I constantly hear laser users talking about the ‘energy’ they are using to treat tattoos, hair, blood vessels etc. However, it is clear that many don’t really understand what they mean. I often read about treatments using “500” or “250” or “never above 600” joules, millijoules or whatever!! I think these are the numbers… Continue reading Laser energy, energy density, fluence, leprechauns and star bursts……
Category: Lasers and IPLs – hair & vascular & pigmented lesions
Single or Double Rod Nd:YAG Lasers?
Nowadays, it is possible to purchase Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers with a single YAG rod, or with two rods. So, what is the difference and is it important? To understand why a laser might have two rods instead of one we should look at the basic design of a laser first. Basic laser cavity A… Continue reading Single or Double Rod Nd:YAG Lasers?
Refresher Courses
I can now offer the following ‘refresher courses’: Laser tattoo removal: Choosing the correct settings Which laser is best? How does it actually work? Ink colours Pain management Managing patient expectations Minimising risk Laser/IPL removal of hair, vessel, pigmentation + skin rejuvenation Choosing the correct settings… Understanding the light-tissue interactions The critical importance of… Continue reading Refresher Courses
Are you getting the best out of your IPL system? Most people don’t….
IPL systems can generate excellent results in many conditions, if used correctly. However, I constantly hear people telling me that they “can’t get good results” with theirs! Why is this? Well, basically it comes down to two main factors: either their equipment is not very good or cannot output a sufficient energy or… Continue reading Are you getting the best out of your IPL system? Most people don’t….
More on Thermal Relaxation Times
TRTs I’ve had a number of enquiries about my article on the relevance of thermal relaxation times in photothermal treatments. They were asking for clarification. So here goes…. Thermal relaxation time (TRT) describes how quickly an object loses heat energy. Typically, it is the time taken for the temperature of an object to drop… Continue reading More on Thermal Relaxation Times
‘Lunch & Learn’ – Quick, lunchtime courses in lasers, IPLs, RF and their applications
NEW SHORT COURSES I will be starting some ‘Lunch and Learn’ courses very soon. These are designed for clinics/salons where laser/IPL users want to learn about more about certain topics. Each L&L course will last for about 45 to 50 minutes and will be presented via a Powerpoint presentation and a course booklet. The cost… Continue reading ‘Lunch & Learn’ – Quick, lunchtime courses in lasers, IPLs, RF and their applications
Laser Safety Glasses – Are you safe?
All laser users have to take responsibility for their laser safety glasses. Are they the right ones for the job? Are they properly specced? Do they comply with EU regulations? For more on this topic please see my article in Aesthetics –https://aestheticsjournal.com/feature/the-last-word-safety-glasses If you need any advice please feel free to contact me.… Continue reading Laser Safety Glasses – Are you safe?
Thermal Relaxation Time – what is wrong with it?
The theory which has underpinned many skin-laser treatments since 1981 is called ‘Selective Photothermolysis’. It is based on matching the laser wavelength to the absorbing chromophore. It also matches the pulse duration of the laser to the thermal relaxation times of those targets. However, there is a problem with this approach. The thermal relaxation time… Continue reading Thermal Relaxation Time – what is wrong with it?
Tissue denaturation – the process
And here it is, in black and white…. This wonderful little equation describes how hair, blood, collagen or any other protein denatures as a function of time and temperature. It is important to understand how this works if you want to treat these proteins properly. Most people have never even heard of it, yet… Continue reading Tissue denaturation – the process
Laser Hair Removal and Tattoos
Via Laser Hair Removal and Tattoos Don’t Mix | Murphy Battista LLP Absolutely! You cannot use an IPL to treat hair above a tattoo! The pulse duration is far too long for the tattoo. Scar-free tattoo removal by laser is successful because most of the heat energy generated on the surface of the tattoo ink… Continue reading Laser Hair Removal and Tattoos
