Lipo Laser Machines across Generations
The generations of the lipo laser and LED machines have been determined by the wavelengths that the paddle diodes of the machines are able to generate. There are other commonalities within each generation of the lipo lasers for sure, but the real differentiator is in this single factor - wavelength.
Let us compare the different generations of the laser lipo machines now.
- 1st Generation: The first generation laser machines were, obviously, way higher in wavelength. The typical wavelength they would be able to achieve was 670 nm. That was not as effective as the newer LED/laser lipo machines of today are, but they were still a great point to start off from.
- 2nd Generation: As technology moved forward, the machines started producing wavelengths as low as 650 nm. This is what we call the second generation machines. A lot of the clinics still use these machines, and the users of these machines are usually happy with the results. These are very effective laser machines indeed. In fact, most people still use the second generation lipolasers as the subsequent generations are still getting adopted by the clinics.
- 3rd Generation: This is where we see the very best of what lipo lasers (and LEDs) are capable of doing. At a wavelength of 635 nm (which could be somewhat off at up to 640 nm), these machines are wonderfully fast and accurate at what they are supposed to do - melt fat and tighten skin. The energy at such low wavelengths is pretty high, and that makes these machines faster and more effective than all the older generation lipo laser machines.
Wavelength being directly related to the strength of the lipo laser machines (lower wavelength is higher strength), the lower wavelength machines are more difficult to make without harming the human body, and hence more expensive. However, they are better in terms of producing results also.
Evolution of the generations, and the benefits
As the lipo laser generations have evolved, a number of things have changed. One of the first and most interesting points to notice is the fact that the machines have become much more stable. In the earlier generations, the diodes would fizz (fade) out and the patient would have to take a new appointment on a new date. That is no longer the case. The modern generation diodes are very stable, making the liposuction process (and the laser lipo machines) very stable. The downtime is practically zero, especially in the third-generation laser machines.
Another point to note is the longevity. The older generation machines would have weaker diodes as far as ageing was concerned. The number of hours they would last, would have been around 2,000-4,000 hours, maybe at most 5,000 hours. That has improved significantly. The modern (third generation) diodes are claimed to last for more than 10,000 hours. That makes them usable for more than twice the duration of the older-day lipo lasers. Add the fact that these newer machines take way lesser time to treat per patient (because of the stronger wavelengths), and it becomes evident that the number of patients that a third-generation LED / laser lipo will be way more than just twice of an older generation machine.
Diode density is yet another important factor. Denser and more uniform diode arrangements will produce better results on the user, and faster treatment sessions. The older generations would produce higher wavelengths (lower energy) on one hand (the first generation was 670 nm), and then would have lesser diode density on the other hand. Combining these two shortcomings, the first generation machines are way below what the modern third-generation machines are capable of producing. Usually the second generation lipo lasers are way better than the first generation, though the third generation is expectedly the best till date.
The penetration depth can be controlled by choosing the energy to generate, and the technology. Higher wavelength will make a deeper initial penetration. But lower wavelength machines, being higher in terms of inherent energy, will give better penetration. Modern LED machines are also excellent in providing good penetration.
Wattage-wise, the machines are becoming more and more efficient. Wattage denotes the energy (power) consumed by the machines. The third generation lipo laser machines have been adding strength by reducing wavelength, but also reducing energy consumption by going lower on wattage per diode. The earlier generation machines would have diodes at the range of 10-15 milliwatts, even 20 milliwatts per diode. The modern ones are going down to as low as 5 milliwatt per diode. While the diode packing density, number of diodes per paddle and laser emission frequency all have been going up (wavelength going down), the reducing watt-per-diode has kept the power (energy) consumption and the expense well under control. The total wattage of the third generation machines have reduced from 30-50 watts down to under 10 watts (under 6 watts in some cases). That's wonderful!
While the third generation laser lipos are technically the best, the two older generations have been seen by a lot of the people (the third generation, being newer, has not yet been experienced by as many people, though it is catching up very fast because of all the benefits it brings). Therefore, as far as market awareness is concerned, the first and second generation lipolaser machines still dominate.
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