Lasers are better for hair removal

Daniel Reichner, MD answers: Laser vs. IPL: best for hair removal?

I´m studying skin therapist in Stockholm and I´m working on a study about laser and IPL. And the question is : which technology is the best for hair removal? I´ll also buy a machine for my clinic in october 2008 and I´m searhcing for a machine that is effective, safe and works on a wide range of haircolors as possible. I´ve also read about diodlaser, a combination od radiofrequency and IPL, and that it´s the newest technology.


Daniel Reichner, MD
9 months ago

Nancy,

Most laser hair removal studies show that for permanent "Hair Reduction" 755nm or 810nm Lasers work the best.  Dark hair responds the best and blond hair has the poorest response.  Many treatments will cause the hairs to enter telogen, but don't offer good hair reduction when patients are followed long term. 

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A: Lasers are more effective than IPL for hair removal

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
5 days ago

The most effective hair removal occurs with lasers not IPL. In addition, IPL is least effective and has the most side effects for darker skin types because it does not have the correct wavelength range (1064 nm) to effectively treat this skin. The most effective types of lasers for permanent hair removal are:

  • Diode and Alexandrite (light skinned patients)
  • Long Pulsed Nd:Yg (dark skinned patients)

If you are in Stockholm your best bet is going to be the Lumenis Lightsheer for safety, efficacy and durability. It is the gold standard for light skinned hair removal.

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