Pulsed Alexandrite Laser Technology for Noninvasive Hair Removal

Abstract

The 2 msec pulsed Alexandrite laser technology is effective for the removal of unwanted hairs, ranging from fair to dark, except when hairs are absent in the shaft depending on the stage of their growth cycle. This results in the necessity of a few treatments or touchups. Adverse effects are minimal and transient.

Long-pulsed alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal at 5, 10, and 20 millisecond pulse durations

“…This system can be operated at varying pulse durations (5, 10, or 20 ms) and can produce tissue fluences of up to 40 J/cm 2 . Like the ruby laser system, the 755 nm alexandrite wavelength makes the laser wellsuited for hair removal as it penetrates deeply into the dermis, is absorbed by melanin within hair follicles, and has a relatively low affinity for oxyhemoglobin [10]. In addition, the adjustable pulse duration of up to 20 ms has the theoretical advantage of allowing higher fluences to be used on darker skin types with less risk of epidermal injury.…”

Lasers and Optical Technologies in Facial Plastic Surgery

“…As with other laser therapies, novel laser sources were soon introduced, including the Nd:YAG laser, 208 the alexandrite laser, 209 and the diode laser. 210 Although laser hair removal typically entails multiple treatments to achieve desired results, 211,212 patient satisfaction for laser hair removal is generally high.…”

Von Einsteins Quantentheorie zur modernen Lasertherapie

“…Im Jahr 1993 zeigte R.E.Fitzpatrick in einem Tiermodel erstmals,dass Tätowierungen mithilfe des Q-switched Alexandritlasers entfernt werden konnten [16]. Seit etwa 1997 steht er auch lang gepulst, insbesondere zur Behandlung der Hypertrichose zur Verfügung [15].…”