Hello, ukworker-ga!
What is the best laser for hair removal? When researching your
question, I found that every hair removal clinic highlighted their own
laser techniques as the "best" and the laser they used as "the most
effective". Yet the lasers used within clinics run across a wide
spectrum. Obviously, laser clinics and laser manufacturers are not
going to provide the most objective opinion!
===============================================
There is no real consensus on the best laser!!!
===============================================
From "What is the Best Laser Available???"
http://www.elaserhairremoval.com/page_2.htm
"Why is there no consensus among the experts as to the best laser for
hair removal?"
"The use of lasers to permanently remove unwanted hair is still a very
new technology, which is the subject of continuous intense study.
Although laser hair removal has been in widespread use since 1996, the
most effective treatment protocols have yet to be established."
"We still do not know which part of the hair follicle must be targeted
to produce the best effect. We still do not know at what stage in the
hair growth cycle is the treatment most effective. Also to be
determined is the best interval between treatments, the best way to
prevent associated skin damage, and the ultimate fate of the treated
hair follicles."
"Despite what you read, no one really knows the best system to use on
a particular body site in a particular patient. This is especially
true when the various lasers must be configured to account for the
different skin color and hair color of each patient. There are no
long-term studies which address the different factors of sex, hair
color, skin type, age and body site. Additionally there are no long
term studies which assess before treatment and after treatment hair
counts with accurate photography or biopsies.
Realistically, these studies are extremely difficult to perform
because of the large number of patients to make the results valid and
the necessity for a long follow-up period. But, until these studies
have been done no one can answer the question as to the best or most
effective laser."
(This site also contains information on various lasers and a brief
description of how they work)
==
No wonder there is such conflicting opinion as to what laser works the
best!
Look at the following excerpt from an article on e-medicine, titled
"Laser Hair Removal," by Mounir Bashour, MD, CM, FRCS(C) (Last
Updated: May 2, 2003)
http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic738.htm#section~future_and_controversies
"........the market has been flooded with numerous hair-removing
lasers and light sources."
"Initial laser systems, such as the Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm, Soft
Light system, Thermolase Corp, San Diego, Calif), used a carbon
mineral oil suspension to penetrate the hair follicle and act as an
energy-absorbing chromophore."
"An optically filtered xenon flashlamp (Epi Light and ESC Luxar,
Energy Systems Corp, Needham, Mass) uses filters to select operating
wavelengths of light at a cutoff of 690 nm, thus allowing light above
this wavelength to pass through to affect hair."
"The long-pulse ruby laser (694 nm, EpiLaser, Palomar Technologies,
Lexington, Mass and EpiTouch, Sharplan Laser, Allendale, NJ) uses the
principle of selective thermolysis, in which melanin acts as the
target chromophore."
"The long-pulse alexandrite laser (755 nm, PhotoGenica LPIR, Cynosure
Inc, Chelmsford, Mass) uses the principle of thermokinetic selectivity
to target melanin in the hair follicle. In this way, the epidermis is
allowed to cool more efficiently, while the melanin in the hair
follicle is heated."
"Coherent Medical (Santa Clara, Calif) and Palomar (Lexington, Mass)
have introduced the LightSheer, a diode laser operating at 800 nm that
has longer pulse durations (up to 30 milliseconds). This technology
minimizes laser size by eliminating the laser tube in place of
solid-state diode circuitry."
"The following is a complete list of lasers (at this writing) in a
brand name - type - manufacturer format:
Apex 800 - Diode - IRIDEX
Apogee (6200 and 9300) - Alexandrite - Cynosure
Athos - Nd:YAG - Cosmos
Chromos 694 - Ruby - Mehl/Biophile
CoolGlide - Nd:YAG - Altus
DeLight - Flashlamp - Radiancy
Depilase - Nd:YAG - Depilase
Depilase - Diode - Depilase
E2000 - Ruby - Palomar
EpiLaser - Ruby - Palomar
EpiLight - Flashlamp - ESC
EpiPulse - Ruby - ESC
EpiStar - Diode - Nidek
EpiTouch - Alexandrite - ESC
EpiTouch - Ruby - ESC
EsteLux - Flashlamp - Palomar
GentleLASE - Alexandrite - Candela
IPL Quantum HR - Flashlamp - ESC
LaseAway - Alexandrite - Silver Creek Medical
LaseAway - Ruby - Polytec PI/Lambda
LightSheer (SC, EC, XC, SP, EP) - Diode - Coherent Star
Lyra - Nd:YAG - Laserscope
Lorad - Nd:YAG - Focus Medical
MeDioStar - Diode - Asclepion-Meditec
MedLite - Nd:YAG - Continuum
MLT R694 - Ruby - MLT International
MultiLight - PhotoDerm - Flashlamp - ESC
PhotoDerm - Flashlamp - ESC
PhotoGenica LPIR - Alexandrite - Cynosure
RubyStar - Ruby - Asclepion-Meditec
SLP 1000 - Diode - Palomar
SmoothLASE - Alexandrite - Leisegang
SoftLight - Nd:YAG - ThermoLase
SpaTouch - Flashlamp - Radiancy
StarLight - Diode - Coherent Star
VascuLight Plus - PhotoDerm/Flashlamp - ESC
VascuLight Plus - PhotoDerm/Nd:YAG - ESC
===
In light of the array of choices before you, it might be helpful to
consider a clinic which utilizes lasers that are rated "Good" in the
chart posted in the article below:
"Laser Equipment Comparison Chart" can be found on the Dunham
Consulting website at http://www.dunham-consulting.co.uk/faq.htm
The lasers which rate "Good" on the chart are:
Polaris long-pulsed YAG
Epitouch Alexandrite
Light Age alexandrite
Light Sheer Diode
(Too bad there are no "Very Good" or "Excellent" ratings!)
As noted, the laser used is not the only factor in producing good
results!
"The following comparison of the most commonly used laser hair removal
equipment is based on publicly available information, technical data
and interviews with customers and practitioners in the US and UK. **
During the past year it has become increasingly apparent that consumer
satisfaction with laser hair removal treatments depends on many
factors in addition to the type of laser used - laser technician
training and experience, consumer expectations, skin type, hair colour
etc.** "
=======================
How to Select a Clinic?
=======================
No doubt, every clinician will tell you why their clinic and choice
of laser is the best. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to look
through the following article before you decide on a clinic in the UK.
"Essentials for a Qualified Clinic".
http://www.elaserhairremoval.com/page_5.htm
"Remember, laser hair removal involves a significant monetary
investment. Before you hand over your hard earned money and entrust
your appearance and your health to any doctor or laser center you
found in an advertisement, invest something else-the time and effort
it takes to make sure that you'll be getting what indeed you are
paying for."
Read the Interview Checklist for pointers on choosing a clinic.
=======================================
LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINICS IN LONDON
=======================================
TRICHOTREAT
===========
Laser Hair Removal For Men and Women
1b UPSDELL AVENUE, PALMERS GREEN, LONDON N13 6JP
Tel: 020 8372 9420
Mob: 07808 169 073
http://www.trichotreat.co.uk/index.html
"Of special interest is the new LightSheer Diode Laser, which has
recently been added to our Laser Clinic. This versatile laser was
specially created to treat excess, unwanted dark hair on any skin tone
or type. Delicate enough for a woman’s fine, sensitive skin and robust
enough for a man’s beard, back, or arms."
Also see FAQ's:
http://www.trichotreat.co.uk/FQAs.html
==
THE LONDON COSMETIC LASER CENTRE
=================================
http://www.londoncosmetic.com/aboutus.htm
"The London Cosmetic Laser Centre was designed as a state-of-the-art
laser centre. It is equipped with the very latest in laser technology
and modern surgical suites. Yet the ambiance is soothing, comfortable,
and elegant. Your comfort and privacy are enhanced in every detail."
http://www.londoncosmetic.com/aboutus.htm
About the Doctor:
http://www.londoncosmetic.com/drmahfouz.htm
Dr MAHFOUZ is one of the few Cosmetic Laser Surgeons in Europe to
provide cosmetic laser surgery full time. Dr MAHFOUZ regularly attends
national and international conferences where he participates in
workshops with colleagues and other specialists in the field.
These professional exchanges and updates in laser technology across
the globe ensure that the service offered by Dr Mahfouz is always at
the cutting edge of science using sophisticated new technology and
existing developments.
He has been nominated as an expert witness and expert consultant in
cosmetic laser surgery.
He has been awarded the following credentials in cosmetic laser
surgery:
Fellowship at:
American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery ASLMS
European Academy of Cosmetic Surgery EACS
Membership at:
British Medical Association BMA
British Medical Laser Association BMLA
World Association for Laser Therapy WALT
International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons ISCLS
North American Association for Laser Therapy NAALT
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery AACS
European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology ESCAD
European Society for Laser Dermatology ESLD
European Society for Laser Aesthetic Surgery ESLAS
Expert Witness-Expert Consultant
Annual Participant at:
International Master Course on Ageing Skin IMCAS
(There is no mention on the website about the "type" of laser(s) used.
However, they do state that "At the London Cosmetic Laser Centre we
use the most advanced technology, equipment and procedures available
today."
====
THE PRIVATE SKIN LASER CLINIC
=============================
Royal Free Hospital
London NW3
http://www.skinlaserclinic.co.uk/
Laser Hair Removal:
"Laser depilation has revolutionised the treatment of unwanted hair.
The bright red laser light is used to heat up dark hair follicles and
suppress their growth. All parts of the body can be treated. Several
treatments are required and best results are achieved with dark hair.
It will not work with white hair. Please read the detailed advice
sheet if you are considering treatment"
From Advice Link:
Which laser ?
"Most lasers and intense pulsed light sources will give good hair
reduction in suitable patients when used properly. Different lasers
suit different skin colours. We use an Alexandrite laser on white to
pale brown skins, and a long pulsed NdYAG on dark brown to black
skins. We cannot treat tanned skins."
===
LASER AESTHETICS UK
===================
87 Wigmore Street
London W1
http://www.laseraesthetics.co.uk/treatments/index.htm
Hair Removal
http://www.laseraesthetics.co.uk/treatments/hair_remove.htm
"Laser Aesthetics UK utilise a full range of Laser systems to suit
individual skin tones. In this way we ensure the highest quality
service and customised treatment with optimal results."
(Unfortunately, no details on which lasers are used)
==
BARE NECESSITY
==============
Maddox Street
28 Maddox Street,
Oxford Circus,
London,
W1S 1PR
T (+44) 020 7499 4904
F (+44) 020 7629 7590
http://www.barenecessity.co.uk/home.htm
"Bare Necessity has searched the world to bring the most advanced
laser hair removal, photo-rejuvenation equipment and advanced beauty
procedures to our UK clinics. This enables us to provide our clients
with the safest, most efficient cosmetic treatments and clinical
methods available today. Laser hair removal and photo-rejuvenation are
fields in which Bare Necessity are considered experts with a
formidable reputation for quality, care and value. We are the only UK
clinics to provide a written guarantee for laser hair removal whilst
our photo-rejuvenation guarantee is supported by photograhic
evidence."
"We pride ourselves on the quality of our consultation, our highly
qualified staff and their dedication to customer care. All clients are
screened for suitabilty and are fully informed about the treatments
and the results that can be expected."
"Our clinics are medically supervised and registered with the National
Care Standards Commission."
Laser Hair Removal:
http://www.barenecessity.co.uk/laser.htm
"Bare Necessity uses the very best in laser technology. The diode
laser (known as LightSheer) developed by Lumenis, the largest laser
company in the world, is approved by the FDA (Federal Drug
Administration) for permanent hair reduction."
===
I hope the above information is helpful. Given the lack of scientific
evidence concerning which laser is "best", it is up to you to
determine the type of laser treatments you will consider. However, the
Laser Comparison Chart appears to provide an objective opinion about
how the current lasers rate.
I feel quite confident that the clinics I have referenced are
reputable and will provide you with a good consultation.
If I can provide any further clarification, please don't hesitate to
ask. I will be happy to help if I can!
umiat
Search Strategy
"most effective laser" for hair removal
+dermatology +best laser for hair removal
emedicine www.emedicine.com
site:.uk +London +best laser hair removal clinics
site:.uk +top-rated "laser hair removal" |
