In today's episode, Lisa and Mike delve into common misconceptions and myths surrounding laser treatments and skin cooling techniques. They discuss the fallacy that skin cooling can overcool hair follicles during hair removal, the importance of proper cooling for blood vessel treatments, and the misconceptions about spot sizes in tattoo laser treatments. The duo also addresses the critical need for safety glasses during procedures involving Q-Switch ND YAG lasers, emphasising the dangers of low fluence and the necessity of eye protection for both practitioners and clients.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
It is a misconception that skin cooling can overcool hair follicles during hair removal treatments. In fact, the concentration of melanin in hair is significantly higher than in the surrounding skin, allowing for effective heating of the hair follicle even if the skin is cooled.
When treating blood vessels, pre-cooling the skin is beneficial, but it is important to allow warm blood to flow back into the area before targeting the vessels. This ensures that the blood is at normal body temperature, while the surrounding tissue remains cooler, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Pulling the handpiece further back when using a tattoo laser with a lens is a common misconception. The handpiece is designed to deliver the correct spot size and fluence when in contact with the skin, and pulling it away can lead to unpredictable spot sizes and potentially harmful fluences.
The SHR technique requires multiple passes over the same area to build up temperature effectively. It is incorrect to assume that a single pass is sufficient, as repeated passes at lower fluences are necessary to achieve the desired results.
It is critical to wear proper safety glasses during laser treatments, including Q-Switch ND YAG lasers used in carbon facials. Even low fluences can produce extremely high power densities, making eye protection essential to prevent potential damage.
BEST MOMENTS
"So, in actual fact, with the numbers on this, obviously, if you've got black hair in Caucasian skin, then the concentration of melanin is about something like 23 times more concentrated in the hair than in the skin."
"The only time that it might be a problem is if you're treating superficial benign pigmentation."
"If you start pulling the handpiece away, you don't know what the spot size is, right?"
"You absolutely must wear the proper safety glasses."
"If you've been taught that way, please, please, please start wearing glasses."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
https://mikemurphyblog.com
https://www.dermalasetraining.com
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/