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IPL
vs. Laser vs. Radio Frequency
Why Wavelength Still Matters Most
By
Rich Balance
Bal-Tech Medical President
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In today's
prolific high-tech marketplace, multitudes of lasers, intense
pulse light and, more recently, radio frequency systems
are being introduced by manufacturers.
These companies actively promote their product's capabilities,
mentioning wavelength but then quickly moving on to maximum
energy (joules), pulsing capabilities, tissue chilling,
spot size, software, treatment speed, and equipment size,
weight and, of course, price!
No doubt, these are all important characteristics, but it's
the individual product's wavelength that dictates primary
tissue absorption and treatment option/limitations of the
system.
Yes, I know this is "Laser Physics 101" and we
all should remember well the electro-magnetic spectrum,
but it's alarming to me how this basic principle is often
overlooked. As aesthetic lasers are now being embraced in
mainstream medicine, multiple specialties are actively entering
the marketplace, wanting to offer this technology (and treatment
options) to their existing practice, or are opening separate
centers and medi spas.
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Many
times, the first contact for information is a manufacturer's
representative. The individual physician seeking advice
unfortunately often does not have the basic laser physics
and tissue interaction background to successfully discern
the information presented by the company representative.
What's needed (and is available) is an extensive program
and study of laser physics and tissue interaction, which
includes in-depth discussion on target chromophores, absorption,
scatter and reflection characteristics for all of today's
most prevalent wavelengths.
Once this knowledge is internalized, then multiple wavelength
combinations, Q-switching, frequency doubling, pulse durations,
spot sizes, scan rates, blended wavelengths, pulse chains,
beam profiles, and passive vs. active chilling can have
true clinical relevance.
Besides their impressive clinical experience and notoriety,
the laser "gurus" we see most often quoted and
published, have this in-depth understanding of the "fundamentals"
of wavelength and tissue interaction. This empowers them
to offer efficacious and safe treatments to their patients,
evaluating the myriad technologies, and selecting the appropriate
systems and regimen - a place all committed high-tech practitioners
should strive to arrive at. It does, however, begin with
an understanding of wavelength and tissue interaction!
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for ethical and economical service plans?
Talk to Bal-Tech Medical about having all of your equipment
covered by one reliable organization, with 33 geographically
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- Look
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Bal-Tech
Medical clients may hear our sales staff encouraging
them to make equipment purchases to take full advantage
of the current tax laws regarding deductions. This
isn't just a pressure sales pitch. It falls in line
with other Bal-Tech Medical beliefs that its clients
should save money in all facets of purchasing equipment
and starting a medi-spa or adding cosmetic medical
treatments to a current practice.
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