Laser Hair Removal - will I still see some results with Nd;YAG?

Question

I went to a place that uses CANDELA GENTLEMAX for hair removal. I'm Hispanic, with black course hair with skin type Fitz 3, although I consider my skin very fair. I asked the tech about the settings and laser, and she stated that Alexandrite would not be used and that NDYAG is the laser used in every single patient because they believe it produces better results regardless of their skin color. Will I still see some results with the NDYAG?

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

Hello there.  First of all, most hispanic skin types would fall around the 4 or 5 fitzpatrick category, not 3.  Most often the yag wavelength is for skin types 4, 5 and 6 and the smaller alex wavelength is for skin types 1 2 and 3.  For patients with a mix of light and darker skin, both the alex and the yag can be used in alternating treatments.  It would be best to get a testspot done first with both wavelengths to assess for any rash or pigmentation change.

Halo Skin and Laser - Boca Raton - Account Suspended · Answer

I use the Candela Gentlemax, and per protocol, for patients with Fitzpatricks 1-3 I use the Alexandrite to treat them for Laser Hair Removal and for clients Fitzpatricks 4-6 I use the Yag. They are two different wavelengths, the Alexandrite being the more powerful one, but the best one to use on patients with light skin and dark hair as it is stronger and does provide the best results. Since you are Hispanic, a practitioner would most likely treat you with the settings for a Fitz 4, even if you have light skin. I am not sure why a practice would treat all of their patients with the Yag if they also have an Alexandrite at their disposal, unless they are just trying to treat people very conservatively to prevent any issues from occurring. The Yag is not more powerful than the Alex, but for your skin type it might very well be the correct wavelength.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello KMA:

Your skin type would respond better to alexandrite or even diode laser to permanently remove more hairs and in fewer sessions than to Nd:YAG.

Nd:YAG is less likely to cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or burns when provided by less knowledgeable operators.

MD Skin Science and many dermatologic practices offering laser hair removal offer 3 or more devices to give the best results with the fewest side effects in the quickest time frame with the greatest permanence fir every skin type.

I explain this in greater detail on this link:

Laser Hair Removal - will I still see some results with Nd;YAG?

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Laser Hair Removal - will I still see some results with Nd;YAG?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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