Comparison of Nd:YAG Lasers to IPL Devices
Author: Bob Miles30 Sep
| YAG 1064 nm Lasers | Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Devices | |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Hair Removal, Photorejuvenation, Skin Tightening, Active Acne treatment, Telangiectasias (spider veins), Rosacea, Sun & Age Spots, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. | Hair Removal, Photorejuvenation, Sun & Age Spots, Rosacea. |
| Efficacy | High power to dermis: more energy to follicles, vessels, collagen, sebaceous glands. | High power absorption in epidermis: less energy to deep dermal structures. |
| Comfort | Less painful due to shorter pulse durations. | Very painful due to tendency to super heat epidermal melanin. Skin cooling gels or equipment needed. |
| Risk of Side Effects | Safe on all Skin Types. | Higher risk of burning skin; not recommended for use on skin types 4-6 or tanned skin because of pigmentary risk. |
| Consumables | Few or none. | Frequent head replacements (on average after 30,000 pulses), filters and gels – annual cost $5,000-$10,000. |
Low-Fluence 1064-nm LHR for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Skin Types IV, V, and VI
Author: admin17 Jan
An evaluation of the efficacy of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser using lower than traditional fluences (22-40 J/cm2) for treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) was completed by the Dermatology Department of the Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
Twenty-two (22) patients with PFB refractory to conservative therapy received five weekly treatments over the anterior neck using a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser at 12 J/cm2. Pulse duration was 20 ms with 10 mm spot size. Topical anesthesia was not used. Treatments were completed 15 minutes after patient arrival. Patients presented for 2- and 4-week follow-up. Ten evaluators used a Global Assessment Scale (GAS) to assess dyspigmentation, papule counts, and cobblestoning by comparing baseline to 4-week follow-up visit photographs. Hair and papule counts were performed on five patients and compared with the GAS. Investigators recorded adverse effects using a visual analog and side effects scale.
RESULTS
Eleven (11) patients demonstrated 83% improvement on the GAS (p<.01). There was a mean reduction of 59.5% in dyspigmentation (p<.03), 91.2% in papule count (p<.01), and 75.6% in cobblestoning (p<.02). Patients reported 1 out of 10 on both adverse effects scales.
CONCLUSION
Low-fluence 1064-nm laser treatment achieved significant temporary reduction in PFB. Subjects noted minimal pain without topical anesthesia.
Source: Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 35, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 98-107(10)
