective method of permanent hair reduction. Diode lasers produce a wavelength of 800 nanometers with pulse widths of 5-400 milliseconds. This type of laser has proved successful in the treatment of ingrown eyelashes and works very well on dark hair. The Light SheerXC is a diode laser that is extremely powerful. Other diode lasers include EpiStar, Apex-800, Iridex, and Mediostar.
NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets have a longer wavelength which makes them more effective for longer term, and according to some people, even permanent laser hair removal. There are two types of Nd:YAGs lasers. These are the Q switched and the long pulse. All Nd:YAGs produce a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. The Q, switched NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets has a very short pulse of about one nanosecond. Long pulse NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets have a pulse of about a millisecond and can be used on all skin types.
Ruby lasers were also cleared by the FDA for laser hair removal in 1997, however, they did not prove as effective. Clinical research showed that the laser damage did not extend far enough down into the hair shafts to result in permanent laser hair removal. Originally there were five types of ruby lasers, of which only two are still available for commercial use. A Ruby lasers operate on a shorter wavelength system of only 694 nanometers.
The pulse duration, or pulse width, of lasers used for hair removal is the timing of the light energy. It is usually measured in milliseconds. Most lasers used for hair removal have a maximum pulse duration in the 20 to 40 millisecond range. Longer pulse widths are generally considered more effective and produce fewer side effects.
Each type of laser produces a specific spot size which is measured in millimeters. The spot size is the size, or width, of the beam of light at the laser sends out. A spot size of seven to 10 mm is considered acceptable for laser hair removal.
Most lasers have three main parts, an energy source, and active medium, and an optical cavity, also known as a resonator. The energy source is a device that supplies energy to the active medium. Laser hair removal devices use electricity as their energy source. The element of the active medium contains atoms that can both absorb and store the energy. The optical cavity is the part of the laser that contains the active medium. Lasers are defined by the elements they use.
Laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the body. Some will be assumed and some might actually surprise you. Below you will find out about the areas that can be treated.
Face Hair
Women with facial hair can be embarrassed easily. Tweezing, bleaching and plucking have all been done but only to repeat the process over and over. If you have unwanted facial hair you should consider laser hair removal. It will cost less being a smaller area you want treated and you will no longer have to fret over the hair.
Men are supposed to have facial hair but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want it! Men get tired of shaving just like we do our legs. Some men grow more hair than others and have to shave daily. This can become a nuisance to some. If you are tired of shaving your face everyday consider laser hair removal.
Back Hair
Back hair can be common for both men and women. More men have a problem with back hair and should look into laser hair removal. Are you tired of shaving or waxing your back all the time? With laser hair removal you can cut out shaving and waxing altogether. Laser hair removal for back hair is very beneficial to athletes.
Leg Hair
Are you tired of constantly shaving your legs? Many women are! With laser hair removal you can have the clean shaven look everyday without ever picking up a razor! Just imagine how much time you will save in the shower, tub or just getting ready for a night out. You won’t have to worry about those razor bumps or any irritation the razor can cause. This procedure could take a little longer than other areas since it is a larger area. Just think about the benefits of using laser hair removal, the amount of time it will takes will not matter!
Chest Hair
Chest hair can be a bothersome to some men even some women. Many men will wax their chest hair because it is too thick or bothersome. Laser hair removal is the perfect solution if you want to reduce your chest hair growth. It will give you a sleeker clean cut look. Laser hair removal used for chest hair is also beneficial to athletes.
Bikini Line
Are you tired of constantly shaving or waxing your bikini line? This can be very frustrating for some women, especially models who have to keep it looking spotless from hair. Not to mention the unwanted extra hairs that can grow along with the normal ones. Laser hair removal is perfect for reducing the time the bikini line hair grows, leaving less hair to treat if any! Great for anyone spending lots of time in a swimsuit or that just wants to keep this area neat.
A few areas you may not have known could be treated with laser hair removal:
Fingers
Toes
Pubic Area
Breasts
Feet
Hands
Ears
Depending on what are you want to have treated with laser hair removal, consult your practitioner. They will be able to advise you on what would be best for the area you want treated.
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