I'm finding laser hair removal using Diolaze particularly painful. Is there another laser that is just as effective?

Question

I'm going to a Board Certified plastic surgeon for laser hair removal. The office uses Diolaze and I'm finding it particularly painful. I've had sclerotherapy, a breast augmentation and smart lipo - all of which were uncomfortable but not tremendously so. The Diolaze is only uncomfortable during the time of the treatment and I'm having no negative reactions. Numbing cream does not help. I'm fair skinned with dark hair and moderate hair growth.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear tachel05:The longer the wavelength of the laser, the deeper in penetrates and the more painful it can be. You are having treatments with a diode laser, which, at 810 nm has a longer wavelength than the akexandrite lasers at 755 nm. We used to use a GentleLase Alex laser, which was a little uncomfortable in sensitive areas like the upper lip or bikini. But have changed to the Cutera ExcelHR, which is also an Alex laser but has a chill tip made of sapphire that is placed against the skin, and does not hurt at all.  With your fair skin, you don't need a laser with a longer wavelength for a safe treatment. Alex with the ExcelHR is the way to go.All the best,   Dr. Clark

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal should not be that uncomfortable.  Sometimes Icing the area pre and post firing of the laser helps The older lasers used smaller spot sizes and were quite uncomfortable.  In my office we use the new lumenis diode which uses a large spot size and suction to provide the energy.  This is a very quick and virtually painless procedure.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Laser Hair Removal should be painless and effective.  I utilize the Candela GentleLase and the Candela GentleYag.  The GentelLase is primarily for light skin and dark hair and the GentleYag is for darker skinned patients. There is a special cooling with each laser that makes it painless and yet effective.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in laser hair removal.  Best, Dr. Green

James Silberzweig, MD · Answer

The diode laser typically has a large spot size and can treat areas relatively rapidly, effectively, and relatively comfortably. If you are not tolerating this particular laser, consider an alexandrite (755 nm wavelength) laser.

I'm finding laser hair removal using Diolaze particularly painful. Is there another laser that is just as effective?

Answers (4)