Low Alex vs High Yag Settings

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

I’ve been wondering about this for a while now…for in between skin types like type IV, which is better: alex settings on the low side or yag settings on the high side?

In my experience, GentleLase at 18mm and less than 14J still produced faster/more thorough shedding and a more intense skin reaction than the GentleYag on relatively high settings (on dark, coarse hair). Also, the clinics that I’ve been to all seem to have the mentality that alex settings on the low side may still be more effective than aggressive yag settings, as though if you are light enough to handle the alex at all then you are better off with it.

If low alex settings that produce faster/more thorough shedding and a more intense skin reaction are not permanent, how could high yag settings that produce slower/less thorough shedding and not as intense skin reaction be more permanent? And yet there are people on this forum who have had success (meaning permanent reduction) with yag lasers. Why then would say 18mm/12J not be permanent? I don’t get it…I’m not saying that conventional wisdom on this forum is wrong but it just doesn’t make sense to me with my own experience. Can anyone make sense of this?

#2

Androby, I agree with you. One can get results at lower Alexandrite settings. However, one must know how to treat and how to overlap. You can give 10 cooks the same tomatoes, water and sugar and get 10 different tasting sauces. You must also know how to use your Alex and Yag settings interchangeably to achieve the desired results.

#3

Hi Chris, thanks for your input. I know you don’t like to discuss settings and things like that on a public forum, is it okay if I PM you a question that I have? I’ll PM you anyway and if you do respond I’ll really appreciate it.