Laser Hair Removal

WIDLS performs laser hair removal using the Cynosure Apogee Alexandrite/YAG dual-platform system, effective for all skin types including darker Fitzpatrick types where the 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength provides a safer melanin-to-follicle ratio. The laser targets pigment in the hair follicle, delivering heat to destroy the root during the active growth phase. Multiple sessions are required to treat all follicles cycling through the growth phase. Suitable for the face and all body areas. Temporary pink discolouration and possible dark bumps may appear post-treatment, resolving within hours to days.

Laser hair removal at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is performed using the Cynosure Apogee Elite system, a dual-wavelength platform combining 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG technology. This two-wavelength capability allows the clinical team to select the optimal wavelength for each patient based on Fitzpatrick skin type, hair colour, and body zone. The 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength provides high melanin absorption and fast treatment delivery for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I–III), offering maximum follicular damage at the lower fluences needed for safe epidermal sparing. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength has lower melanin absorption, allowing it to safely pass through darker epidermis to reach the follicle with reduced epidermal heating — making it the preferred wavelength for patients with Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin and for tanned patients. The laser works on the principle of selective photothermolysis: the wavelength is absorbed preferentially by the melanin pigment in the hair shaft and root, heating the follicular epithelium to a temperature sufficient to induce follicular destruction without damaging the surrounding skin when appropriate pulse widths and cooling are applied. A dynamic cooling device (DCD) releases a cryogen spray immediately before each laser pulse, further protecting the epidermis from thermal injury. Because laser hair removal is only effective during the anagen (active growth) phase, when the hair shaft is continuous with the root and maximally pigmented, a series of sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart is necessary to treat the full population of follicles across their cycling phases. Six to eight sessions produce long-term reduction in most treatment areas; maintenance sessions once or twice per year may be required. Treatable areas include the face (upper lip, chin, sideburns), underarms, bikini line, legs, back, chest, and abdomen. Results are progressive over the treatment series, with permanent partial to full reduction achievable in most patients.