Page 200 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
Diode lasers and IPLs can be used on skin tones 1 to 5, with ease, as long as proper pre- and post-cooling is applied. However, we do not recommend using them on ‘black’ skin, as with the Alexandrite laser, for the same reasons.
Ultimately, it comes down to fluence! In the majority of cases, insufficient fluence is, by far, the leading cause of poor results. A small increase in fluence will induce a larger rise in temperature in the hair shaft and stem cells. This rise in temperature will keep those cells at a higher temperature for a longer time, and hence, will be more likely to cook the irreversibly.
Treating over tattoos, moles or damaged skin
It should be emphasised that all laser/IPL treatments of hair should only be carried out on ‘normal’ skin. Do not treat over tattoos – you WILL induce tissue damage. Likewise, don’t treat in areas where the skin is damaged or diseased in any way. Plus, avoid moles and other pigmented areas if you are not certain that they are benign. Better safe than sorry!
________________________________________________________________________ 200 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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