The operating principle of the Long-pulsed alexandrite laser system is selective photothermolysis. This system emits a high-energy light at a specific wavelength of 755 nm, which targets the endogenous melanin within hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment and instantly converted into thermal energy, destroying the follicle structure while sparing the surrounding tissue.
The core success of this system relies on "thermodynamic selectivity": utilizing long-pulse technology to accumulate enough heat to destroy large pigmented targets (hair follicles) without causing collateral damage to the surrounding skin.
The Fundamental Mechanism: Selective Photothermolysis
To understand how the Alexandrite laser achieves permanent hair reduction, one must look at how it interacts with biological tissues.
Targeting the Chromophore
The laser does not attack the hair indiscriminately. It targets a specific chromophore (light-absorbing molecule): melanin.
Energy Conversion
When the 755 nm light strikes the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle, the energy is absorbed. This absorption converts light energy into thermal energy (heat).
Structural Destruction
This intense, localized heat damages the hair follicle and its germinative tissues (stem cells). This damage prevents regrowth or results in the replacement of the follicle with non-producing connective tissue.
Why the 755 nm Wavelength Matters
The specific wavelength used by the Alexandrite laser is not arbitrary; it is calibrated for a precise balance between absorption and penetration.
High Melanin Absorption
The 755 nm wavelength falls within the peak absorption range for melanin. This ensures that the laser energy is aggressively attracted to the hair pigment, making it highly effective for hair removal.
Deep Tissue Penetration
Compared to shorter wavelengths (like the Ruby laser), the 755 nm wavelength penetrates deeper into the dermis. This allows the energy to reach the deep-seated hair bulb, ensuring effective treatment rather than just surface-level singeing.
The Role of "Long-Pulse" Technology
The "long-pulsed" aspect of this system is as critical as the wavelength itself. It refers to the duration the laser energy is applied to the skin (e.g., 20ms).
Thermodynamic Selectivity
This principle dictates that the laser pulse must be long enough to heat the target but short enough to prevent heat from spreading to surrounding tissue.
Efficient Energy Accumulation
Long-pulse technology enables the effective accumulation of energy within the follicle. This ensures the target reaches the temperature required for destruction without exceeding the skin's thermal relaxation time.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While the Long-pulsed alexandrite laser is the gold standard for many clinical applications, it has inherent limitations based on its operating principle.
The Melanin Competition
Because 755 nm is highly absorbed by melanin, the epidermis (top layer of skin) is at risk if it also contains high levels of melanin. In darker skin types, the skin competes with the hair for absorption, increasing the risk of burns or pigmentation changes.
Comparison to Nd:YAG (1064 nm)
For patients with darker skin, a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is often preferred. The 1064 nm wavelength has lower melanin absorption, bypassing the epidermal pigment to target the follicle more safely, albeit with slightly less efficiency on fine hair.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The efficacy of the Long-pulsed alexandrite laser depends heavily on patient selection and technical calibration.
- If your primary focus is maximum efficacy on light-to-medium skin: The 755 nm wavelength offers superior melanin absorption, making it the most aggressive and effective option for destroying hair follicles.
- If your primary focus is safety on dark skin (Type V-VI): You must approach the Alexandrite laser with extreme caution; alternative wavelengths like 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) are generally safer due to lower epidermal melanin absorption.
- If your primary focus is deep penetration: The long-pulse duration and 755 nm wavelength work in tandem to ensure energy reaches the germinative cells deep in the dermis.
The Long-pulsed alexandrite laser remains a premier clinical tool because it precisely balances aggressive heating of the hair follicle with thermodynamic protection of the surrounding skin.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Specification/Mechanism | Clinical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 755 nm | Peak melanin absorption for aggressive follicle destruction |
| Core Principle | Selective Photothermolysis | Destroys the target follicle while sparing surrounding skin |
| Pulse Type | Long-Pulse Technology | Safe energy accumulation within the follicle bulb |
| Target Depth | Deep Dermal Penetration | Reaches germinative cells to prevent hair regrowth |
| Ideal Skin Type | Fitzpatrick I-IV | Maximum efficacy for light-to-medium skin tones |
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References
- Ahmad I. Rasheed. Uncommonly reported side effects of hair removal by long pulsed‐alexandrite laser. DOI: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00465.x
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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