Trying to make sense of LHR treatments on my beard . . .
I’ve had 10 IPL (Aurora) treatments on my beard. Another 3 with diode + radiofrequency (Comet). All done at American Laser Center. Main problems were patchy results, grid like regrowth, hypopigmentation, some scarring, folliculitis, acne. I stopped about ten months ago. There has been slow regrowth, but still have apparent patches with no hair.
My record indicates:
I am a type 2 skin. Black course hair. All treatments were 4-6 weeks apart (with a few reshoots at 3 weeks; not counted toward my total number of treatments). Never tan at tx times. Used prescribed topicals. Treatment levels varied from about 20 J to 30 J. Most were around 25-27 J. (This is strange because a few times I remember being told the machine was as high as it could go.)
The Aurora uses 480 nm to 980 nm light, 20 J/[cm.sup.2] to 35 J/[cm.sup.2] light energy fluences, 5 J/[cm.sup.2] to 25 J/[cm.sup.2] RF energy fluences, and a 12 mm x 8 mm spot size.
Disclosure: Dr Sadick reports he is the head of Syneron’s Medical Advisory Board and has conducted research supported by Syneron.
The combined effect of the Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Diode Laser energies allows the use of less overall optical energy (when compared to light or laser-only devices), increasing the safety of the device and causing less patient discomfort. In addition, the Comet treats a large treatment area (12mm x 15mm) and can deliver two pulses per second. The combination of the largest spot size available on any hair removal device and the pulse speed, are the basis of Comet’s exceptional speed. The Comet also incorporates active dermal monitoring™, a unique patented technology that provides direct impedance feedback on energy delivery and is displayed on the display panel of the device after every pulse for maximum safety.