The 755nm long-pulse Alexandrite laser offers a superior safety profile and improved depth of penetration compared to traditional Ruby laser systems. Its primary technical advantage lies in its longer wavelength, which allows for reduced absorption in the epidermal melanin while ensuring efficient energy delivery to the deeper portions of the hair follicle.
The core advantage of the Alexandrite laser over the Ruby system is its specific balance of melanin absorption and depth. By lowering the absorption rate in the skin's surface layer, it significantly mitigates the risk of burns in patients with darker skin tones while maintaining the thermal intensity required for effective hair destruction.
The Physics of Wavelength and Safety
Deeper Tissue Penetration
The 755nm wavelength of the Alexandrite laser is longer than that of Ruby systems. This increase in wavelength is physically significant because longer light waves can travel deeper into the dermis before scattering.
This capability allows the laser energy to bypass the upper layers of the skin. It ensures the energy reaches the deep-seated germinative tissues of the hair follicle, which is critical for long-term reduction.
Reduced Epidermal Absorption
While melanin absorption is necessary for hair removal, excessive absorption at the skin's surface (epidermis) causes injury. The Alexandrite laser features a lower absorption rate in epidermal melanin compared to the Ruby laser.
This reduction is a key safety feature. It allows the laser to "ignore" some of the pigment in the skin surface, focusing its energy instead on the concentrated melanin within the hair shaft.
Clinical Efficacy and Precision
Selective Photothermolysis
The Alexandrite laser operates on the principle of selective photothermolysis. It delivers high energy output that is precisely absorbed by the target structure—the melanin in the hair follicle—and converted into heat.
Because the epidermal absorption is lower than that of Ruby lasers, practitioners can use the high energy levels required to rapidly heat the hair shaft without as high a risk of damaging surrounding normal tissue.
Versatility in Hair Types
The system demonstrates significant clearance efficiency, particularly for light or fine hair. These hair types can be difficult to treat because they contain less melanin to act as a target.
The Alexandrite's ability to provide high-intensity energy pulses allows it to effectively heat these finer structures. It is generally effective for Fitzpatrick skin types II through IV.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Limitations on Darker Skin Spectrums
While the Alexandrite is safer than the Ruby laser for darker skin, it is not universally safe for all skin types. It is still a melanin-seeking laser.
Consequently, it requires caution when treating the darkest skin tones (Fitzpatrick V and VI). In these cases, the 755nm wavelength may still compete too aggressively with epidermal melanin, necessitating alternative wavelengths (such as Nd:YAG).
Balancing Energy and Safety
The high energy output required for fine hair removal brings a narrow therapeutic window. High fluence is needed to destroy the follicle, but this increases the thermal load on the tissue.
Practitioners must carefully balance energy settings to ensure the hair is destroyed without crossing the threshold into thermal injury of the skin, a balance that is easier to achieve than with Ruby lasers but still requires expertise.
Making the Right Choice for Your Clinical Goals
The transition from Ruby to Alexandrite represents a shift toward treatments that are both deeper and safer for a wider variety of patients.
- If your primary focus is safety in intermediate skin tones: The Alexandrite provides a crucial buffer against epidermal injury compared to Ruby lasers due to lower surface melanin absorption.
- If your primary focus is effective depth of treatment: The longer 755nm wavelength ensures energy is deposited deep in the dermis where the hair bulb resides, rather than being absorbed superficially.
The Alexandrite laser effectively bridges the gap between aggressive melanin absorption and necessary skin protection, making it a robust standard for clinical hair reduction.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 755nm Alexandrite Laser | 694nm Ruby Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 755nm (Longer) | 694nm (Shorter) |
| Penetration Depth | Deep (Reaches hair bulb) | Superficial |
| Epidermal Safety | Higher (Lower melanin competition) | Lower (High risk of surface burns) |
| Skin Types | Fitzpatrick II - IV | Fitzpatrick I - II |
| Treatment Efficacy | Excellent for fine and light hair | Limited to dark hair on light skin |
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References
- Moshe Lapidoth, Maurice Adatto. Best Practice Options for Hair Removal in Patients with Unwanted Facial Hair Using Combination Therapy with Laser: Guidelines Drawn up by an Expert Working Group. DOI: 10.1159/000315499
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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