How long does tissue take to be damaged by heat?

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I often read about human tissue ‘denaturing’ or ‘coagulating’ at some temperature – usually 60 or 70°C. However, these claims are inaccurate. They rarely state the time over which the denaturation process occurs. Denaturation is when the proteins in cells or tissues ‘unravel’. For example, collagen is made up of three amino acid chains, intertwined… Continue reading How long does tissue take to be damaged by heat?

Which is better – laser or IPL hair removal?

Posted in Interesting stuff, Lasers and IPLs - hair & vascular & pigmented lesions1 Comment

I am asked this question all the time.. There is a lot of mis-understanding about the differences between lasers and IPLs, and how they interact with the skin. Some people think that lasers are “superior”, but this depends on what you’re targeting! I put together a wee animation (below) to try to explain some of… Continue reading Which is better – laser or IPL hair removal?

The physical processes behind laser tattoo removal – what is really going on?

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I presented a video to the British Medical Laser Association conference in May 2021, discussing my work on the physical processes which may be occurring during laser tattoo removal. In it, I discuss the formation of steam bubbles, how they evolve over time, the latent heat energy of vaporisation and condensation, and the cyclic bubble… Continue reading The physical processes behind laser tattoo removal – what is really going on?

Laser Tattoo Removal – wavelengths and anisotropy

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I’ve just made a couple of little animations looking at the differences between the laser wavelengths we use for tattoo removal and how anisotropy comes into play. You might be surprised at what actually happens in the skin. Anisotropy is rarely discussed in the laser tattoo world, yet it has significant effects on treatment outcomes.… Continue reading Laser Tattoo Removal – wavelengths and anisotropy

BMLA 2021 – My presentation – Is laser tattoo removal a ‘steam-driven’ process?

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I presented a video to this year’s virtual BMLA Conference on May 6th. I discussed some of the physical processes which occur during laser tattoo removal :- Talk Title: O04 Understanding the Physical Mechanisms Involved in Laser Irradiation of Tattoos Paper Reference: 004 Session 2A –  Scientific Developments Date: Thursday 6th May Time: 13:30 – 14:45 Ciao, Mike.