Lasers in Skin

In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the world of benign pigmentation, and how lasers can help fade it safely and effectively. Before anyone goes zap-happy, they stress one crucial rule: always make sure pigmentation is benign first. They break down how to assess it properly (because guessing is not a treatment plan). From there, the duo explores different laser options like Q-Switch YAG and...

Today, Lisa and Mike take another look at the fascinating world of laser physics, particularly in the context of medical aesthetics. They explore various pulse regimes - nanoseconds, picoseconds, and femtoseconds - discussing their implications for energy delivery and tissue reactions. Mike explains the significance of these time scales, including the concept of zeptoseconds, and how they relate t...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the intricacies of "reading the skin" during various laser treatments. They discuss the importance of understanding skin responses, such as erythema and edema, as indicators of treatment effectiveness, particularly in hair removal, tattoo removal, and pigmentation treatments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding skin responses during treatments is crucial. Indicato...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike dive into the controversial Neat Cell picosecond laser pen device, which claims to remove tattoos without scarring. Mike shares his skepticism about the device's effectiveness, explaining the technical limitations of picosecond lasers and the potential dangers of using such a product without proper safety measures.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Skepticism of Neat Cell Device: The N...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike delve into the intriguing topic of 'jumping hairs', a phenomenon observed during laser hair removal treatments. Inspired by a message from a listener in Germany, Nicole, they discuss the misconception that the rapid ejection of hairs post-laser treatment indicates treatment efficacy. Lisa and Mike clarify that this effect, often referred to as 'popping hairs', is pri...

In today's episode, Lisa and Mike turn up the energy - literally! They dive into the fascinating world of lasers and IPL treatments, unpacking the science behind spot size, fluence, depth of penetration, and wavelengths. When Emma, a curious Level 4 student, asks about how energy delivery changes with different spot sizes, Lisa and Mike fire back with laughs, analogies, and plenty of light-based w...

In a fascinating deviation from their usual topic, Lisa and Mike delve deep into the world of experimental physics and astrophysics in this episode. Mike tackles a range of mind-bending questions sourced by Lisa from ChatGPT, covering everything from the common misconceptions of relativity and time dilation near the speed of light and black holes, to the immense size of the universe. They also tou...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike dive into a recent controversy sparked by an influencer's comments about laser hair removal and pregnancy. Lisa shares her frustration over misinformation that has caused panic among clients considering laser treatments while planning for pregnancy. They explore the science behind hair growth cycles, the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the importanc...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa take a lively dive into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of artificial intelligence. They chat about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Site.ai are showing up in the laser industry - sharing their own experiments, surprises, and a few AI “oops” moments along the way. From AI claiming Mike invented the Ruby laser (spoiler: he didn’t) to the real do’s and don...

As Lisa navigates her pregnancy, Mike brings his expertise as a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to the forefront, explaining the critical importance of understanding laser safety in clinical settings. They discuss the role of LPAs, the significance of proper safety equipment like laser safety glasses, and the potential hazards associated with various laser classifications. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understandi...

Today, Mike and Lisa dive into the intricate science of hair follicles and the role of melanin. Mike shares insights from his recent research, including the significance of the dermal papilla and the matrix in hair growth cycles. They look into how laser treatments target these components, the complexities of hair follicle regeneration, and the implications for effective hair removal. KEY TAKEAWAY...

In this second part of their listener Q&A, Lisa and Mike clear up common myths (like whether it’s possible to “overcool” a follicle), explain why pre- and post-cooling matter so much, and dive into the big debate: stamping vs. the gliding SHR method. They also share some important safety insights, and talk about why having an LPA and LSO is essential for running a safe, professional clinic. KEY TA...

Today, Lisa and Mike tackle a series of listener questions. Mike shares a personal anecdote about his own sun damage from a recent trip to Italy, despite his usual advocacy for sun protection. He also discusses a curious case from early in his career involving a client's red tattoo that turned black after a laser treatment, a phenomenon he explains is an oxidation process. They consider the comple...

Lisa interviews a very special guest today - her dad, Mike Murphy, a true pioneer in medical aesthetic lasers. From being captivated by the moon landing as a kid to diving deep into physics and astronomy, Mike’s lifelong love of science eventually led him to make history by opening the world’s first private tattoo removal clinic using Q-switched lasers. His story is equal parts inspiring, nerdy, a...

Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the intricacies of relaxation times in relation to laser treatments, particularly focusing on tattoo removal. They clarify previous discussions about the relevance of relaxation times, emphasising their importance when dealing with tiny ink particles in tattoos. They explore how these particles behave under laser energy, the mechanics of steam formation, and the dif...

Today, Mike and Lisa dive into a passionate discussion about the ongoing debate between two hair removal techniques: stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR). Lisa expresses her frustration over misleading social media posts that claim stamping is outdated and ineffective, while SHR is the superior method. They explore the importance of technique in both methods, emphasising that neither is inherentl...

Lisa and Mike delve into a series of curious cases they've encountered in their laser treatment practice. They discuss unusual reactions from clients, including prolonged redness after cooling treatments and unexpected swelling in sensitive areas. The conversation also touches on the challenges of treating stubborn hair in the bikini area and the complexities of tattoo removal, particularly with d...

Light Scattering and Laser Treatments: What You Need to Know In this episode of Lasers in Skin, Lisa and Mike explain how light scatters in the skin during laser treatments. They uncover the risks of treating tattoos, pigmentation, and permanent makeup (PMU), and debunk the myth that white tape or pencil can safely protect tattoos. Listeners will also hear about Mike’s upcoming experiment on diffe...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss the concept of thermal relaxation time (TRT) and its relevance in laser treatments. They explore the historical context of TRT, tracing its origins back to discussions between physicist Dr. John Parrish and dermatologist Dr. Rox Anderson in the 1980s. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how heat affects blood vessels and hair follicles...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss their recent experience as a VTCT approved training academy, focusing on their first cohort of students completing the Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Light Treatments. They share insights on the assessment process, highlighting the challenges and peculiarities of the VTCT regulations, particularly regarding hygiene practices and the emphasis on gloves. They...

In today's episode of Lasers In Skin, your favourite laser-loving duo, Lisa and Mike, tackle some of the most burning (but not literally!) questions from listeners about laser technology. From dialling in the perfect calibration to decoding the mysteries of fluence and spot size, they break it all down with their signature mix of wit and wisdom. You'll also hear about the best wavelengths for zapp...

Today, Mike and Lisa take to the internet to fact-check some of the more questionable laser advice being dished out across the internet. They address a variety of topics, including the effectiveness of different laser technologies, ideas about cooling the skin during treatments, and the potential pitfalls of taking bad advice. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cooling the skin is essential for reducing pain during la...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike delve into the complexities of language as it pertains to the field of laser hair removal and skin treatments. They discuss the term "paradoxical hypertrichosis," exploring its definitions and the potential for misinterpretation within the industry. They highlight the importance of precise language when discussing hair growth, treatment effects, and the various param...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss the critical topic of continuous training in the laser and aesthetic industry. They take a look at some alarming stories of clinics potentially providing inadequate training to technicians, leading to poor treatment outcomes for clients, particularly in laser hair removal. They highlight the importance of reputable training and the need for practitioners to u...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa return to their Explain Like I'm 5 series to explore the origins of lasers. Starting from Einstein's concept of stimulated emission in 1917 to the creation of the first laser by Theodore Maiman in 1960, Mike and Lisa break down complex concepts such as monochromaticity, coherence, and non-divergence, making them accessible to listeners of all ages. They discuss the m...