Page 255 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
the patient/client experiences a pain level of 4 but cannot take any further increase in fluence
Proceed with the treatment
If the patient/client complains about the pain, stop the treatment and re-apply the ice packs (make sure that they are “cold”)
Do NOT reduce the fluence!! (That is a common mistake)
We have used the above protocol for a number of years with great success. It ensures that the hair follicles are being treated with a high fluence, but that the patient/client is properly protected and not experiencing high levels of pain. Remember that higher fluences will kill deeper follicle.
With this protocol we typically use fluences up to 45 J/cm2 with our IPL unit. We have also tested this with an Alexandrite laser and maxed out at 44 J/cm2 on a pale skin tone. Likewise, we tested it with a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and stopped when we reached 100 J/cm2, again on a pale skin tone.
On black skin we used the above protocol with an Nd:YAG laser and easily reached 32 J/cm2, with no pain sensation at all. We could have pushed this up further, but the laser owner was ‘anxious’ by this point!! (She should not have been!)
Successful results
How can we guarantee a successful outcome when we perform these treatments? Well, the answer is actually quite simple. We must be sure to select the correct fluence, apply the appropriate pre- and post-cooling and bring our patients/clients back at the right times.
It’s not too difficult, once you know how...
It all comes down to choosing the correct fluence, balanced by the correct cooling and bringing your patients/clients back at the right times.
________________________________________________________________________ 255 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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