Page 87 - Blog Posts v1

In many diode lasers, increasing the repetition rate also alters the fluence/pulsewidths too – usually by lowering these values!!! So you might have to ‘compromise’ between repetition rate, fluence and pulsewidth to achieve a good result.
When applying the ‘stamping technique always use the 1Hz setting – that will allow you to fire a single shot with ease.
For the SHR, gliding, dynamic mode, use higher repetition rates – between 5 and 10 Hz.
Combination...
In reality, the three main settings – fluence, pulsewidth and repetition rate – are often “tied” in many diode laser systems. This means that when any one of these settings is changed, the one, or both, of the other settings also change.
So, if you want to increase your fluence, then the pulsewidth will also increase – to allow more energy to be output. But, the repetition rate might fall. This is simply because the laser has a fixed limit in terms of it maximum output – it just cannot go above a certain level.
Likewise, if you want to fire more shots per second at the skin (higher repetition rate) then, quite often, the fluence will drop!
This makes it a little difficult sometimes to carry out the treatment with the settings that you want to use.
Of course, a higher powered laser will give you more fluence...
Finally, sometimes the lasers do NOT output what they claim. This is not unusual for lasers and IPLs. Check with an engineer...
Summary
Diode lasers are not the same as the other hair removal lasers, or IPLs. They are a different technology with their own quirks. This can make things a little confusing when trying to get the best out of them. I am aware that some companies clearly don’t understand their own devices – I recently spoke to a diode user who had been ‘trained’, by her supplier, with some completely useless, and negative, information.
I am thinking about running some seminars on this topic – laser hair removal using diode lasers. If you are interested in joining, please let me know.
Hope this helps, Mike.
Mike’s Blog Posts 87