Is laser hair removal generally effective with Alma Laser Soprano ICE SHR compared to other lasers?

Question

Hello, I'm a female with fair light skin and months ago I started laser hair removal. I wanted to target unusual dark hairs on my stomach (docs told me I have increased hormonal sensitivity, but no disbalance). I was told SHR was the best and the safest, so I went for that. I've had about 6 procedures on my belly and 4 on my armpits, and I feel like I should've gotten better results. A friend got bigger results with older and painful technology. I know it differs, but I wonder about my choice.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best for hair removal. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. It will take a series of treatments and some people need treatments to maintain. See an expert in laser hair removal for best results. Best, Dr. Emer

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  The Alma Laser Soprano ICE is a good device, but that isn't the answer to the story.  Not all LHR devices or providers are the same.  Much of your LHR results are dependent on the maintenance of the laser and competency of the technician.  If your hormones are in balance and you have been trying for 6 treatments, you might need to find a new place.To be safe, you should seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated or cleaned on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. You need to find a place that knows how to use and take care of their laser.  After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.  I hope this helps.

Allan Zacher, MD (retired) · Answer

At our practice we find that the Lumenis LightSheer with a liquid cooled artificial sapphire is the best for both reducing or eliminating pain with the procedure - but also delivers the most energy for effective destruction of generative tissue that grows the hair. ALL of the FDA approved laser hair removal (LHR) lasers will do a fine job, but again, we find the LightSheer to be the most comfortable and the most effective!
See our description here.
The LightSheer uses a specific wavelength of light (805 nm) that is the most effective at "killing" the root. That is the way that it works (see photo above). While intense pulsed light (IPL) is FDA approved for LHR it does not do as good a job in my experience. LHR is broadband with all the colors, but the 805 nm wavelength, again, is the most effective. 
I hope this helps!
Allan Zacher, MD

Is laser hair removal generally effective with Alma Laser Soprano ICE SHR compared to other lasers?

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Is laser hair removal generally effective with Alma Laser Soprano ICE SHR compared to other lasers?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.