Ruby Laser

Ruby lasers generate light at a wavelength of 694 nm, which is absorbed by the melanin in the skin more than some of the longer wavelengths, making it safer for treating individu­als with dark hair and light skin. This wavelength of light does not penetrate as deep as some other lasers, making it better suited for treatment of areas with relatively shallow hair follicles (upper lip and chin) [88]. Normal mode ruby lasers produce pulses in the micro – to millisecond range and deliver high-energy fluence ranging from 10 to 40 J/cm2. However, there are a few reports on the use of this laser on individuals with darker skin types. Lani – gan has reported that in skin types IV-VI, the overall occurrence of side effects is three times higher with the ruby laser (30%) compared to the Nd:YAG (9%) (65). Compos et al. found pigmentary changes in five of six patients treated with this laser [88].