Laser hair removal. IPL vs Diode?

Question

I want to get laser hair removal. I’ve heard that IPL (Venus versa) don’t work that well yet.... thoughts? The Venus velocity is a diode which Is more direct laser. Should I do that? The med sap has a deal going on and it’s pushing me to go IPL (they don’t hv diode) but will it be a waste of time? Im fair to med skin with darker brown hair.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!Yes, There are multiple lasers for unwanted hair. you can have laser hair removal. Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement.Please know that it will take a series of treatments to get improvement. I typically have patients do laser hair removal every 4 weeks for the first 3 sessions and then every 4 to 6 weeks for the following 3 sessions. This schedule gives great results with hair removal. Some patients do require treatments to maintain results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Great question!  Both IPL and a diode can remove hair, but in our experience, we tend to go towards the diode more often.  Your skin type also would play a factor in choice of laser, so be sure to go to someone with experience and who is properly trained in using lasers in different skin types and colors.  There are also a few other laser wavelengths that can remove hair, but the diode and IPL are more commonly found in the aesthetics community.  Please see an expert, and best of luck!

Pamela Stuart, MD · Answer

It is very important that you find an experienced provider who can correctly evaluate your skin and needs. If you are a good candidate, I would typically prefer the Diode laser for best results if there are no contraindications.Best wishes,Pamela Stuart, MD

Devika Icecreamwala, MD · Answer

Great question! In regards to overall patient satisfaction with laser hair removal I tend to see better outcomes with a diode laser when compared to an IPL. Also, depending on the color of your skin IPLs can be limited in their capability to treat darker skin types. I would recommend speaking with a medical provider that has experience with both types of lasers.

Daniel J. Leeman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Great question!
We have seen better results with the diode vs. IPL when it comes to hair removal. Although, for fair and light skin types the alexandrite results beat out both IPL and diode laser. I recommend finding an experienced provider that can explain to you the differences and give you the best results. Searching for the deals will not always provide the best results. 
Best,
Dr. Leeman

Laser hair removal. IPL vs Diode?

Answers (5)