Page 234 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
However, for hair removal, lasers and IPLs can both be used successfully to permanently destroy hair follicles, if used properly. We should point out though, that IPLs are a bit ‘trickier’ to use correctly because there is usually more to consider...
Figure 125 – IPL & Laser Systems and their wavelengths
The light energy from an IPL is more widely absorbed due to spread of wavelengths and wide melanin absorption curve. Most of the energy from an IPL will be absorbed – if it reaches the hair melanin. However, less than 10% actually does – as with laser outputs!! Some of this light will be absorbed in other chromophores such as blood and tissue water. This is inevitable.
Diode laser energy is absorbed only at its wavelength 810 +/- 2nm. Most of this energy will be absorbed – if it reaches the melanin! Likewise with the Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers.
Risk of unwanted damage in LHR
There is always a risk of inducing unwanted tissue damage during laser/IPL hair removal treatments. This is due to the excess heat we generate with these devices. However, understanding these risks will help to reduce them -
As contrast between hair and skin decreases, the risk increases As fluence increases, the risk increases exponentially
Understanding the risks is important in reducing the likelihood of unwanted skin damage. The most important of these is the skin cooling – if this is applied correctly, the chances of damaging the skin are minimal.
________________________________________________________________________ 234 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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