Cosmetic Surgery Article
Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser for hair removal, and is one of the most common lasers employed for the purpose. The FDA approved the use of the Alexandrite Laser in the USA in 1997.
Alexandrite lasers use a shorter wavelength (755nm) than other lasers, in the red and close to the infrared spectrum. The energy from an Alexandrite laser is preferentially received py the melanin pigment in the skin and hair follicles. Because of the wavelength, Alexandrite lasers are used on white skin, and sometimes on pale brown skin.
A short-term study of the effects of Alexandrite laser hair removal treatment of facial hair on females found that on average, a 75% hair reduction was seen with dark hair, and 10% with dark hair at 3 months post treatment. These figures were confirmed by a number of other studies, which reported between 81% to 95% reductions in hair growth at 3 months.
There is some evidence to suggest that Alexandrite lasers frequently produce side effects when used on all other than the whitest skin types. Noted side effects include pigmentary changes: either lightening or darkening of the skin. Some practitioners recommend the use of Alexandrite lasers for hair removal on only the whitest of skin types. Studies, however, do not necessarily corroborate these findings. One research effort found that in dark skinned patients (those with skin types IV-VI), treatment with Alexandrite lasers resulted in side effects in 2% of cases. This result is similar to that found in a study of lighter skin types. Evidence has found that either preheating or precooling the skin will reduce side effects. The Alexandrite lasers have been found to be more effective and safer than the similar Ruby laser, particularly when combined with these cooling techniques.
The Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser uses a long, red 755nm wavelength. The prominent brands and manufacturers are:
* Gentlalase Plus (Candela);
* Apogee, PhotoGenica and LPIR (Cynosure); and
* EpiCare Series (Light Age, Inc).
These lasers all feature cooling devices to make the disabling of hair follicles all the more effective and to reduce the risk of damage to the skin.
Although there is some bad press surrounding the use of Alexandrite Lasers for hair removal, particularly for those with darker skin, there is ample evidence from reputable scientists to suggest that this type of laser is, in fact, efficient and safe. This is especially so when combined with cooling mechanisms that reduce the temperature of the skin prior to, during or immediately after laser pulses. Alexandrite lasers available on the market come equipped with these cooling features.
