Nd Yag or Alexandrite 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 you is the Nd:Yg we think is misleading, but it is a safer laser for your skin type.  If safety is your primary concern, we would choose the Nd:Yg, whereas if faster results are your primary concern, we would consider the Alexandrite.  Good luck.

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 surgeon so that any complication such as blistering, pigmentation or secondary infection can be intervened immediately and appropriately.

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.

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.

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.