Medical Laser: Hair Removal and Skin Care

The Medical Laser platform is no longer a dreamy vision made up for science fiction, as they exist today as a very real and routinely-used product that has transformed the beauty salon industry. As a child, I remember seeing the medical laser concept featured in movies such as Logan’s Run. These were powerful devices capable of shaping and sculpting with precision. Yesterday’s fiction, it seems, required only a blink in time to become today’s reality. Services such as medical laser hair removal and skin care treatments are the mainstay, placing them in high-demand for beauty-conscious clientele.

This all began with a recent service call out to local medical spa named Bella Derma Skin Care Solutions located here in Reno, Nevada. I was dispatched there to resolve connectivity issues with their wireless computer network when a connected device prompted inquiry. Since I am unfamiliar with the tools of this industry, I found it fascinating how far the aesthetic medical laser market has come. While lasers are (or rather, were) commonplace in computer technology as optical disc drives, there hasn’t been much celebration beyond very powerful laser pointing devices.

While there, a device that caught my attention was the Aerolase medical laser platform, which has capitalized on this revolutionary technology to offer advanced solutions for body hair removal as well as treatment for a wide range of skin concerns. Its unique 650-microsecond pulse technology apparently sets it apart by delivering highly effective treatments with a reassuring safety profile for all skin types. I am told that this makes Aerolase a versatile, and sought-after, system for medical spas aiming to provide cutting-edge aesthetic services.

The Science Behind Aerolase: 650-Microsecond Technology

At the heart of the Aerolase platform lies its proprietary 650-microsecond pulse duration, which is the cornerstone of their Aerolase Elite+ and Aerolase LightPod Neo platforms. It seems that nobody else uses this highly specific treatment length, if that’s the appropriate term. The ultra-short pulse is crucial to its efficacy and safety. Traditional medical lasers often use longer pulse durations, which can heat the surrounding skin more, increasing the risk of pain, burns, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones.

The 650-microsecond pulse, however, is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the skin but longer than the thermal relaxation time of the target chromophore (melanin for hair removal, hemoglobin for vascular lesions, or water for collagen stimulation). This precise timing allows the laser energy to be selectively absorbed by the target without significantly heating the surrounding tissue. The result is a highly effective treatment with minimal discomfort and a significantly reduced risk of side effects.

While other medical laser platforms may have similar goals, such as safety for all skin types, minimal pain, multi-application use, they each achieve them through different technological pathways. Here is a comparison of Aerolase against other major medical laser platforms that might be considered for similar treatments:

Medical Laser Technology Comparison

Why the 650-Microsecond Pulse is Unique

Thermal Relaxation Time (TRT) Mastery: The 650-microsecond pulse is strategically designed to be:

• LONGER than the TRT of small targets like hair follicles’ melanin and blood vessels’ hemoglobin. This ensures the target heats up enough to be destroyed.
• SHORTER than the TRT of the surrounding skin tissue. This prevents the heat from spreading and damaging the epidermis.

This precise balance is why it can treat a wide range of conditions effectively and safely on all skin types without the need for aggressive cooling.

A True Multi-Platform vs. Multi-Device Systems: Many medical spas need multiple medical lasers (e.g., an Alexandrite for hair on light skin, an Nd:YAG for hair on dark skin, a separate laser for vascular issues, and another for acne). Aerolase consolidates these functions into a single device due to its unique pulse duration’s ability to safely and effectively target multiple chromophores.

Aerolase for Hair Removal: Gentle and Effective for All Skin Types

One of the most compelling applications of the Aerolase platform is permanent hair reduction. Its unique technology addresses many of the limitations of older laser hair removal systems:

• Pain-Free Treatment: Due to the rapid heating and cooling effect of the 650-microsecond pulse, treatments are virtually pain-free. Patients often describe the sensation as a mild warmth or tingling, eliminating the need for topical anesthetics or cooling gels.
• Safe for All Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick I-VI): The precision of the Aerolase medical laser means it can safely and effectively treat all skin types, including tanned and darker skin tones, which were previously challenging or risky to treat with conventional medical lasers. This opens up laser hair removal to a much broader demographic.
• Treats Fine and Light Hairs: While most medical lasers struggle with finer or lighter hairs that have less pigment, Aerolase’s efficient energy delivery can often target these hairs more effectively, leading to more comprehensive results.
• Faster Treatment Times: The high repetition rate and lack of contact cooling gels can significantly reduce treatment times, making it more convenient for both clients and practitioners.
• Permanent Reduction: A series of Aerolase treatments leads to a significant and permanent reduction in hair growth, with many clients experiencing long-lasting smooth skin.

Aerolase for Skin Rejuvenation and Treatment: A Multi-Tasking Marvel

Beyond hair removal, the Aerolase platform excels in treating a vast array of skin conditions, making it an indispensable tool for any comprehensive medical spa. The ability to customize parameters allows practitioners to target specific chromophores and depths, addressing diverse concerns:

1. Acne and Acne Scars:
   • Aerolase effectively targets the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production and destroying the P. acnes bacteria responsible for breakouts.
   • It also stimulates collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of superficial acne scars.
   • The anti-inflammatory effects of the medical laser further reduce redness and swelling associated with active acne.
2. Pigmented Lesions (Sun Spots, Age Spots, Melasma):
   • The medical laser precisely targets melanin in pigmented lesions, breaking it down without damaging the surrounding skin.
   • This leads to a lightening and clearing of sun spots, age spots, and even challenging conditions like melasma.
3. Vascular Lesions (Spider Veins, Rosacea, Angiomas):
   • Aerolase is highly absorbed by hemoglobin, making it excellent for coagulating and collapsing unwanted blood vessels.
   • It effectively treats facial spider veins, diffuse redness associated with rosacea, and small cherry angiomas, leading to a clearer, more even complexion.
4. Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening:
   • By gently heating the dermal layers, Aerolase stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers.
   • This results in improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and a noticeable tightening effect, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
5. Psoriasis and Fungal Nails (Onychomycosis):
   • Emerging applications include the treatment of psoriasis plaques by reducing inflammation and hyperproliferation of skin cells.
   • For onychomycosis, the laser energy penetrates the nail plate to target and destroy the fungal organisms beneath.

Benefits for Medical Spas and Clients

For Medical Spas:

• Versatility: A single platform to address multiple aesthetic concerns, maximizing ROI.
• Expanded Client Base: Ability to safely treat all skin types and tones.
• High Patient Satisfaction: Due to comfortable treatments and excellent results.
• Reduced Consumables: Many Aerolase treatments require no costly disposables or cooling gels.
• Competitive Edge: Offering advanced, pain-free treatments sets a spa apart.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and protocols for practitioners.

For Clients:

• Virtually Painless Treatments: A significant draw for those sensitive to discomfort.
• Safe for All Skin Tones: Peace of mind for individuals with darker skin.
• No Downtime: Most treatments have minimal to no recovery period.
• Visible Results: Often seen after just a few sessions.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Address multiple concerns with one trusted technology.
• Natural-Looking Results: Enhances natural beauty without an “overdone” look.

The Aerolase Treatment Experience

A typical Aerolase treatment session begins with a consultation to assess the client’s skin concerns and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. The skin is cleansed, and protective eyewear is provided. No topical anesthetics are usually required for most procedures, though they can be applied if a client prefers.

During the treatment, the practitioner glides the Aerolase handpiece over the skin. Clients typically feel a warm sensation, and for some applications, a slight snapping feeling. The entire process is relatively quick, often taking between 15-45 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area and the specific condition being addressed.

Post-treatment, clients may experience mild redness, which usually subsides within a few hours. There is typically no downtime, allowing clients to return to their normal activities immediately. A series of treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, is usually recommended for optimal and long-lasting results.

Medical Laser Conclusion

The Aerolase medical laser platform represents a significant leap forward in aesthetic technology for medical spas. Its innovative 650-microsecond technology delivers a unique combination of efficacy, safety, and versatility, making it an invaluable tool for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and the treatment of numerous dermatological conditions. For medical spas seeking to offer cutting-edge, comfortable, and highly effective treatments to a diverse clientele, investing in the Aerolase platform is a strategic decision that promises both exceptional patient outcomes and a strong competitive advantage in the ever-evolving aesthetic market.