A Dermatologist with a Question Re: Which Laser to Purchase for Laser Hair Removal?

I have used Cutera Xeo and the hair removal was very slow (very small handpiece) and not dramatically effective.  The GentleLase is faster and more effective.  But the most effective, least painful and fastest hair removal device I have used is with the Palomar ICON (the Max Rs handpiece).

The Palomar device is another multiplatform device, it is more expensive than the Cutera multiplatform device, but much much more powerful.

The other handpieces for IPL (ICON MaxG) are also more powerful and you have greater control over targeting vascular versus pigmentation, as compared with the Cutera device.

You can also add to it with handpieces for fractionated resurfacing, etc.  I also have a predominantly Caucasian population, so it fits my practice perfectly and the patients are very happy with their treatments (compared to the Xeo).  I have no conflict of interest with these technologies.

 

We started with IPL and Nd/Yag for much the reason you are evaluating it, the multiple handpiece platform seems a cost effective way to cover many bases with one device.  Unfortunately, what we found is it becomes a case of jack of all trades, master of none.  We ended up replacing our system with a LightSheer Duet which was clearly the best device on the market. We had nothing but complaints with IPL, nothing but praise with Duet.

I have used the Lightsheer diode laser for hair removal for many years.  This is a workhorse laser which is very reliable.  I would consider another Lightsheer, either new or refurbished.  If you are considering IPL, I would look closely at BBL from Sciton.  It can be used for photofacials and hair removal with the right filters.  The BBL has been a great addition to our practice.  You need to look at your patient population.  If most patients are lighter skin types, then you do not need a long-pulsed Nd:YAG.  If you have many darker patients, then the YAG laser would be very useful.  I have no conflicts of interest with regard to these technologies.