Glossary of Laser & Aesthetic Technology

Semiconductor-based laser system with a defined wavelength (typically 808 nm) for permanent hair removal.

A diode laser uses p-n semiconductor junctions to generate laser light. The emitted light is selectively absorbed by the melanin in the hair, destroying the hair root through photothermolysis. It is considered the gold standard for professional studio hair removal.

Diode laser combining three wavelengths (755 / 808 / 1064 nm) in one handpiece.

Triple-wavelength systems combine Alexandrite (755 nm), Diode (808 nm), and Nd:YAG (1064 nm). This allows for optimal treatment of all Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI and all hair structures with a single device.

Laser with a 755 nm wavelength, particularly effective for light skin types and fine hair.

Alexandrite wavelengths are strongly absorbed by melanin, making them highly efficient for skin types I–III. In modern diode lasers, this wavelength is often integrated as a partial mode.

1064 nm wavelength, safe for dark skin types (Fitzpatrick V–VI).

Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser. It penetrates deep into the skin and is less absorbed by surface melanin – ideal for dark skin, deep-seated hair, and vascular lesions.

Super Hair Removal – a gentle, pulsed hair removal method using low energy and high frequency.

SHR gradually warms the hair follicle through many low-energy pulses instead of a single high-intensity pulse. Virtually painless and suitable for lighter hair. Often offered in combination with IPL.

Intense Pulsed Light – broadband light for hair removal, photorejuvenation, and pigment treatment.

High-energy xenon flash lamps emit light in the 500–1200 nm range. Interchangeable filters tailor the spectrum to the specific indication. Multifunctional, yet generally less effective than monochromatic lasers.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound – focused ultrasound for non-invasive lifting and body contouring.

HIFU bundles ultrasound waves at defined skin depths (1.5 / 3.0 / 4.5 mm for the face, up to 13 mm for the body). Thermal coagulation points stimulate new collagen formation – providing visible lifting without surgery.

Microneedling with radiofrequency energy for deep collagen stimulation.

Insulated gold needles (25–49 pieces) penetrate the dermis 0.5–3.5 mm deep, delivering bipolar radiofrequency. Used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and skin texture.

Non-invasive fat reduction through controlled cooling (-8 to -11 °C).

Adipocytes are cooled for 35–60 minutes, leading to apoptosis (cell death). The body processes and eliminates these cells over 8–12 weeks. Typically results in 20–25% fat reduction per session in the treated area.

Electromuscle Stimulation for body forming, muscle building, and fat reduction.

High-intensity electromagnetic pulses generate up to 36,000 muscle contractions in 30 minutes. One session is equivalent to approximately 20,000 sit-ups. Popular for the abdomen, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs.

German regulation for protection against non-ionizing radiation – regulates laser use in Germany.

The German NiSV regulation has been in effect since 2019 and mandates specialist certification for operators of lasers, IPL, HIFU, RF, and cryolipolysis. Required training hours in Germany: 120h (Laser/IPL), 60h (HIFU/RF), 40h (Cryolipolysis).

International classification of skin reaction to UV light in 6 levels (I–VI).

Classification according to Thomas B. Fitzpatrick: I (very fair, always burns) to VI (very dark, never burns). Crucial for selecting the correct laser wavelength and fluence.

Energy density of a laser pulse in Joules per square centimeter (J/cm²).

Describes the amount of energy delivered per skin area. Higher fluence = stronger thermal effect. Adjusted individually based on skin type, hair thickness, and treatment area.

Duration of a single laser pulse in milliseconds (ms).

Longer pulse width = gentler treatment, suitable for darker skin. Shorter pulse width = aggressive thermal peak effect, suitable for fine hair.

Thermoelectric contact cooling of the handpiece to protect the skin surface.

High-quality diode laser handpieces cool the skin contact surface down to -10 °C. This protects the epidermis and allows for higher fluences for increased efficacy.

Return on Investment – the period until a device investment has paid for itself.

Calculation: Device investment / monthly contribution margin. A triple-wavelength diode laser typically amortizes in 6–9 months with 4 treatments per day.

Financing model with guaranteed transfer of ownership at the end of the term.

Unlike leasing, the device automatically becomes the property of the user at the end of the term. Often tax-advantageous as depreciation can be claimed.

Selective thermal destruction of target tissue through light absorption.

The fundamental concept of modern laser therapy: a specific wavelength is absorbed by the target chromophore (melanin, hemoglobin, water) while the surrounding tissue remains undamaged.

Growth phase of the hair cycle – the only phase in which laser hair removal is effective.

Only 20–30% of all hairs are in the anagen phase at any given time. Therefore, 6–10 sessions at intervals of 4–8 weeks are necessary to capture all hairs.

Laser device with integrated Artificial Intelligence for automatic treatment planning.

Alix AI laser systems analyze skin type, hair color, and treatment area in real-time, suggesting optimal fluence, pulse width, and wavelength. This reduces operator error and increases consistency and safety.