Yag Vs Diode Laser for Hair Removal on Skin Type IV?

asked 2 years ago by Hairy-scary in South Florida
Latest answer by William Ting, MD
Question viewed 1,679 times
Tags: bikini line, under arms, comparison, skin type IV

What's more effective and safer for type IV skin? Yag or Diode. I had 1 treatment with a Candela Gentleyag 3 months ago (underarm) but dont see a difference, 3 years ago I had it done (underarm & bikini line with a yag) and my skin inflamed, looked like blisters for hours, then went away, didn't see a difference either, all hair grew back.

A nurse practitioner said Diode could be more effective on me but would that be safe? Also, which Yag is better: the Candela or Cynosure Apogee Elite, and why? I'm getting a Brazilian Bikini, part of my labial area is darker (black).

5 answers to Yag Vs Diode Laser for Hair Removal on Skin Type IV?

Nd:Yag safest choice for Laser Hair Removal for darker skin

While Diode laser can be treated for darker skin, Nd:Yag is the gold standard for laser hair removal for darker skin individuals to minimize risks of post-treatment blistering and pigmentary changes. Make sure that the laser hair removal is performed under direct supervision of board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to minimize post-treatment complication.

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

Yag or Diode laser for type IV skin Hair Removal

I would recommend the 1064 ND YAG for Type IV skin. In the right hands this laser can be safely used even on type 6 skin. The diode is truly a better hair removal laser wavelength, but is tricky on darker skin types. You definitely run a higher risk of some pigment changes or blistering if not in the hands of someone very skilled in treating type 4 skin and up. The inflammation you experienced with your YAG treatment is perifollicular edema, which means you got an effective treatment... more

Louis M. DeJoseph, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hair removal lasers and skin type

With darker skin types, we recommend hair removal with the long pulsed ND:YAG laser as opposed to a diode type of hair removal laser. The major risk of hair removal in darker skin is that the skin can burn and become hyper or worse hypopigmented with loss of skin color. If you are darker where you want to be treated, it is safer to use the long pulsed ND:YAG for hair removal which is indicated for all skin types. I hope this information helps.

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Laser hair removal for dark skin

I have performed thousands of Yag laser hair removal treatments on dark skin and feel that it is superior to any other laser for dark complexions. Always seek the advice of a trained clinician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

See Physician who Uses Both

I would recommend seeing a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who uses both types of lasers. Type IV skin can fall in the middle, the diode is better for lighter skin and the long pulsed Nd Yag for darker skin. You should allow a physician who is experienced make the judgement. If they use both lasers they will not try to pigeon-hole you into the inappropriate device. You should have a test spot first to ensure you do not have an adverse event.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

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