Lasers and IPLs have been used for permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation treatments for many years. Although both IPL and Laser are light-based technologies, there are distinct differences between the two. Lasers use a single wavelength of coherent light while IPLs utilize various wavelengths of incoherent light. There is a great assortment of IPL machines operating. Different IPL equipment would usually operate on different wavelengths and parameters.
Visha Medi Spa, located inside Advanced Dermatology, is proud to offer the most effective, advanced, and safe Laser Hair Removal treatment options for your cosmetic skin care needs. Call 901-759-2322 or request a FREE Laser Hair Removal consultation online today!
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Lasers and IPLs have been used for permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation treatments for many years. Although both IPL and Laser are light-based technologies, there are distinct differences between the two. Light is a component of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. The name itself stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (L A S E R). To understand how LASERs work we need to understand two terms: coherent and incoherent light.
Incoherent Light is emitted by normal means such as a flash light or a bulb. The photons of the many wave frequencies of light are oscillating in different directions ( IPL systems), therefore photons will dissipate before reaching the follicle.
Coherent light is a beam of photons (almost like particles of light waves) that have the same frequency and are all at the same frequency. Only a beam of laser light will not spread and diffuse. In Genuine lasers, waves are identical and in phase, which produces a beam of coherent light. To achieve best results for Laser Hair Removal, Coherent Light is required in order to accurately target the follicle.
Laser Hair Removal Wavelength
- Longer (Scatter less)
- Deeper penetration (Less Epidermal damage)
- Long Pulsed Ruby Laser —- (694 nm)
- Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser —- (755 nm) (GentleMax)
- Pulsed Diode Laser —- (800 nm)
- Long Pulsed Nd: YAG —- (1064 nm)
- Flash Lamp System —- (515 – 1200 nm)
Laser Hair Removal Pulse Duration
- Longer (ensures best results)
- Precise rapid heating without damaging surrounding area (Selective Photothermolysis)
Spot Size
- Bigger the spot size the better results
Laser Types Used With Laser Hair Removal
The majority of Pulsed Light (PL) Systems work on the same principle, that is: computer generated Pulsed Light with an incoherent light wave pattern. The manufacturers invent many of the names for new Pulsed Light (PL) Systems for the purposes of describing the point of difference of their equipment compared to their competitors.
Some machines are simple IPLs, others are SPLs, APL or VPLs, then there are SLPLs… All this can be very confusing. So the important thing to remember is that anything “PL” – is a Pulse Light systems and NOT Genuine Laser.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light is the name of the technology Intense PulseLight (IPL) is a light-based technology. It works by delivering shots of light of many different incoherent wavelengths over the area being treated. There are many variations of IPL machines currently available and new ones arrive every day.
Super Long Pulsed Light (SLPL)
This abbreviation stands for Super Long Pulsed Light. As the name obviously suggests pulses or shots are longer in duration. However, this does not necessarily mean better results. The wave light pattern is still incoherent.
Variable Pulse Light (VPL)
V stands for Variable pulse. This allows for multi-pulsing (several pulses of light within each shot) is still incoherent
Square Pulse Light (SPL)
S, in this example, stands for Square Pulse Light. This means the light is equally disbursed under the skin and it takes a lot less energy to achieve the same effect as it would with a “standard” pulse. SPLs are usually lower energy machines with an incoherent wave pattern.
Candela GentleYag and Candela GentleMax vs. Other Technology
The Candela GentleYag used at Visha Med Spa has the largest spot size (18mm diameter), combining together characteristics that enable deeper penetration by laser energy of the targeted area and faster treatments than early forms of Laser hair Removal machines such as, Long Pulse Ruby, Diode Lasers, and Flash-lamp devices (we also carry Roher Aesthetics as well).
The Candela GentleMax also has the largest spot size (18mm diameter), combining together characteristics that enable deeper penetration by laser energy of the targeted area and faster treatments than early forms of Laser hair Removal machines such as, Long Pulse Ruby, Diode Lasers, and Flash- lamp devices.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?
Various wavelengths of light absorb into (and effect) different substances (chromophores) in our skin and body differently and this can make it very difficult for the consumer to choose the correct laser machine. The machine would have to suit their particular skin and hair type and tone as well as be suitable for treatment of that person’s particular condition (hair removal or pigmentation treatment etc.). At Visha Med Spa, we have the ability to customize our treatments due to the fact we offer both of these laser technologies.
This means that two different people may respond to laser hair removal treatment on the same equipment completely differently. At Visha Med Spa we use Candela GentleYag most often (Alexandrite Laser).The Candela GentleYag has a longer wavelength (755nm), and high energy (100J/cm2) well suited to safer for darker skin tones, and effective Hair Removal.
At Visha Med Spa we have many years of experience working with lasers which sets us apart in industry as leaders among our community in the esthetic arena, and we strongly encourage you to spend some time researching your chosen Laser Hair Removal Clinic, and the equipment it uses.
Contact Visha Med Spa at 901-759-2322 or request a FREE Laser Hair Removal consultation online to discuss a treatment plan that suits your needs with our trained, qualified and experienced laser hair removal technician.