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Nd Yag or Alexandrite Laser for Coarse Hair?

asked 1 year ago by yha666
Latest answer by Michael Law, MD
Question viewed 1,895 times
Tags: bikini line, legs, under arms, coarse hair, comparison

i have very coarse hair in my bikini, legs, and underarm area. while the hair on my arms and belly is normal. I am skin type 3-4 and i went to 2 doctors. first doctor told me that i require Nd yag because alexandrite lasers only work with very fair complexions and there is a risk of burn. While the second doctor told me that she will use Alexandrite laser because there is no risk. note the 2 doctors are very reputable doctors in this field however i dont know who to go with.

10 answers to Nd Yag or Alexandrite Laser for Coarse Hair?

+1

Which Hair Removal laser is best for coarse hair

Both the Yag and alexandrite lasers can work effectively for coarse hair. The skin color is what determines which laser will be safest and mot effective. Start by finding a medical practice that offers BOTH the yag and the alexandrite laser so you will be getting the best information possible. The following can help in deciding the right laser and the right environment for laser hair removal Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Alexandrite of Yag Laser for Coarse Hair?

Hi Hinder.  The bottom line is that both of these lasers will be safe for you when used correctly.  The Nd:Yg laser carries a much lower risk of blisters and burns for your skin type than the Alexandrite, but the Alexandrite may actually lead to quicker hair removal (less treatments).  In addition, the Alexandrite is probably more approriate for the normal hair, whereas the Nd:Yg will work just as well for coarse hair. To have the first MD say that the only laser for... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

NdYAG or Alexandrite for coarse hair

For skin types I and II  and III, the Alexandrite Laser is the best choice. For skin type IV,  it may or may not cause PIH (Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Due to the fact that you  have coarse hair,  the laser power will have to be high. A test spot  (behind the ear) might be helpful in this respect, but it will not guarantee absence of pigmentation. I would play it safe and go with the NdYag, which is best for types  IV and V... more
Eugene Mandrea, MD

Chicago Dermatologist

www.lakeviewderm.com

+1

With Elite MPX, you get both Nd:Yag and Alexandrite for Hair Laser Removal

Hair laser removal using Nd:Yag wavelength is universally agreed upon to be safest for ethnic skin individuals where hair laser removal using Alexandrite wavelength is thought to be the superior among the current technology. With Cynosure's Elite MPX, you will be able to achieve the best of both worlds as both Nd:Yag and Alexandrite wavelengths are delivered. Make sure your hair laser removal is performed under supervision of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic... more
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

NdYAG or Alexandrite laser for hair removal on darker skin

The choice of which laser to use is based more on the amount of pigment in your skin and not on whether your hair is coarse or fine.  Both lasers will get the job done, and can do so safely.  Both lasers also have a risk of temporary or permanent discoloration.  The NdYAG has less of a chance of discoloration, however, and since you have a choice between the two you should go with the NdYAG.  You should be sure that you are being treated by an experienced provider in... more
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Nd:Yag vs Alexandrite for skin type 3/4 Laser Hair Reduction

If the only choices you have are the Nd:YAG or Alexandrite for permanent laser hair reduction, I would pick the Nd:YAg to err on the side of safety. You could have small patches treated with both lasers and see which one you tolerate better in terms of comfort and skin reactions.  As another option, you may want to look into a provider or facility that has an 810-nm diode laser. Specifically, the Lumenis LightSheer. It has a great safety profile and has been used successfully... more
Anifat Balogun, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nd Yag is the safest laser for hair removal in darker skin

The ndYag is the safest laser to use with darker skin. Both are extremely effective for permanent laser hair reduction.  An experienced practitioner can get good results with the Alexandrite in type 4 skin, but there is no question that the risk of hyperpigmentation is greater with this wavelength than for the Yag.  If you have a choice between the two, go with the ndYag to minimize the risk of this less than desirable side effect.
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

+1

Alexandrite vs. NdYag laser for hair removal in dark skin

Both the Alexandrite laser and Neodynium Yag lasers are used on dark skin. However, the appropriate energy settings need to be used and not both frequencies on the NdYag laser.  It is best to do test spots if an Alexandrite will be used, and it can help to do the same with NdYag. No laser is without risk of hyperpigmentation and even permanent hypopigmentation or scar when hair removal is performed.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

NdYag v Alexandrite laser for type 4 skin

To be on the safe side the ND YAG will be safer for a darker skin type and can use higher energies safely to get optimal results.  That being said, the Alex is an excellent hair removal device for those with lighter skin.  It sounds like you need a third opinion to break the tie.  If one doctor owns the Alex and said dont use it , then perhaps seeking a NdYag makes most sense to be safe. 
Shawn Allen, MD

Boulder Dermatologist
+1

Yag or Alexandrite laser for hair removal

If your skin type is 3 to 4, the 1064nm yag laser would be the laser of choice.  It is excellent on darker skin types.  The alexandrite does carry a slighter risk on your skin type, but in very skilled hands, it can be used effectively.  Just do your homework and ask the doctors to show you results of dark skinned hair removal that they performed.  Hope this was helpful.  Dr D.
Louis M. DeJoseph, MD

Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

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