The Elite iQ laser uses a 755nm Alexandrite or a 1064nm Nd:YAG to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair. Hair removal requires specific treatment intervals due to hair growth cycles and a series of treatments is necessary.
755nm Alexandrite vs. 1064nm Nd:YAG
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Treatment Intervals
The duration of hair growth cycles varies among body locations being treated. A series of treatments is necessary to reduce hair growth.
| Body Part | Treatment Intervals |
|---|---|
| Face | 4-6 weeks |
| Bikini Line | 4-6 weeks |
| Arms | 4-6 weeks |
| Underarms | 4-6 weeks |
| Back | 8-10 weeks
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| Legs | 8-10 weeks |
Treatment Technique
- Skin should be cleansed with a gentle cleanser and wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove oils. Allow the skin to dry.
- Area must be shaved. No plucking, waxing, or electrolysis 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- A thin layer of clear Aquasonic gel is recommended.
- Air chiller should be used on higher levels. Denser areas may require more cooling.
- Perform pulses in a linear fashion with an overlap no greater than 10% between pulses.
- A white cosmetic pencil or yellow washable marker may be used to outline the treatment area.
- Double pulsing at the same spot is not recommended and can increase the chances of complications.
- Clinical end point is a slight erythema and edema should be noted in the skin around the hair follicles.
Pre Treatment:
- Patients should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sunless tanning lotions and tanning creams before, during and after treatment. A broad-spectrum sun block (UVA/UVB) and SPF 30 or greater should be applied to the treatment area before any sun exposure.
- If the patient presents with the slightest tan, it is recommended that treatment is delayed if using the Alex wavelength (755 nm) for 4 weeks or until the tan has significantly faded, or to use the Nd:YAG wavelength (1064 nm). When using the Nd:YAG wavelength, the patient should avoid sun exposure for one week before treatment and one week after treatment.
- An increased incidence of blistering has occurred when patients with even slight tans have received laser treatment using the Alex wavelength.
- Instruct the patient to shave the treatment areas within 24 hours before treatment. Any overlying hair present will absorb the laser energy, reducing the amount of energy absorbed by the hair follicle. Superficial thermal injury can occur as well, due to overlying hair.
- Patients with a history of hyperpigmentation can be prescribed a preparation containing topical bleaching cream 2 to 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Prior to receiving laser treatment, patients with a history of herpes or cold sores should receive appropriate treatment.
Post Treatment:
- Post cool the skin when required.
- Apply a lotion or equivalent to soothe and hydrate.
- Normal skin care regiments, i.e., makeup, moisturizers, deodorant, and shaving may be resumed the day after treatment if there is no redness, blistering, or crusting present.
- Avoid sun exposure throughout the course of treatment and use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun block SPF 30 or greater when treatment area is exposed to the sun.
- Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post treatment.
- Following the laser treatment, activities such as swimming, sports and/or strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first 2 to 3 days or until any redness, crusting or blisters have resolved.
- Results will vary from patient to patient.
- Schedule follow up visits.