Laser Versus IPL for Hair Removal

Are You Thinking About Getting Laser Hair Removal? Do your research!

So you have finally decided to go ahead and start with laser hair removal process. But there are so many different places advertising their laser hair removal services. How do you know which place to go?

Will you go to a place with the cheapest prices?
Will you go to a place that's closest to your home?
Do you have all the correct information to make an informed decision?
Will the facility be using a laser or an IPL for this process?
Will you be evaluated by a medical doctor?

Background about Hair Reduction

Laser hair removal has become the most common type of laser procedures being performed. When done correctly, the results are amazing! When done wrong, results are disastrous and in some cases, people may end up with MORE hair.

You have a lot of different choices on where you can go when it comes to hair removal: med spas, doctor offices, laser clinics, etc. It seems like everywhere you turn, there is a place offering laser hair removal. We highly recommend that you do your research before starting this process.

One of the first questions you should ask any facility before going in is: "What kind of machine is being used?" Is it a laser or an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machine? There is a big difference between the two!

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Remember: IPL is NOT a Laser! 
Actual Laser is the Best Technology for Hair Removal.
There is no such thing as an IPL laser.
Places that use an IPL for hair removal and call it laser hair removal are being dishonest.

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Laser Hair Reduction

Laser is actually an acronym that stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Lasers are designed to emit one type of wavelength. Sometimes companies may put two lasers inside one machine.

For laser hair removal, there are currently 3 different types of lasers that can be used:

• Alexandrite Laser (755 nm wavelength)
• YAG Laser (1064nm wavelength)
• Diode Laser (808nm wavelength)
  

It is universally agreed that the Alexandrite (755nm) and YAG (1064nm) lasers are the two best in permanent hair reduction.

The Alexandrite wavelength works better than the YAG wavelength. However the Alexandrite laser can only be used in fair skinned individuals who have dark hair.

The Alexandrite laser should not be used in individuals who have darker colored skin such as Hispanics, African-Americans, and individuals who have Mediterranean skin including some Italians, Middle Easterners, Indians, etc. The choice of laser for these individuals is the YAG laser. The YAG laser is widely used in individuals with dark skin.

IPL Hair Reduction

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Simply put, there is a light source that emits light between 515nm to 1200nm.Different filters are then placed on this light to filter out the necessary wavelengths.

Most professionals agree that the best use of IPL is for photorejuvenation, not hair reduction.

Some places use IPL machine for hair removal. IPL is not very effective in hair removal compared with lasers. Numerous IPL studies have shown that 6 months after completing numerous IPL hair removal treatments, less than half of the hair had been effectively removed!

IPL machines can be used for hair reduction, but are not very effective compared with lasers.

Is it an IPL or laser?

If you are serious about getting laser hair removal, be sure to inquire about whether the facility uses an IPL or laser for the hair removal procedure.

It is wrong and unethical for facilities to claim they are using a laser for hair removal when in fact they are using an IPL machine.

For best results, we highly recommend that you find a reputable laser clinic and only use a laser for hair removal.

At Pristine Laser Center, we utilize both the Alexandrite laser and YAG laser. This allows us to provide the most effective hair removal for people of all skin colors. Under the direct supervision of our specially certified and highly knowledgeable staff, we provide safe and effective laser hair removal at an affordable price. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

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Proudly providing laser hair removal to residents of Orlando, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Casselberry, Winter Park, Dr Phillips, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Wekiwa Springs, Longwood, Deland, Deltona, Clermont, Ocoee, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Titusville, Daytona Beach, and Central Florida areas.

Disclaimer: The material presented here is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or recommendation. Please check with your physician.