At the laser center Body Aesthetics we have always strived to offer a complete range of services for every skin type with the most advanced equipment. That’s why we have added to our extensive "arsenal" of services the Gentle Max ProPlus – the newly created Alexandrite + Nd:YAG laser by Candela for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and regeneration. It can be used on tanned skin as well as on dark skin types IV, V, and VI. This is particularly important during summer when we are exposed to the sun and want to achieve smooth skin while maintaining a bronzed tan.
Yes, laser hair removal with the Alexandrite laser GentleLase Pro , from the world leader Candela, continues to be the gold standard worldwide. However, its only disadvantage is that it does not allow us to work on tanned skin and on individuals with naturally darker phototypes. That’s why we at Body Aesthetics have added the Gentle Max ProPlus to our collection of world-class devices. So now, laser hair removal during the summer is fully achievable for even the darkest skin with a suntan.
Qualities of Nd:YAG Lasers
Nd:YAG lasers have been around for many years but are known for being painful and slow. They are significantly more efficient than diode lasers due to their longer wavelength (1064 nm compared to 855 nm for diode lasers).However, due to the biases against them and the much higher cost of the devices, they are rarely used. Gentle Max ProPlus changed that. While standard Nd:YAG lasers have a laser spot of 3 to 5 mm and a maximum pulse frequency of 10 ms, the Gentle Max ProPlus offers a spot size of 12-26 mm and a pulse duration of 2 ms.This makes it significantly faster.he technology of the Gentle Max ProPlus is also innovative—its beam is divided into equal sub-pulses. This distributes the energy evenly, making the experience much more comfortable..
Nd:Yag Lasers have the longest wavelength, which means they penetrate the skin the deepest. They do not act directly on the hair follicle but interrupt its blood supply. Thus, the hair is literally destroyed forever..
There is also another very important advantage to this type of laser. Only with them is it possible to be exposed to the sun only just 72 hours after undergoing a hair removal procedure..
Number of procedures with Nd:YAG lasers
With Nd:YAG lasersas well as with other laser hair removers, the number of procedures varies depending on the physiology and hair growth of each individual. However, with the Gentle Family devices and our certified system for successful laser hair removal, the average number of procedures for optimal results in body areas is 6. Results are observed up to 10 days after the first procedure.This laser has a cooling system – cryo-jet. It cools the treated area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Nd:YAG laser is also used for other therapies. In addition to laser hair removal,it can affect to problematic skin with acne, as well as in the presence of unwanted blood vessels,, also known as spider veins.
In the case of acne, the Nd:YAG laser has a soothing effect on the skin. It is extremely suitable for people with activated acne after chickenpox or hormonal imbalance. For spider veins, this type of laser affects the blood vessel in question, causing it to constrict and subsequently disappear. The procedure does not harm the skin or other blood vessels in any way. Unfortunately, this laser cannot affect large varicose veins.
Another application of the Nd:YAG lasers is for skin rejuvenation.It acts directly on the skin, reducing inflammatory processes and stimulating its natural healing processes. The laser has an immediately visible effect, as it causes fibroblasts to contract. Additionally, with a course of treatments conducted once a month, it permanently reduces wrinkles, redness, evens skin tone, and reduces pore size..
How Nd:YAG lasers work
Nd:YAG lasers are medical lasers used for laser hair removal and treating a variety of other dermatological conditions. Their working principle is based on selective photothermolysis. The light emitted by Nd:YAG lasers is absorbed by a specific type of hemoglobin (methemoglobin) in the blood vessel that nourishes the hair follicle.
The energy absorbed by hemoglobin is converted into heat by the blood in the capillaries. The temperature in the targeted capillaries reaches about 70°C. This causes coagulation and destruction of the blood vessel. This is why Nd:YAG lasers are suitable for hair removal in people with darker skin tones – because the laser energy will not be attracted to the high levels of melanin present in the skin.
The Nd:YAG laser is a medical laser with a long pulse wavelength and can be safely used for all skin types.However, in practice, it is mainly used for skin types I-VI and for people with darker skin types IV-VI.
When to use Nd:YAG laser
Nd:YAG lasers are mainly used in two types of cases:
- For hair removal in people with skin types IV, V, and VI;
- For hair removal in people with skin types I, II, and III who have tanned during their hair removal procedures using an alexandrite laser or who have retained a tan for a long time — in this case, we use the Nd:YAG laser to avoid missing the anagen phase of hair growth and prolonging the course of treatments.
In which skin types is the Nd:YAG laser suitable?
The Nd:YAG laser can be used for all skin types (I-VI). However, it is rarely preferred for skin types I, II, and III. This is because the optimal and most effective laser for hair removal in these types of salon visitors is the alexandrite laser..
What are the disadvantages of the Nd:YAG laser?
There are two main disadvantages of procedures with the Nd:YAG laser:
- They can be painful for some clients, especially if older generation lasers or lower-class manufacturers are used. The new generation Gentle Max Pro Plus has improved technology to make the laser experience as comfortable as possible, comparable to that of the alexandrite laser..
- It is not effective on fine and thin hair. Only the alexandrite laser, which has a different wavelength and operating technology, can effectively treat them.
Are there side effects with the Nd:YAG laser?
Like any permanent hair removal method, laser hair removal with the Nd:YAG laser can lead to side effects. These may include burns, scars, redness, skin lightening, and swelling. However, with proper treatment from an experienced therapist, side effects are minimized.Burns are rare with the Nd:YAG laser due to its working principle. Mild swelling may occur in areas with denser hair growth and finer skin.
Differences between Alexandrite and Nd:YAG Lasers
The main difference between the two types of lasers is their wavelength—alexandrite penetrates up to 755 nm, while the Nd:YAG laser penetrates up to 1064 nm. The light from the alexandrite laser is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, which conducts it to the root and follicle, where it is converted into heat that literally destroys the follicle forever. In Nd:YAG lasers, the target is the hemoglobin in the blood vessels that nourish the hair follicles. The laser interrupts the blood supply to the hairs, thereby destroying them—also permanently.
This makes Nd:YAG laser hair removal suitable for darker skin types and tanned skin. The longer wavelength is absorbed less by the melanin in the skin, significantly reducing the risk of burns and pigmentation changes, making it ideal for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV to VI). Therefore, there is no risk of burns when a tan is present..
Differences in the Mechanism of Action between Diode and Nd:YAG Lasers
Again, the difference lies in the wavelength. Diode lasers operate at a depth of 855 nm. This gives them efficacy across a wider range of skin types, including medium to dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III to V). However, there is a higher risk of hyperpigmentation or burns for individuals with very dark skin compared to Nd:Yag Lasers.The reason is that part of their energy is absorbed by the melanin in the skin and hair. This makes operators of diode lasers more cautious with parameters, resulting in a need for significantly more procedures and less consistent results.
In Conclusion
By now, you should understand why we chose the latest generation Nd:YAG laser for you at Body Aesthetics Center. With Gentle Max ProPlus from Candela, successful laser hair removal during the summer is now entirely achievable, even for the darkest skin with a bronzed tan.Not to mention the additional effects of skin rejuvenation and regeneration.
So please don’t hesitate to schedule a detailed and completely free consultation with our expert team if you have any further questions. Also, check out our new online store,to choose the right offer specifically for you. Your smooth and bronzed summer skin is very close to being achieved.