A 755 nm wavelength, well suited to hair reduction on lighter skin and to certain pigmented lesions. The wavelength is the point, and it is not right for everybody.
Naming a wavelength is only useful if someone knows when not to use it. On deeper skin tones, this is often the wrong choice.
The Alexandrite laser emits at 755 nm, a wavelength strongly absorbed by melanin. That makes it efficient for hair reduction and for lifting certain pigmented lesions, and it is why treatments with it tend to be quick.
Strong melanin absorption is also its limitation. On deeper skin tones the surrounding skin absorbs energy along with the target, which raises the risk of burns and pigment change. On those skin types a longer wavelength is safer, and we will recommend that instead rather than proceed carefully with the wrong tool.
What it treats
And a few things they do not. If your concern is not here, the consultation is where we work out what would actually help.
Laser and EnergyFast, efficient and well established, with settings matched to your skin type.
Discrete pigmented spots from sun exposure, which often lift in one or two sessions.
Treated where appropriate, and always after the pigment has been examined.
Assessed individually, since not all pigment responds to this wavelength.
How it works
Four steps, in this order. Nothing is treated until it has been assessed, and nothing is repeated until it has been reviewed.
Two decisions: is this wavelength safe for your skin type, and has any pigmented lesion been examined by a physician first.
Results
Treated pigment darkens noticeably. Hair treated areas look mildly sunburned for a few hours.
Darkened pigment lifts and flakes away. Do not pick at it. Sun protection is essential during this period.
Pigment cleared, or hair shedding as expected. This is when we assess and plan any further sessions.
Hair reduction needs a course. Pigment often needs only one or two sessions but recurs with sun exposure.
Before and after
Photographs of our own patients in Mississauga, unretouched and shown in the same light. Results differ between patients and none of these is a promise of your own outcome.
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Pigmentation, jaw and neck
Pigmentation and marks across the back
When we say no
We do not treat in these situations, and we will say so in the consultation, which you are not charged for.
Questions
It is the wavelength of light the laser emits. That number determines what the laser is absorbed by and therefore what it treats safely, which is why it is worth naming.
It is excellent on lighter skin and increasingly risky as skin tone deepens. If it is not right for you we will say so and recommend a longer wavelength instead.
Generally no. Melasma often worsens with this kind of energy. It needs a specific approach and we will not treat it with the wrong tool.
That is the expected response. The treated pigment darkens, rises to the surface and flakes away over about a week.
Often one or two. Hair reduction needs a full course of six to eight.
Yes, always. With melanin absorbing wavelengths a patch test is not a formality.
Also in this room
Laser Hair RemovalMedical grade laser, with settings chosen for your skin type rather than a single setting used on everybody.CO2 Laser ResurfacingThe most powerful resurfacing we offer, and the one with real downtime.
Laser GenesisA gentle, cumulative laser for redness, texture and pore appearance.
Pulse Dye LaserA targeted vascular laser for visible vessels, rosacea and birthmarks.Vein TreatmentLaser treatment for visible facial and leg veins, with an honest assessment first about which veins can be treated this way and which need a different specialty.
UltherapyFocused ultrasound that lifts from beneath the skin rather than resurfacing it.Mississauga, Ontario
A consultation is a clinical examination, not a sales appointment. Bring your questions and expect straight answers about what will and will not work, including when the answer is that you do not need us yet.
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