I have been successfully treating very dark skinned patients for over 8 years with the Gentle YAG laser. In experienced hands, this laser is the safest and best laser for permanent hair reduction in dark skinned patients. I have performed thousands of these treatments without and complications. Good luck... more
Best alternative to laser hair removal for dark skin?
I was told my dark complexion makes me a bad candidate for laser hair removal. What are my alternatives for permanent hair removal?
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1 post
17 Dec 2008
I recently had a laser treatment.After I left I was told I could shave in about a day.Well, it seems like there is no result.Is this normal?I am a very dark skinned (female).Been shaving for about 10 yrs.I saw a few hairs, shaved them and it got thicker.The doctor said about 4-7 treatments should help.I had started treatments about 4 yrs ago.Only had three,but after 1st.I only shaved 3 times that mo.I had to stop the treatments (too much)at the time.Now I have started over.Do I stand a chance at laser being successful since I started over? Laser was working or helping I should say the first time,but It's a different Dr. now new State.
81 posts
9 Dec 2008
If you have fairly dark hair the simple answer is a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser (Cynosure Elite, Candela Gentle YAG and Cutera Coolglide). As long as the hair is darker than the skin you should be able to treat it with no problem. If there is little difference between hair and skin pigment then a test spot is usually in order. As mentioned before the Nd:YAG laser may take a few more treatments (8-10) to really clean an area up well. This is because it has less absorption in melanin (the pigment than gives both skin and hair their color). Because it has less absorption it will not damage darker skin but it also does not provide as much heat to the hair shaft which is why it generally takes more treatments. If your skin is a type IV (Hispanic or Asian) you may also be able to use and 810nm Diode laser such as the Lumenis Light Sheer. Diode laser fit in between the super high absorption 755nm Alexandrite and the moderate absorption of a 1064nm Nd:YAG. They are a good balance of safety and effectiveness in patients with moderate pigmentation. Either way you are likely a good candidate for hair removal it will just require the right tool for the procedure.
92 posts
8 Dec 2008
I agree that laser hair removal can be done very carefully and safely in darker skinned people. We do it all the time. We have great succes with Cutera's Cool Glide which was created for this issue. It make take a few more treatments than with lighter skin, but the results are worth it. Good luck.