Why Do I Care?

When you read bad write-ups about laser hair removal -- like "it didn't work" or "it took 20 sessions" -- you are probably reading about someone who has had IPL, and just didn't know it was not actually laser.

There are many places now that advertise laser hair-removal and laser "deals", but are using an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Device instead. Now, momentarily in their defense, they or their employees, may just be ignorant of the science. Perhaps the salesperson for the machine deceived them or they simply didn't do their research.

However, some clinics, having purchased an inferior piece of equipment to make the highest profit margin, are fully aware of what they are doing. They know it's a lie when they will tell you that IPL is equal to laser. My personal experience (over 3000 laser treatments to date), and the underlying science disagree. I've seen IPL work miracles on skin with Rosacia, but for laser hair removal? Well, it gives the rest of us a bad name. For hair removal, it's dangerous and highly ineffective. It isn't even in the ballpark with the Yag/Alexandrite Laser.

Why would they lie?

1. An IPL unit can be purchased for about $5,000-$10,000, whereas an actual laser cost upwards of $40,000 (used).

2. They honestly don't know the truth.

3. See #1.

So, what IS the truth?

The Cynosure Apogee Elite, which is two genuine lasers -- the Alexandrite (755nm) for paler skin and the ND:Yag (1064) for pigmented skin is considered the gold standard by experts and professionals. Each laser delivers light at one specific wavelength, which directly targets the hair follicle. The IPL delivers a wide-range of wavelengths that the clinician then uses an attachment to filter out everything except the desired wavelengths - 755nm and 1064nm. So, let's see...shall we filter out the wrong wavelengths or just use a laser with the RIGHT one? That's pretty much a no-brainer.

IPL also subjects skin to a higher level of intensity and heat as it tries to get to the follicle. In the hands of an inexperienced practitioner IPL can sometimes result in skin damage and scarring. More risk, less results.

Conclusion

Ask the laser center what type of laser they will be using and do your research! Make sure it's a real laser - anything ending in "PL" is NOT laser. It's also a good idea to find out the qualifications of the person doing your procedure and how many treatments they've actually performed. I am always glad to answer any questions so feel free to email me at Beautiful Laser Center.

May You Be Blessed & Be a Blessing!

--Mikayla