Aerolase vs. Traditional Lasers: Why More Calgary Clients Are Choosing This Laser Skin Treatment
If you've been researching laser skin treatments, you've probably noticed that not all lasers work the same way. Older laser systems have been the standard for years, but many clients are switching to Aerolase after learning how differently it approaches skin concerns like acne, unwanted hair, and uneven texture. Here's a closer look at what sets Aerolase apart, and why it's become a popular choice among Calgary clients.
Aerolase Laser Benefits: What Makes It Different
Traditional lasers typically rely on longer pulse durations, cooling systems, and sometimes numbing cream to manage discomfort. Aerolase uses a different approach. Its Nd:YAG laser fires in an ultra-short 650-microsecond pulse at a 1064 nm wavelength, a technology that has been studied for its ability to treat a wide range of skin concerns without the cooling gels or lengthy downtime associated with older devices.
Some of the most noted Aerolase benefits include:
Comfort. Many clients describe the treatment as far more tolerable than older laser systems, often without needing topical numbing.
Minimal downtime. Most people return to their normal routine right away, with only mild, short-lived redness.
Suitability for more skin tones. The 1064 nm wavelength has been studied in patients with deeper skin tones, where some traditional lasers carry a higher risk of pigment changes.
Versatility. A single device can address several different concerns, which often means fewer separate treatments to plan for.
As with any laser treatment, results and comfort levels vary from person to person, and a consultation is the best way to find out what to expect for your skin.
Aerolase for Acne: A Different Approach
Traditional acne treatments often involve a mix of topical creams, oral medications, and trial and error. Aerolase for acne works differently. The laser targets the bacteria and inflammation associated with acne breakouts, an approach that has been studied in peer-reviewed dermatology research as a treatment option for mild to severe acne, where 95% of patients were satisfied with their treatment for acne.
Compared to some older acne-focused lasers, clients often note that Aerolase sessions are quicker and more comfortable, with less redness afterward. It's also being used alongside, rather than instead of, other parts of a skincare routine for some clients, depending on their goals.
One practical detail worth knowing: some acne treatments require pausing certain medications first, including isotretinoin and other photosensitizing prescriptions. Aerolase's shorter pulse duration means it's been used in patients on these medications without the same restrictions as some other lasers, which can make scheduling easier if you're already managing acne with a prescription routine. This is worth discussing directly with your provider, since it depends on your specific medication and history.
If acne is your main concern, Aerolase Neo Elite is a good option to consider for your acne treatment.
Aerolase Hair Removal vs. Traditional Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has come a long way, but not every system delivers the same experience. Traditional laser hair removal machines often require a cooling component to offset discomfort, and treatments can still feel sharp or uncomfortable depending on the area.
Aerolase laser hair removal takes a gentler route. The short pulse duration reduces heat buildup in the surrounding skin, which is part of why clients frequently describe it as one of the more comfortable hair removal options they've tried. It's also an appealing choice for areas that tend to be more sensitive, like the upper lip or bikini line.
It's also a good option if ingrown hairs are part of what's driving you to consider laser hair removal in the first place. Ingrown hairs, sometimes called pseudofolliculitis barbae, are a common frustration for people who shave or wax regularly, and are more likely to show up in areas with coarser or curlier hair. Because Aerolase is gentle on the surrounding skin, it's often a more comfortable option for treating these areas over time.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal, regardless of the device, typically requires a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best outcome, since hair grows in cycles.
Built for a Wider Range of Skin Tones
One of the bigger limitations of older laser technology is how it performs on deeper skin tones. Many traditional lasers carry a higher risk of pigment changes or burns in melanated skin, which has historically meant fewer safe options for clients with darker complexions.
Aerolase's 1064 nm wavelength and lack of a cooling requirement make it a better fit across a wider range of Fitzpatrick skin types, including deeper tones. This doesn't mean every laser concern is treated identically regardless of skin tone. It means the technology itself was built with a broader range of skin in mind, which is part of why it's become a go-to option for clients who've been told in the past that laser treatments weren't a safe fit for them.
Why Calgary Clients Are Making the Switch
A few reasons keep coming up when clients explain why they moved away from traditional lasers:
They wanted a treatment that didn't require extended recovery time.
They were looking for an option better suited to their skin tone.
They preferred fewer appointments dedicated to a single concern.
They wanted a more comfortable experience overall.
Aerolase isn't the right fit for every situation, and a good provider will walk you through whether it makes sense for your specific skin type and goals before booking anything.
Is Aerolase Right for You?
If you're comparing laser skin treatments and want to understand how Aerolase stacks up against what you've tried before, a consultation is the most reliable way to get answers specific to your skin. Our team can walk you through what to expect for acne, hair removal, or general skin concerns, and help you decide if it's the right next step.
Learn more about the technology and treatment areas, or book a consultation to discuss your goals.
