Alexandrite Laser
There are several different types of lasers available for medical use. The Alexandrite laser was FDA approved for permanent hair reduction in 1997. The first reports of using lasers for hair removal began in early 1990’s. Before this time, the only method for removing unwanted hair was through waxing, tweezing, shaving or electrolysis. Today lasers have become the standard for removing hair and the Alexandrite is disputably the “gold standard” for just that purpose.
Lasers work by delivering an intense beam of highly selective light which is converted into heat energy absorbed by the skin. The heat damages cells being targeted, (such as the hair follicles) while leaving surrounding skin unaffected. The scientific term for this is photothermolysis. Hair removal lasers operate by using the theory of selective photothermolysis. The wavelength of light used in the Alexandrite laser is highly absorbed by melanin, the substance that gives skin and hair its color. This laser can deliver more energy to lighter finer hairs. Some of the different brands of Alexandrite lasers available today are the Apogee, Epitouch, and the Gentlelase. Each of these lasers, though providing the same wavelength of light, varies in their intensity and skin cooling systems. The Gentlelase uses a cryogen spray to protect the epidermis during treatment, while the Apogee uses a “smart cool” system or continuous flow of chilled air to the treated areas. The decrease in skin temperature makes treatments less painful and quickly cools down the skin for more effective treatments with fewer occurrences of side effects.
The Alexandrite lasers work best on people who have fair to light olive skin, when used for hair removal. They are also useful in the removal of tattoos, some leg veins and benign pigmented lesions. The laser uses light to target and break up pigment, resulting in fading of the pigment or color in the area being treated. The majority of laser treatments, whether for hair reduction or elimination of pigment, will require more than one treatment to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. |
