As a laser clinic owner, it is vital to know what you are looking at when it comes to the equipment you choose to operate in your clinic. Laser devices are often the largest financial investment when it comes to starting a laser clinic, so choosing the right device is vital! With so many laser devices on the market, how do you choose a device which is right for you? Today, we are going to take a look at two different lasers from Candela and Alma, and how they vary.
If you are thinking seriously about opening your own laser clinic or already have one up and running, the chances are that you have heard of the Candela GentleMAX Pro and the Alma Soprano Ice Platinum – two very popular lasers from two of the biggest names in the cosmetic laser industry. But what is the difference between the two, and which is best suited to your clinic?
Let’s take a look at the two lasers.
Wavelengths – What Are We Talking About?
One of the most repetitive words when it comes to the technical side of laser equipment is ‘wavelength’, but what does this mean? Well, during the laser hair removal process we use a process called selective photothermolysis – now this might sound complicated (and it is), but there is a simple principle behind it!
During laser hair removal we want to specifically target as much of the laser energy as possible towards the hair follicle, but, we also want to leave as much of the surrounding tissue as unaffected as possible – this is where wavelengths come in. It was found that at certain wavelengths the hair follicles will absorb high amounts of energy, and crucially, the surrounding tissue will not. Bingo! So, laser hair removal devices harness these particular wavelengths to achieve maximum energy absorption in the hair follicle.
So you might still be asking ‘why can’t we just use one laser?’ well, in certain cases we can! But we also have to allow for certain skin types. Darker skin will naturally absorb a higher amount of energy than lighter skin. This means the tissue surrounding hair follicles will also be more affected. Scientists have found certain types of laser wavelengths are more effective at delivering effective hair removal in varying skin types. For example:
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- Diode – A diode laser works well on most skin types.
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- Alexandrite – The Alexandrite laser is great for working on lighter skin and fine hairs.
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- ND: YAG – The ND: YAG laser is perfect for darker skin tones.
What Wavelengths Do the Candela GentleMAX Pro & Alma Soprano Ice Platinum Use?
The Candela GentleMAX Pro uses both a 755nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064nm ND YAG laser to achieve fantastic hair removal results. With a spot size range of 20/22/24mm, this laser is the fastest and most efficient dual laser hair removal treatment device on the market.
The three in one head of the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum allows the laser device to target different tissue depths simultaneously. The single applicator combines a 755nm Alexandrite laser, 810 Diode, and a 1064nm YAG laser to provide a revolutionary hair removal experience on almost every skin tone, skin type, and hair type.
How Do Treatment Techniques Vary?
There are two different treatment types used by the Candela GentleMAX Pro and the Alma Soprano ICE Platinum, the ‘shot’ technique and the ‘super hair removal’ technique. Let’s take a look at the differences:
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- Shot Technique – Single shots of laser energy are released onto the skin in a small area. Areas are treated individually before moving on to the next area. The GentleMAX Pro adopts the shot technique, its large spot size allows it to complete treatments quickly.
- Super Hair Removal Technique (SHR) – As the applicator is passed over the skin the laser is applied 10 times per second. Unlike the shot technique, SHR causes a gradual build-up of energy throughout the entire treatment area. The Soprano ICE Platinum uses the SHR technique to provide an excellent level of hair removal in a minimal amount of time.
The Comfort Test
Both laser hair removal devices are virtually pain-free meaning the patient experience is fantastic for both lasers.
The Candela GentleMAX Pro adopts a DCD spray technology to keep skin cool. DCD spray is a freezing agent which is used to cool and numb the skin during treatment.
Alma combines two modes in the Soprano ICE Platinum to achieve maximum comfort – SHR and Motion technology. A cooling ICE tip is used during treatment to ensure the skin is kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the hair removal session.
Which One Is the Right One?
Both of these machines operate fantastically in the clinical setting offering maximum comfort and efficiency for your clients. For hair removal, there will not be much difference between the two devices. The Alma Soprano ICE Platinum is perfect when it comes to treating patients with a wider range of skin and hair types, but the Candela GentleMAX Pro offers a great range of alternative laser uses.
To find out more about these lasers or any other laser we have at Laseraid get in touch with us today and speak to one of our laser experts. We will be able to assist you in choosing the right laser for you to ensure you are getting everything you need from your laser device!
