Sponsored by the American Institutes of Laser Medicine and the Institute of Laser Medicine at 100 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles 90095.
1. New Lasers for Tanned and Black Skin.
In 2005 laser hair removal continued to advance with the introduction and refinement of new long wavelength multi-pulse lasers which now have the ability to extend the potential benefits of laser hair removal to selected patients with dark skin. These patients, who could not be treated effectively with older technology, include caucasian patients with tanned skin, and patients with black skin. The new long-wavelength lasers use Nd-Yag (neodynium YAG) crystals and operate at a wavelength of 1064, compared with the 755 wavelength of alexandrite lasers which are used for patients with lighter skin. Multi-pulsing and continuous (pre-pulse, intra-pulse, and post-pulse) cooling enables higher fluences to be effectively delivered to the skin. All advanced laser centers will offer at least two, and preferably three different laser hair removal technologies (multi-pulse alexandrite; single-pulse alexandrite; and multi-pulse Nd-Yag lasers) to enable optimal treatment of different skin and hair types. Prior to making your appointment it is proper to inquire as to the number of different laser technologies offered at the center for laser hair removal.
2. Topical anesthetics for laser hair removal.
Our continuing recommendation is for the use of effective skin cooling techniques (such as continuous cooling discussed above) to be used before, during and after the laser pulse as the most effective method to minimize discomfort during the laser hair removal session. There is no substitute for extensive experience of the laser operator for determining the proper laser parameters. There is no such thing as "one size fits all" for laser hair removal. All settings must be individualized, not only for the patient's hair and skin color, but also for the body location, the coarseness of the individual hairs, and the patient's response. Use of excessive amounts of topical anesthetic creams or solutions can be hazardous, and should be avoided. If possible it is best to avoid the use of anesthetic creams, especially during the initial laser session when laser parameters are being set and defined.
3. Experience
Laser hair removal has become extremely popular, and is now
offered at locations which do not specialize in the procedure,
and for which laser hair removal is a sideline. These locations
may include spas and medical offices which are not supervised
by a physician who is board-certified in the medical specialty
of dermatology. Part-time laser operators may not have sufficient
experience to know how to properly set the necessary laser parameters,
particularly for patients with dark or tanned skin. As with any
medical procedure it is best to obtain laser hair removal from
specialized centers with extensive laser hair removal experience
with a wide diversity of patients.
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Page of the Institute of Laser Medicine 100 UCLA Medical Plaza,
Los Angeles 90095.