Best Laser Hair Removal in Calgary!  Why?  Read On...

Difference Between Laser & IPL?

• IPL – Intense Pulsed Light, has some branded variations such as SIPL, VPL, SPL which are all essentially the same technology.

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• IPL machines are Not lasers. The primary function of IPL is to even skin tones. Other benefits include the rapid heating and cooling of the skin to stimulate collagen production, thus thickening the skin and decreasing pore size.

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• IPL emits non-coherent light of many different wavelengths. However, as most of the light energy is in the shorter wavelengths, treatment of darker skin types is less effective than with the appropriate laser.

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• IPL devices are generally cheaper than laser devices, which is why many clinics choose to use them. These machines produce a wide bandwidth of traditional light that can heat up all of the surrounding tissue and can be quite uncomfortable. The following brand of equipment use IPL technology - Here is a list of IPL units:

  • Philips Lumea

  • BoSidin

  • SmoothSkin

  • Tria

  • Lumenis / LightSheer

  • Bioflex

  • Candela

  • Cutera

  • Cynosure

  • Palomar

  • Alma Harmony XL

  • Alma Soprano Xli

  • Fraxel

  • Hoya Con Bio

  • Sciton

  • PZLaser

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• IPL lacks the laser's ability to produce a selective bandwidth of light that will only affect the hair shaft making it less effective in disabling hair and putting the skin at a higher risk for side effects.

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• IPL generally requires more treatments (sometimes double or triple the treatments) or may only reduce the thickness and darkness of the hair, rather than eliminate it completely. Therefore, look for true hair removal lasers:

 

• Alexandrite 755 nm    Light Skin

• Diode 808 nm           Darker Skin - Less Effective for Lighter & Finer hair

• ND:Yag 1064 nm        Dark or Tanned Skin Types

 

As these tend to achieve superior results for unwanted hair treatment. 

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Diode Laser Vs Alexandrite, ND:Yag & Ruby Lasers?

• The primary principle behind all laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL); The matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue (hair) with minimal effect on surrounding tissue (skin). 

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• Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal. These lasers are characterized by their wavelength, measured in nanometres (nm). Some lasers are more effective for treating hair, or for treating particular skin colours, and some lasers penetrate deeper than others.

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• Diode 808 nm is widely accepted as the “Gold Standard” wavelength in laser hair removal, due to its optimal melanin absorption and its increased penetration deep into the dermis where the hair follicle is located. Compared to other lasers where the laser light may be concentrated at the surface of the skin (many charred hairs may be noted with these treatments).

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• Diode treats deeper and is more effective where we want the light/heat to create damage - the hair bulb.

 

How Many Treatments Are Required?

• The hair follicle is a dynamic organ found in mammalian skin. It resides in the dermal layer of the skin and is made up of 20 different cell types, each with distinct functions.

 

• There are three phases of hair growth:

  1. First is the Anagen Phase

  2. Second is known as the Catagen Phase

  3. Third is called the Telogen Phase

 

• The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair follicles. During this phase, a hair grows about one centimeter, or about half of an inch, every 28 days.

 

• Hair grows in cycles and laser can treat hairs in the Anagen aka active growth stage.

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• Since approximately 20% of hairs are in the appropriate Anagen stage at any one time, at least 5 effective treatments are necessary to disable most of the follicles in a given area.

 

• Most people require 8 sessions, but even more may be required for the face those with:

  • Darker Skin

  • Hormonal Conditions / Imbalances

  • Certain Syndromes

  • Those that have taken the waxing route for many years

  • Previous use of IPL treatments

 

• Say No, to Waxing, Sugaring, Epilation & IPL, as they adversely affect follicle health and growth cycles.

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• The hair growth cycle will slow throughout the laser course as there is less blood flow and nourishment to the hair site.

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• The growth may slow to months or even years before new hairs show up. This is why maintenance is required after the initial course. 

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• All treatment results are individual. 

 

What is the Best Laser for Unwanted Hair Removal?

The answer to this question depends on your skin type. While one practitioner may argue the long pulsed ND:Yag is the best laser, another may claim the same for Diode, however most forget the Alexandrite laser, which is an excellent laser for light / fair coloured skin hair removal.

 

Remembering the following lasers is very important:

 

• Alexandrite 755 nm   Light Skin

• Diode 808 nm          Darker Skin - Less Effective for Lighter & Finer hair

• ND:Yag 1064 nm       Tanned, Dark or Darker Skin Types

 

Alexandrite Laser 755 nm: Light or Fair skin.

This laser produces reddish light. With its large (up to 18mm) spot size and high repetition rate, the Alexandrite laser is the fastest hair removal laser, and is suitable for rapid treatment of large body areas in patient with light to olive complexion.

 

Diode Laser 808 nm: Darker Skin Type - Less Effective for Lighter & Finer hair.

This laser, consists of a high power laser diode emitting infrared (invisible) light at ~800-808nm. The longer wavelength allows deep penetration into the skin and safety for darker skin types, but less efficient for lighter and finer hair. A smaller spot size means a longer treatment. That may mean a more expensive treatment. A longer treatment may also increase discomfort and a need for topical numbing.

 

ND:Yag 1064 nm: Tanned, Dark & Darker Skin

This laser can be used on all skin types, including tanned skin. Large spot sizes and fast repetition rates allow large areas to be treated quickly. Less effective on finer or light hair.

 

So, What is the Best Overall Solution?

At Chiq Cliniq Inc., we have acquired the latest, most desirable and best All-In-One Trio Clustered Diode Laser Hair Removal System by ZENSER; Named the 'Infinite ICE'. This unit sports USHR (Ultra Super Hair Removal) capability that combines All Three Wavelengths (755nm, 808nm, 1064nm) into a single ICE Cooled hand piece.

 

This Means:

• Immediate Results

• Less Skin Irritation

• Less Discomfort

• More Effective Sessions

• Less Time to Complete Sessions

• Affordable Prices

• No Mess