There are many types of laser hair removal procedures available to remove unwanted excess hair. The one thing they all have in common is that they can stop hair from growing to a lesser or greater extent, but finding the least painful method is also often a concern among many patients.
Modern laser hair removal systems are available with different methods. Some are more painful than others, including the traditional “shots” laser hair removal treatment.
Traditional “Shots” Laser Hair Removal Procedure
This is a more outdated laser hair removal procedure, using laser systems such as Magma, Cynosure, and Candela. During this treatment, the machinery applies laser energy to a specific area, raising the temperature of the follicle to 45-50 degrees, moving it a centimeter or two, and then repeating the process until the area is fully covered. This process can be painful because the energy is delivered all at one time, until a cooling method is applied to help alleviate the pain and prevent burns. In some cases, patients may be offered numbing cream, but using this can make it harder to detect pain that’s indicative of skin damage.
Diode and YAG Laser Hair Removal: Which Laser Hair Removal Works Best?
While the traditional “shots” procedure can cause pain at varying degrees, “diode” and “YAG” laser hair removal procedures are potentially more effective while simultaneously preventing pain. Both procedures use pulses of infrared light energy that penetrate the skin’s surface, gradually heating the follicles beneath the skin until they are incapable of growing new hair. The heat disrupts the melanin protein pigment that creates hair color. This melanin swells and ruptures the follicle cells in the process. However, the skin’s surface remains cool and comfortable throughout the procedure, unlike the traditional “shots” method. This is achieved by using lasers with refrigerated tips that not only prevent pain, but also eliminate burns.
The main difference between “diode” and “YAG” lasers is that “diode” is used on light to intermediate skin tones, while “YAG” is used solely on darker skin. Both procedures are safe and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ensuring they pass strict efficacy and safety tests.
How Many Sessions Are Required for YAG and Diode Treatments?
The YAG laser operates at a lower energy level than diode lasers, which makes it overall safer for the skin, but at the same time it removes less hair during each session. Ultimately, six sessions are needed for diode lasers, while ten are often required for YAG laser treatments.
Throughout each session, lasers can treat different problem areas, helping prevent hair growth on a permanent basis.
So, if you want top-quality laser hair removal without the kind of pain that you might otherwise experience with other traditional procedures, turn to Althea MedSpa for some of the best YAG and diode treatments available. You’ll be able to get the results you want without suffering in the process when you work with us.