What’s the Difference Between Fotona Laser and LaserAway?
- LaserAway is a national provider that uses a dual-wavelength system, while Kintsu uses Fotona Nd:YAG as part of a more customized treatment approach.
- The difference is not just the machine, but how that technology is used based on your skin, hair, and treatment history.
- For most patients, the real question is whether the provider can continue or improve their results, not whether the laser is identical.
Is Kintsu’s Laser Hair Removal the Same as LaserAway?
No, Kintsu’s laser hair removal isn’t the same as LaserAway. The main difference comes down to the type of laser technology used and how the treatment is customized to you.
LaserAway uses a system that combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, which allows providers to switch between wavelengths depending on skin tone and hair type. At Kintsu, we use the Fotona Nd:YAG laser, a highly versatile technology that can safely treat a wide range of skin tones while still effectively targeting hair follicles.
In practice, both approaches are designed to achieve long-term hair reduction, but they may feel slightly different and be tailored differently depending on your skin, hair, and treatment history. The key factor is not just the machine itself, but how the treatment is planned, adjusted, and delivered over time.
What Laser Does LaserAway Use?
LaserAway uses advanced laser technology designed for long-term hair reduction across different hair types and skin tones. According to their published information, they primarily use the Cynosure Apogee Elite system, which combines two types of lasers: Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm).
This dual-wavelength approach allows providers to adjust the treatment based on your skin tone and hair characteristics. In general:
- Alexandrite lasers are often used for light skin and can be highly effective at targeting dark hair.
- Nd:YAG lasers penetrate deep into the layers and are typically preferred for darker skin because they carry a lower risk of pigment changes.
Having access to both wavelengths gives providers flexibility, but it’s still the provider’s assessment and settings that determine how effective the treatment will be for you.
What Laser Does Kintsu Use For Laser Hair Removal?
At Kintsu, we use the Fotona Nd:YAG laser for laser hair removal. This 1064 nm wavelength is widely used for long-term hair reduction and is especially valued for its ability to treat a broad range of skin tones.
What makes this platform especially useful is its versatility. Treatment can be adjusted based on factors like your skin tone, hair thickness, hair density, and the area being treated, which allows for a more personalized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
In other words, the value is not just the name of the machine. It is how the technology is selected, calibrated, and tailored to your skin and hair profile to support safe, effective results.
Is One Laser Better Than the Other?
There is no single better laser for everyone. Both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers are effective for long-term hair reduction, but they are designed with different strengths depending on your skin tone, hair type, and treatment goals.
Here’s a simple comparison to help illustrate the differences:
| Feature | Alexandrite Laser (755 nm) | Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) |
| Best for | Lighter skin tones | Broader range of skin tones, including darker skin |
| Melanin Absorption | Higher (more targeted to pigment) | Lower (safer for pigmented skin) |
| Depth of Penetration | More superficial | Deeper penetration into the skin |
| Hair Types | Often very effective for dark, coarse hair on light skin | Effective across a wider range of skin and hair combinations |
| Safety Profile | Higher risk of pigment changes in darker skin | Lower risk of pigment changes |
| Common Use | Often used when maximum pigment targeting is needed | Often used when safety across skin tones is a priority |
Why Treatment Planning Matters as Much as the Machine
It’s easy to focus on the name of the laser, but your results depend just as much on how the treatment is planned and performed as the device itself.
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair during specific growth cycles, which means timing, consistency, and proper settings all play a major role in how effective each session is. Even the most advanced laser will underperform if the energy settings, spacing between treatments, or treatment areas are not carefully adjusted to match your skin and hair.
A strong treatment plan takes into account:
- Your skin tone and how it reacts to heat and light.
- Hair thickness, density, and growth pattern.
- The area being treated, since different parts of the body respond differently.
- Your treatment history, including past sessions and how your hair responded.
- Consistency and timing, since missing or delaying sessions can reduce effectiveness.
- Hormonal factors, which can influence regrowth in areas like the face or chin.
This is where a more personalized approach can make a noticeable difference. Instead of following a fixed protocol, treatments can be adjusted over time based on how your skin and hair are responding, helping to improve results and reduce unnecessary sessions.
What to Expect If You’ve Had LaserAway Before
If you’ve had laser hair removal at LaserAway before, that’s actually helpful. It gives a starting point for understanding how your hair responds to laser treatment and what kind of results you can expect moving forward.
In most cases, you will not be starting from scratch. If you’ve already completed several sessions, you may have reduced density, slower regrowth, or finer hair in treated areas. The goal at this stage is to build on those results and refine any remaining areas. It also focuses on addressing regrowth that may not have fully responded the first time.
You may notice a few differences when transitioning to a different provider or laser:
- Treatment feel may vary slightly depending on the device and settings used.
- Session structure may feel more customized rather than following a fixed protocol.
- Areas of focus may shift based on where regrowth is still active.
- Timing between sessions may be adjusted depending on your current hair cycle.
It’s also common for patients to seek additional treatment after an initial series elsewhere. Hair removal is a process, and maintenance or refinement sessions are often needed, especially for areas influenced by hormones or stubborn growth patterns.
The most important part of switching providers is a thoughtful reassessment. Your laser specialist should look at:
- What results you achieved previously
- Where hair is still growing
- How your skin responded to past treatments
From there, a plan can be created to continue your progress rather than repeat what you’ve already done.
If you had good results with LaserAway, that is a strong indicator that laser hair removal works well for you. The focus now is on making sure your next phase of treatment is personalized to where you are today, not where you started.
Great Results Start With the Right Laser and the Right Plan
Both Fotona and LaserAway use advanced technology for long-term hair reduction, but the real difference comes down to how the treatment is tailored to your skin, your hair, and your goals.
If you’ve had laser hair removal before, the goal is not to start over. It is to build on the progress you’ve already made and refine the areas that still need attention. With the right settings, timing, and treatment plan, you can continue moving toward smoother, more consistent results.
If you’re looking for a more tailored next step after LaserAway, book an appointment at Kintsu to see whether Fotona is the right fit for your skin, hair, and remaining treatment goals.