Comparison of Alexandrite Laser and Electrolysis for Hair Removal

Abstract

Alexandrite laser hair removal is a more reliable and practical solution than electrolysis. Laser hair removal is more expensive than electrolysis, but is 60 times faster and less painful than electrolysis; also fewer sessions are needed with the laser with better results.

Comparison of SHR Mode IPL System with Alexandrite and Nd: YAG Lasers For Leg Hair Reduction

“…These methods can only have a short-term, transient effect. Although electrolysis can achieve permanent hair removal in experienced hands, it is inconvenient due to pain and prolonged treatment sessions (1,2). The search for an efficient, practical method with minimum side effects and long lasting efficacy has led to the development of laser hair removal methods, in the last decade.…”

“…By using appropriate wavelength, pulse duration and fluence, thermal injury can be limited to the absorbing chromophore, melanin, which is rich in the hair bulb and shaft (2,3). The interrogation point of progenitor stem cell destruction, which is hypothesized to be amelanotic, should be the major destination to achieve permanent hair removal (4).…”

Severe Urticaria After Laser Treatment for Hair Reduction

“…Lasers in the red or infrared wavelengths, specifically the 755-nm alexandrite, the 810-nm diode, and the 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser are used because they penetrate deeply into the skin and are not appreciably absorbed by competing chromophores such as hemoglobin or water. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Because the bulge and bulb cells of the hair follicle are located deep within the skin, nontarget epidermal melanin pigment can be protected using surface cooling while still enabling targeting of the key structures in the follicle that cause it to enter the telogen phase. Surface-cooling strategies include forced cool air, a dynamic cooling device using cryogen spray, and contact cooling using chilled sapphire crystals or metal plates.…”

“…Surface-cooling strategies include forced cool air, a dynamic cooling device using cryogen spray, and contact cooling using chilled sapphire crystals or metal plates. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] These devices protect the epidermis, which heats up during laser treatment because of absorption of laser energy by epidermal melanin pigment. After laser treatment, an urticarial papule develops around each treated follicle that contained a pigmented hair shaft.…”

28 Aesthetic Laser Hair Removal for the Asian Face

“…1,2 Alexandrite, 3,4 800 to 810 nm diode, 5,6 and Nd:YAG lasers 7,8 entered the hair removal market soon after. The ruby laser was later withdrawn because of its instability and high risk in the Asian population; other lasers are still in use today.…”