To answer this question, we need to understand what is going on in the skin… When light (any type) enters the skin, it encounters atoms and molecules – lots of them! As a direct consequence, the photons are scattered – their directions change. Some of them are scattered so much that they leave the skin… Continue reading Laser fluence and skin colour – how do we choose the correct fluence for the removal of hair, vessels etc?

In hair removal procedures, most long-pulsed Nd:YAG and Alexandrites lasers typically use short pulsewidths – usually less than 10ms, often less than 5ms. They can deliver all of their energy within these short pulses, whereas diode lasers and IPLs typically use longer pulses.  Such short pulses induce higher temperatures in the absorbing targets in the skin,… Continue reading Why are Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers ‘easier’ to use in hair removal?

In my laser tattoo removal training course I discuss a case which happened to me many years ago (about 32, or so). A partially red tattoo was treated by our QS ruby laser using the standard parameters of the day (about 6 J/cm^2 in a 25ns pulse). When the patient returned for his second session,… Continue reading Colour-changing tattoos and how annoying they are…