Asclepion’s MeDioStar vs. Alma Soprano: Which Should You Choose For Laser Hair Removal?

The development of various laser hair removal technologies has been driven by the pursuit of smooth, hair-free skin. Our MeDioStar and Alma’s Soprano laser systems both promise to remove unwanted hair effectively with long-lasting results. However, there are crucial factors to consider before choosing the right laser device for your clinic’s needs.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will analyse key features such as wavelength, handpieces, user output, shot count, and treatment time and applications. We aim to provide you with a clear understanding of which laser system aligns with your hair removal goals and why investing in our MeDioStar might just be the superior choice.

The wavelength of the laser plays a pivotal role in laser treatments to determine their effectiveness, especially for laser hair removal. Let’s delve into the significance of the right wavelength and what each device has to offer.

The MeDioStar produces a wavelength range of 760nm-1060nm which is the optimal choice for treating the high-density epidermal melanin associated with skin type III-IV. This offers a higher level of safety while still achieving high absorption in the melanin of the hair follicle and also offers an improved depth of absorption. This results in efficient hair removal while also minimising damage to the surrounding skin.

This range of wavelength can be used to treat fair to dark skin and fine to coarse hair. This adaptability offers a notable advantage, making the treatment accessible to a wider range of clients.

While the soprano uses a trio wavelength in its diode cavity, there are limitations when treating higher Fitzpatricks. It can be more painful and less effective due to 755nm emission combined with 1064 + 810nm. This means lower fluence is delivered to ensure safety to the surrounding tissues and slower results in return.

The trio wavelength is effective for dark thick hair but for a course of treatments, it will struggle to reduce the fine hair towards the end of a treatment cycle.

It is less selective and less efficient with fluence and pulse duration output.

The handpiece system offered by a laser device is a key component that determines the precision and flexibility of the treatment.

Our MeDioStar offers a range of handpieces designed to cater to diverse treatment requirements.

The Monolith handpieces come in various sizes, the S in 1cm, the M in 1.5cm, the L in 3cm, and the XL in 10cm. This allows practitioners to choose the best match for the targeted area’s dimensions. In addition, adjustable settings and pulse duration enable precise customisation of energy levels, allowing the treatment to be tailored to different skin and hair types.

With its higher power output and shorter pulse width, the Powerline L (3cm) handpiece stands out and is particularly beneficial for tackling fine hair effectively. This handpiece’s availability enhances the versatility of the MeDioStar for treating a wide spectrum of hair textures.

The Soprano’s handpiece options are more limited in terms of size with the choices being 1cm and 3D 2cm/4cm handpieces. They are also less adjustable compared to the MeDioStar’s handpieces as they only offer fixed time per working grid size on the skin and have automatic pulse width settings.

The Soprano’s handpieces do not provide adjustable settings therefore limiting the practitioner’s ability to fine-tune the treatment for specific skin and hair types. Due to the low influence output, the effectiveness of hair removal treatments may suffer on certain hair types and skin tones.

Laser hair removal systems use user output to describe the technology and features that determine how the treatment is delivered to the patient. Therefore, it plays a significant factor in the efficiency and comfort of the procedure.

The MeDioStar makes use of a combination of advanced technologies to ensure efficient and comfortable hair removal. The featured Smoothpulse technology, also referred to as Super Hair Removal (SHR) mode, is designed to make the treatment process smoother and faster. This mode delivers a continuous stream of energy with multiple passes over the skin, unlike traditional laser hair removal, which delivers energy in individual pulses. The benefits of this Smoothpulse mode are larger areas covered, less painful treatments, and faster working time.

With the option between the Basic and Professional modes, practitioners can choose the appropriate mode for thin hair and finer areas, adjusting the parameter pulse themselves within the Professional mode to make the treatment even more bespoke. By not imposing specific time or grid constraints for each treated area, MeDioStar’s user output provides flexibility and enables practitioners to adapt the treatment to individual client needs.

While the Soprano primarily operates in SHR mode, the treatment time is based on the grid size area, resulting in treatment times dependent on the size of the treatment area. The Soprano adjusts its working time based on the patient’s Fitzpatrick scale, meaning lower skin types receive shorter treatment times, while higher skin types require longer application times. As a result of Soprano’s lower working energy limitation, it may require longer treatment times to achieve the desired results, leading to longer booking times for clients.

A laser hair removal system’s shot count is a key metric to measure its durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. It is a testament to the device’s ability to deliver consistent results over time without the need for frequent maintenance or refurbishment.

Our MeDioStar boasts an impressive shot count, often exceeding 60 million shots. A shot count that high reflects the MeDioStar’s longevity, proving it to be a reliable laser hair removal device. It shows the device’s capability of performing a large number of treatments effectively for an extended period of time, reducing not only downtime but also maintenance costs.

In contrast, the Soprano typically has a much lower shot count, leading to a shorter life span and requiring refurbishment or replacement sooner. The need for refurbishment can significantly increase the overall cost of ownership for Soprano users as renewing handpieces with low shot counts can be a costly endeavor.

The efficiency of laser hair removal treatments is not only about achieving desired results but also about optimising time for both practitioners and clients.

The MeDioStar is designed with time efficiency in mind to allow your practitioners to provide effective treatments without compromising on speed. Combined with its Smoothpulse mode, the MeDioStar’s L-handpiece enables practitioners to complete a full-body treatment in approximately 40 minutes. This rapid treatment duration is applicable for clients with all skin types, making it a very advantageous hair removal option for patients seeking quick and efficient treatment.

Based on the client’s skin type, treatment time with the Soprano can vary significantly. While skin types 1 to 3 may take around 1 hour and 30 minutes with the 3D 4cm handpiece, the same treatment can extend beyond 2 hours for skin types 4 to 6. This variation in treatment times is influenced by Soprano’s lower working energy limitation, which requires longer application times for effective results.

While both our MeDioStar and Alma’s Soprano’s primary focus is hair removal treatments, our MeDioStar offers additional treatment applications that can cater to a broader range of aesthetic needs.

Due to the MeDioStar’s dual-wavelength capability, it allows for versatility in addressing a wide spectrum of aesthetic concerns. Aside from providing exceptional hair removal, it can also improve skin texture and pigmentation for skin brightening, treat acne by targeting sebaceous glands, and promote collagen production for skin tightening.

Additionally, the MeDioStar offers a vascular handpiece with a wavelength of 940nm. This handpiece is effective for treating reticular leg veins, telangiectasias (spider veins), and broken capillaries on both the body and face.

The Soprano device maintains a primary hair removal focus and is marketed for this singular purpose. However, there are options to purchase separate handpieces individually to address different aesthetic concerns. For example, with the addition of NIR (Near-Infrared) handpieces, skin-tightening treatments can be offered, however, there are no specific handpieces to provide vascular or acne treatments.

The effectiveness of a laser hair removal system is closely tied to its wavelength, as it determines the laser’s ability to target and destroy hair follicles. With the MeDioStar’s broader wavelength range that closely matches the absorption peak of melanin in hair, it offers precise targeting without damaging the surrounding skin and allows for effective treatment of a wide range of skin tones and hair colours.

With its adjustable settings and range of handpiece sizes, the MeDioStar provides a high degree of customisation while ensuring both safety and effectiveness. This greater flexibility and customisation makes MeDioStar the right choice for clinics seeking to provide precise and adaptable hair removal solutions.

The MeDioStar’s multiple passes in SHR mode and the absence of strict time or grid constraints result in a faster working time and the possibility of treating more clients in a given time frame. The device’s Smoothpulse technology, adjustable modes, and flexibility in treatment approach make it well-suited for efficient and customisable treatments.

A high shot count not only saves your clinic money in the long run due to the reduced need for frequent handpiece replacements but also ensures consistent results throughout the device’s lifespan. The MeDioStar’s impressive shot count reflects its durability and cost-effectiveness, making it the perfect option for a long-term solution for your clinic.

The MeDioStar’s quicker treatment times are a notable advantage for busy clients seeking quick and effective hair removal sessions while also ensuring maximum comfort compared to extended periods of exposure to a laser. Additionally, the device’s speed enables your practitioners to see more clients in a given time frame, potentially increasing revenue.

The MeDioStar’s dual-wavelength capability and the availability of a vascular handpiece make it a versatile choice for clinics interested in expanding their services beyond hair removal. Treatment applications beyond hair removal can significantly impact your clinic’s ability to attract and retain clients.