What is the Best Laser Hair Removal Machine out There?

Question

I see a lot of deals for laser hair removal and wanted to know which ones are more effective then others? Is the soft light laser any good?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The most important factors when considering laser hair removal are: physician experience, your skin color, your hair color, and the location of your hair. Light skin with dark, coarse, fast-growing hair is the best combination. We've used Palomar's StarLux IPL system since 2007 with high patient satisfaction.

	Hope this helps you.

	Dr. Joseph

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to remove unwanted hair, however most lasers are not effective for all skin types and hair colors. The Elos laser hair removal system is designed for permanent hair reduction by combining both optical and radiofrequency energy to deliver satisfying, longer lasting results with less discomfort than previous laser systems. All skin and all hair colors including gray and blonde hair are effectively treated. Faces, backs, arms, legs, faces, and bikini lines can be treated including those individuals with darkly pigmented skin. Treatments are administered every 4 weeks and generally 3 to 5 treatments are sufficient.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

The best laser hair removal experience is based not solely on the machine but also the facility , operator and policies.    Here are some questions to ask when doing your research:

	
		What is the wavelength of the laser?  It should be close to 800, or in a range of about 775-825.
	
		Who is certified to perform the treatment?
	
		What is the provider's experience? Experience with skin types?
	
		Who is the physician who takes responsibility if something goes wrong?
	
		What is the time range for treatment?
	
		What do you charge for touch ups after a package?


	It is vital that he staff can answer these basic questions.  If not keep looking.  We use the Lightsheer Duet.  The new high speed head allows treatments to be done in a fraction of the time.   No topical medication is needed.

	 

	"Dr.D"

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

We have used the Lightsheer diode laser for years with excellent results. This works well for lighter skin types. For dark skin, we use the Nd:YAG laser. It's probably more important to focus more on who is doing your treatment and what kind of office you are going to. Questions that you may want to consider are the following: How long has the clinic been in existence? Who is the supervising physician, what specialty, and is he/she actually on site and available to see you if needed? How long has the laser technician been performing laser treatments and laser hair removal? Most of the lasers that are used for hair removal work. But there are still complications and problems that occur with some regularity from inexperienced or reckless laser operators.

Sheri G. Feldman, MD · Answer

The best laser hair removal machine depends on your skin color, not on the machine itself. If you have fair skin and dark hair, an Alexandrite laser would work well. If you have darker skin and dark hair, the Yag laser would be the better choice. There are many lasers out there and many people perform this procedure. Please go to a reputable source as I have seen far too many complications from this procedure. Also, no laser works for blonde or grey hair. Be very wary of deals which sound too good to be true!

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, you are right - there are a lot of "deals" out there. More than the machine itself, you need to understand the difference in treatments. Some offices will do a full hair removal treatment for the legs in 15 or 20 minutes with no topical creams. In an office with a great deal of practice and good protocol, this treatment can take upwards of 60-75 minutes or more and include numbing cream and post care product applications. Good hair removal machines are those in physician's offices, as physicians have the ability to purchase more high powered lasers than spas or salons. Good machines are those made by Cutera, Syneron, Palomar, and Cynosure. Those are the biggest laser companies in the U.S. The SoftLight system you mention is a home or salon system, so it is very low powered and does very, very little, if anything. For good hair removal treatments, visit a physician's office.

Shankar Lakshman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question,

	 

	There are several companies that make excellent hair removal lasers: the main companies are Cutera, Candela, Palomar. Our office uses the Cutera Cool Glide Hair Removal system and our clients are happy with the results. Of course, your experience is also dependent on the operator of the laser machine.

What is the Best Laser Hair Removal Machine out There?

Answers (7)

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