Laser hair removal is a treatment that reduces the amount of hair on your body. While there are many misconceptions about it, you can expect the treatment to permanently end hair growth in the treated areas. Due to hormones, this does not apply to the face of women. In areas such as the upper lip and chin on women, hair growth is delayed but will require maintenance treatments.

There are five different types of lasers available to remove unwanted hair: the ruby laser, the alexandrite laser, the diode laser, the Nd: YAG laser, and IPL laser. Among the various laser options, diode lasers have demonstrated the best results and are often preferred by patients. If you want to undergo hair removal, ask your board-certified dermatologist which type of laser is the best option for you.

Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Lasers for hair reduction work best when there is a contrast between skin color and hair color, since the concentrated beam of light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. The melanin in the hair shaft captures energy from the laser (which is converted to heat) and distributes it to the surrounding follicles. The heat damages the follicles, which stunts future hair growth. Most people need about six treatments to remove unwanted hair.

It is not efficacious on light hair due to lack of pigment. As previously mentioned, laser hair removal works best on people with fair skin and dark hair due to the high contrast; however, there are specific lasers such as DiolazeXL that work well on dark skin.

The benefits of laser hair removal

For medical indications such as hypertrichosis (excess hair growth) or hirsutism (when women grow coarse, dark hair in areas where typically only men grow hair), laser hair removal is becoming the treatment of choice. Others may choose laser hair removal for aesthetic reasons, or simply because they prefer it to shaving or waxing.

Laser hair removal can prevent issues such as razor burn and ingrown hairs, conditions which can be aggravated by shaving. It also saves time, as the results of laser hair removal last longer than other methods such as shaving, waxing, or tweezing.

In comparison with electrolysis, laser hair removal is less painful, has a decreased risk of ingrown hairs, and requires fewer treatments since it can cover large areas at once.

What is DiolazeXL?

Diolaze XL is a powerful diode laser, often considered the gold standard for hair laser removal treatments currently on the market. The benefits of diode lasers are less risk of epidermal damage, deeper penetration, and effective targeting of the hair follicle. DiolazeXL is an FDA-cleared, safe solution for removing unwanted hair in a wide range of skin types, including skin type VI (deeply pigmented dark brown skin). It is able to deliver maximum power to a large treatment area without compromising efficiency.

How is DiolazeXL different from other devices?

The combination of efficacy, speed, and comfort is what differentiates DiolazeXL from other hair removal devices. It sets the standard for wavelength, pulsing and power, ensuring optimal results and maximum safety. DiolazeXL is non-invasive, so there is no downtime required after treatment, although sunscreen should be used to protect the skin post-treatment.

The DiolazeXL handpiece has a large treatment surface, which makes the process of removing hair faster and easier. It is powerful enough to target and treat coarse and stubborn hair, so clinician treatment times are shorter. The exact time spent sitting through a session depends on the patient and the area being treated, but it can effectively remove leg hair in four to six sessions.

With a strong built-in cooling surface (a sapphire 3CP tip), it is faster and less painful than comparative devices. The cooling features shield skin from the laser’s heat, making the treatment virtually painless. Additionally, the cooling system reduces redness and irritation.

What areas of the body can you treat with DiolazeXL?

DiolazeXL can safely be used on most areas of the body. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line, yet is powerful enough to target stubborn hair growth. The most commonly treated areas are sideburns or chin hair, and large areas such as the back, chest, stomach, and legs. Patients are able to have more than one part of the body treated during the same session.

Typically, hair removal is completed with a series of laser treatments. The interval between treatments is four to six weeks for most patients; your dermatologist will advise you when it is safe to have your next treatment.