Nd:YAG Lasers

The Nd:YAG laser is widely regarded one of the safest lasers for darker skin types.

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About ND:YAG Lasers

Overview

Nd:YAG lasers have a longer wavelength of 1064 nm, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. They are particularly effective for darker skin tones and can target coarse hair. When it comes to laser hair removal for darker skin tones, it is important to consider a device that is specifically designed for safe and effective use on darker skin. One of the most recommended devices for this purpose is the Nd:YAG laser.

Advantages

The ND:YAG laser specifically targets dark pigment within the hair follicles. Hair colors such as red, blonde, or gray do not contain enough pigment for the laser to effectively recognize and treat. As a result, individuals with darker hair growth are the most likely to see successful results from the laser treatment.

Brands
  1. Cutera Excel HR:
    • Wavelength: The Excel HR combines both Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm) wavelengths, allowing it to treat a wide range of skin types effectively.
    • Skin Cooling: It features integrated sapphire cooling technology for enhanced patient comfort during the treatment.
    • Speed and Efficiency: The Excel HR utilizes a high repetition rate and large spot size, which enables quick treatment sessions for larger body areas.
  2. Cynosure Elite+:
    • Wavelength: The Elite+ combines Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm) wavelengths, offering versatility for different skin types and hair colors.
    • Multiple Spot Sizes: It provides multiple spot sizes, allowing for precise targeting of different body areas.
    • Advanced Cooling Systems: The Elite+ incorporates cooling systems like chilled air and contact cooling for optimal patient comfort.
  3. Candela Gentle YAG:
    • Wavelength: The Gentle YAG exclusively uses the Nd:YAG wavelength (1064 nm), making it suitable for treating darker skin types safely.
    • Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD): It employs a unique cryogen cooling system that sprays a burst of cryogen before each laser pulse, minimizing discomfort and protecting the epidermis.
    • Deep Penetration: The longer wavelength of the Gentle YAG can penetrate deeper into the skin, making it effective for treating deeper hair follicles.
  4. Soprano ICE: The Soprano ICE is an innovative diode laser system that uses a combination of three wavelengths (755nm, 810nm, and 1064nm). This enables it to target a wide range of hair colors and skin types. The Soprano ICE incorporates an advanced cooling mechanism for painless treatments and allows for full-body hair removal.
  5. Fotona Dynamis XP:
    • Wavelengths: The Dynamis XP offers Nd:YAG (1064 nm) wavelength.
    • Dynamis incorporates advanced cooling technologies to enhance patient comfort during treatments. This includes a built-in air cooling system and contact cooling for the skin’s surface
  6. The Lumenis Duet incorporates both the gold standard 810nm diode laser and the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser. These two wavelengths work synergistically to target different types of hair and skin tones, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals. One of the standout features of the Lumenis Duet is its patented vacuum-assist technology. This technology gently pulls the skin closer to the laser, allowing for better absorption of the laser energy and precise targeting of hair follicles. The vacuum-assist also helps to minimize discomfort during treatment by keeping the skin taut and minimizing the sensation of heat.
  7. The Aerolase laser offers several advantages. It is FDA-approved and known for its exceptional safety profile, making it suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones. The treatments are virtually painless and require no downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activiti
Pros
Long-Term Reduction: With multiple sessions, laser hair removal can provide long-lasting hair reduction, and in some cases, permanent hair loss.
 
Precision: Laser technology allows for precise targeting, ensuring that only the hair follicles are affected while the surrounding skin remains undamaged.
 
Speed: Laser pulses can target multiple hair follicles simultaneously, allowing for quicker treatment of larger areas like the legs or back.
Cons
Multiple Sessions: As mentioned earlier, achieving optimal results usually requires several treatment sessions, spaced weeks apart. This can be time-consuming and may require commitment.
 
Temporary Discomfort: Some individuals might experience mild discomfort during the procedure, which can vary depending on personal pain tolerance and the sensitivity of the treated area.
 
Cost: Laser hair removal can be expensive, especially when multiple sessions are required. The cost varies depending on the size of the treated area and the location of the clinic.
Results

Nd:YAG laser hair removal is recognized for its high efficacy and the safest laser hair removal for darker skin types. Research indicates an average hair reduction of 71.5% following 5 treatment sessions, with an average recommended number of sessions being 6-8. This procedure works by targeting the melanin within the hair follicle, inhibiting hair regrowth. Optimal results are achieved when the hair is in the anagen growth phase, a period that typically spans 2 to 6 years.

Safety Profile

The findings indicate that the utilization of the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for laser hair removal is both safe and efficacious for individuals with dark skin, yielding satisfactory outcomes for the majority of patients.

Cost
Average cost ranges and varies by location.
 
  • Face: $150-250 per treatment, 6-8 treatments needed
  • Underarms: $150-250 per treatment, usually 6 treatments
  • Bikini line: $200-300 per treatment, 6-8 treatments
  • Brazilian: $300-500 per treatment, 6-8 treatments
  • Lower legs: $300-500 per full leg treatment, 8-10 treatments
  • Full legs: $500-800 per full leg treatment, 10-12 treatments
  • Back: $500-800 per full back treatment, 8-10 treatments
  • Full body: $1,000-2,000+, 12-16 treatments

ND:YAG Comparison Chart

Skintype
Skintype
Pain
Downtime
Cost
Nd:YAG Lasers: Cynosure Elite+
All skin types
Mild
None
$$
Nd:YAG Lasers: Candela GentleYAG Pro
All skin types
Mild
None
$$
Nd:YAG Lasers: Thunder MT
All skin types
Mild
None
$$
Nd:YAG Laser: Lumenis Duet
All skin types
Mild
None
$$
Nd:YAG Lasers: Aerolase YAG
All skin types
Mild
None
$$

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Nd:YAG Lasers: Candela GentleYAG Pro

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Nd:YAG Lasers: Cynosure Elite+

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Nd:YAG Lasers: Thunder MT

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Nd:YAG: Triton

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