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Comparison of high-fluence, single-pass diode laser to low-fluence, multiple-pass diode laser for laser hair reduction with 18 months of follow up
Abstract
Laser hair removal is the most popular laser procedure in the United States (U.S.), yet there has not been a prospective study demonstrating long-term efficacy of diode laser hair removal beyond six months. A prospective, single-center, bilaterally paired, blinded, randomized comparison split leg study was carried out with 22 patients comparing high-fluence, single-pass diode laser to low-fluence, multiple-pass diode laser. Hair counts were done six and 18 months following five treatment sessions and were found to be comparable t90-94 percent hair reduction. Hair counts at six months following the fifth treatment were comparable to hair counts at 18 months, indicating that sixth-month hair counts can be considered indicative of long-term results. The low-fluence, multiple-pass in-motion technique was associated with significantly less pain compared to the high-fluence, single-pass technique. Multiple passes of a diode laser at low fluences but with high average power results in permanent hair removal with less discomfort and fewer adverse effects, especially in darker skin.
... Published studies of LHR with a varying number (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) of LPDL treatments and at least 6 months of follow-up after the final treatment demonstrate hair clearance ranging between 25 and 91%. [8][9][10][11][12][13] The current study demonstrated hair clearance of 42% at 15 months and 54% at 6 months with three treatments, which falls in the middle range of these previously reported values and number of treatments. The slight decrease in hair clearance from 6-month follow-up to 15-month follow-up supports the long-held notion that not every hair follicle that is damaged undergoes long-term involution. ...
... We could find only five studies that analyzed long-term (>12 months) hair clearance. 3,8,9,13,14 Thus, this study is also notable in that it serves as the largest prospective study to evaluate the long-term efficacy (>12 months) of LHR and the first to demonstrate that remaining hairs also undergo decreases in thickness and color with treatment. ...
The long-pulsed diode (800-810-nm) laser is one of the most commonly used and effective lasers for hair removal. Limitations of currently available devices include a small treatment spot size, treatment-associated pain, and the need for skin cooling.
To evaluate the long-term hair reduction capabilities of a long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum assisted suction.
Thirty-five subjects were enrolled in a prospective, self-controlled, single-center study of axillary hair removal. The study consisted of three treatments using a long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum-assisted suction at 4- to 6-week intervals with follow-up visits 6 and 15 months after the last treatment. Hair clearance was quantified using macro hair-count photographs taken at baseline and at 6- and 15-month follow-up visits. Changes in hair thickness and color, levels of treatment-associated pain, and adverse events were additional study endpoints.
There was statistically significant hair clearance at the 6 (54%) and 15-month (42%) follow-up visits. Remaining hairs were thinner and lighter at the 15-month follow-up visit, and the majority of subjects reported feeling up to mild to moderate pain during treatment without the use of pretreatment anesthesia or skin cooling.
A long-pulsed diode laser with a large spot size and vacuum-assisted suction is safe and effective for long-term hair removal. This is the largest prospective study to evaluate long-term hair removal and the first to quantify decreases in hair thickness and darkness with treatment.
... Correspondingly, in our study with 6-7 treatment sessions the mean hair count reduction at 6 months was 72.52% AE 15.5% (with the chilled sapphire tip) and 74.1% AE 16% (with the large spot size vacuum-assisted handpiece). Moreover, it has been demonstrated by Braun that following five treatment sessions with an 810 nm diode laser, clearance rates were comparable at 6 and 18 months follow-up [15]. ...
Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a 1060 nm diode laser system with multiple handpieces for permanent hair reduction.
Study Design
An open‐label, prospective, multi‐center study of adult subjects (≥18 years old) of any skin type, having dark brown or black hairs at the areas to be treated and seeking to permanently remove hair underwent six treatment sessions, at 4 to 6 weeks intervals with either a 1060 nm chilled sapphire tip or seven treatment sessions, at 6 weeks interval with a large spot vacuum based handpiece.
Methods
Subjects received treatments on various body areas using chilled sapphire tip or large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Hair counts as well as assessments of hair coarseness and color were performed using photographs taken at baseline, prior to pre‐selected treatments and at the follow up visits. At every visit, immediate skin responses and adverse events were evaluated by the investigator and treatment associated pain level experienced was quantified by the subjects. Subjects were asked to assess their improvement and satisfaction at pre‐selected treatment sessions and at all the follow up visits. A sub group of subjects that were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece contributed two punch biopsy specimens for histological analysis.
Results
A total of 16 subjects age 33 ± 10.9 years were treated with the chilled sapphire tip, and 26 subjects age 36.3 ± 7.67 years were treated with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece. Treatment with chilled sapphire tip yielded a mean of 68%, 82%, and 76% skin type‐independent hair reduction in axillae, shin, and arm, respectively, at 6 month follow up visit as compared to baseline. The majority of subjects (≥80%) rated their hair reduction to be either good or very good and were satisfied to highly satisfied with the outcome. Treatment with the large spot size vacuum‐assisted handpiece, was most effective in axillae and calves, with a 77.9% and 78.5% hair count reduction, respectively, at the 6 month follow up visit. Subjects reported high satisfaction and improvement throughout the treatments and follow‐up periods. Treatments with both handpieces were not associated with intolerable pain levels and common post procedural responses included mild to moderate erythema and/or edema.
Conclusion
The 1060 nm diode laser system is safe and effective for hair removal and long‐term hair reduction in all skin types including darkly pigmented individuals. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
... The static mode was used on one of each subject's legs, whereas the contralateral leg was treated with the dynamic mode which has been reported to enable swifter hair removal over larger treatment areas, such as the entire leg or back with good efficacy and potentially less pain. 6,7) In the present study, the parameters used at a wavelength of 810 nm and a 20 mm x 10 mm treatment area per shot were a 30 J/cm 2 energy density and a 55 msec pulsewidth for the static mode at a repetition rate of 1 Hz, and an energy density of 10 J/cm 2 and pulsewidth of 20 msec for the dynamic mode at a pulse rate of 10 Hz. Coupled with the to and fro motion used with the continuous handpiece over the tissue, this allows a relatively high energy density of 100 J/cm² over a 100 cm² treatment area: that represents 10 Kj total energy delivered over the 100 cm² area, allowing for efficient hair removal. ...
Background and Aims: Laser hair removal has recently become a major indication. Diode lasers have become commercially available offering two modes of application: a stamping or static mode, and a dynamic mode whereby the handpiece is continuously moved across the target tissue. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of these two approaches clinically and histologically.
Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five subjects participated in the study, 12 males and 13 females, ages ranging from 20 to 57 yr (Mean age 41.6 yr). A baseline hair count was performed on both the target areas. The ms-pulsed diode laser delivered 810 nm via a handpiece with a cooled tip, offering both static and dynamic modes which were used on the subjects’ left and right crura, respectively. Pain during treatment was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and gross inspection was performed immediately after treatment for any abnormality in the treated skin. Hair counts were performed on both crura at 1 and 3 months after the treatment, and compared with the baseline counts. Biopsies were performed in the dynamic mode treated skin at baseline and at 1 month after the treatment, and assessed with light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results: All subjects completed the study. Compared with baseline, hair counts were significantly lower at 1 and 3 months post-treatment with no significant difference between the static and dynamic laser depilation modes, nor in the severity of the pain experienced during the procedure. Histologically, degenerative changes in the hair follicles were noted immediately after laser treatment. At one month, cystic formation was seen in the hair follicles showing a strong tendency towards apoptotic cell death.
Conclusions: With the diode laser system and at the parameters used in the present study, high depilation efficacy was seen with no significant difference between the static and dynamic modes. Interestingly, good long-term depilation is probably a result of induced apoptotic cell death in the follicles rather than any other mechanism.
... 41 Efficacy was improved with repeated treatment, superior to conventional epilation treatments and IPL, with a low frequency of adverse effects being observed across all laser types. More recent studies have further validated the utility of the diode 42-44 alexandrite 45,46 and Nd:YAG 47 lasers, with hair reduction achieved beyond 12 months in some studies, [48][49][50] and this is preferred over the ruby laser. IPL produced a comparable degree of hair reduction to lasers, especially in fair-skinned individuals, but was less effective and more likely to cause burns in tanned or dark skin types. ...
Part two of this review series evaluates the use of lasers and laser-like devices in dermatology based on published evidence and the collective experience of the senior authors. Dermatologists can laser-treat a wide range of dermatoses, including vascular, pigmentary, textural, benign proliferative and premalignant conditions. Some of these conditions include vascular malformation, haemangioma, facial telangiectases, café-au-lait macules, naevi of Ota, lentigines, acne scarring, rhytides, rhinophyma and miscellaneous skin lesions. Photodynamic therapy with lasers and intense pulsed light is addressed, with particular reference to actinic keratosis and actinic cheilitis. A treatment algorithm for acne scarring based on scar morphology and severity is comprehensively outlined. Following from part one, the various devices are matched to the corresponding dermatological conditions with representative pictorial case vignettes illustrating likely clinical outcomes as well as limitations and potential complications of the various laser and light therapies.
... The latter provides comparable hair reduction, less discomfort, and fewer adverse effects even when treating phototype V skin and tanned individuals. [33][34][35][36][37][38][39] The most common side effects were slight and transient erythema and pigmentary changes. No long-term adverse effects were noted. ...
Background:
Unwanted hair growth is a common aesthetic problem. Laser hair removal has emerged as a leading treatment option for long-term depilation.
Objectives:
To extensively review the literature on laser hair removal pertaining to its theoretical basis, current laser and light-based devices, and their complications. Special treatment recommendations for darker skin types were considered.
Materials and methods:
A comprehensive literature search related to the long-pulse alexandrite (755 nm), long-pulse diode (810 nm), long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG; 1,064 nm), and intense pulsed light (IPL) system, as well as newer home-use devices, was conducted.
Results:
The literature supports the use of the alexandrite, diode, Nd:YAG and IPL devices for long-term hair removal. Because of its longer wavelength, the Nd:YAG is the best laser system to use for pigmented skin. Further research is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of home-use devices.
Conclusion:
Current in-office laser hair removal devices effectively provide a durable solution for unwanted hair removal.
... Theoretically, lowering the energy level should result in less pain and potential side effects; yet, it could as well affect efficacy. Recent studies, however, have shown that low energy (i.e., high average power), high repetition diode laser results in comparable hair reduction with less discomfort and fewer adverse effects than traditional high fluence single pass devices, especially on darker skin [7][8][9][10]. Moreover, histological examination revealed that hair structure and architecture are effectively altered during 810 nm diode laser hair epilation at low fluences [11]. ...
High fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the mainstay modality for hair removal. However, the use of these devices is associated with pain and side effects, especially in patients with dark or tanned skin. A novel concept of depilation at low fluence using 810 nm diode laser has been introduced as a solution to these shortcomings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lasting efficacy and safety of low-level fluence 810 nm (15 J/cm(2) ) and high repetition rate (5 Hz) F1 Diode Laser™ therapy on hair reduction in patients with various skin types.
This randomised, controlled, bilaterally paired within-patient, double-blind study compared low level fluence 810 nm (15 Joules/cm(2) ) laser diode therapy to nontreated shaved control areas on long-term hair reduction. Seventeen patients with skin type II-V were treated four times at 1 month intervals. Hair count was assessed monthly over 10 months using an objective computerised method. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse reactions monitoring.
Statistically significant differences in hair count between treated and control sites were observed at each follow-up visit. The majority of patients reported a slight but bearable sensation of heat during the laser treatment, and transient erythema post-treatment.
This study showed that laser hair removal with the F1 Diode Laser™ system was generally well tolerated, safe, and efficacious in this small sample study of patients with various skin types. After just four treatments, permanent hair reduction following one complete hair cycle has been shown. Controlled studies on larger groups of patients within each skin phototype are needed to confirm these promising results.
Résumé
L’épilation, quelle que soit sa technique, est un geste antique couvrant tous les continents. L’apparition récente des lasers et des lampes polychromatiques pulsées a permis d’obtenir des épilations sur de longues durées. Cet article décrit les bases théoriques de ces techniques ainsi que les différents appareils disponibles. Que cela soit pour des indications esthétiques et plus rarement médicales, le médecin a la responsabilité de connaître les différentes techniques et d’en connaître leurs limites. Il doit aussi être capable de gérer tous les effets secondaires pouvant survenir lors des ou après les séances.
After Botulinum injections and dermal fillers, laser and light assisted hair removal is the third most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure requested worldwide, with the global market set to reach $1.5 billion by 2025. The procedure is routinely performed throughout the world and has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective method of epilation of dark hairs, in all skin types.
Background:
High-fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the gold standard to remove unwanted hair. Lowering the energy should result in less pain and could theoretically affect the efficacy of the therapy.
Objective:
To compare the safety and efficacy of a low-fluence high-repetition rate 810-nm diode laser to those of a high-fluence low-repetition rate diode laser for permanent axillary hair removal in Chinese women.
Methods:
Ninety-two Chinese women received four axillae laser hair removal treatments at 4-week intervals using the low-fluence, high-repetition 810-nm diode laser in SHR mode on one side and the high-fluence, low-repetition diode laser in HR mode on the other side. Hair counts were done at each follow-up visit and 6-month follow up after the final laser treatment using a 'Hi Quality Hair Analysis Program System' , the immediate pain score after each treatment session was recorded by a visual analog scale.
Results:
The overall median reduction of hair was 90.2% with the 810-nm diode laser in SHR mode and 87% with the same laser in HR mode at 6-month follow-up. The median pain scores in SHR mode and in HR mode were 2.75 and 6.75 respectively.
Conclusion:
Low-fluence high repetition rate diode laser can efficiently remove unwanted hair but also significantly improve tolerability and reduce adverse events during course of treatment.
Background:
The removal of Becker's nevi poses a significant challenge due to limited available therapeutic options and increased risk of adverse effects, including scarring and dyspigmentation. Herein, we present the use of the non-ablative fractional photothermolysis in combination with laser hair removal for the treatment of hypertrichotic Becker's nevi.
Method:
Retrospective analysis of three patients with Becker's nevi revealed that two patients with hypertrichotic Becker's nevi had greater than 75% clearance with combination therapy, and one patient with atrichotic Becker's nevus had a similar result with monotherapy non-ablative fractional photothermolysis.
Conclusion:
This report demonstrates the utility and safety of combination non-ablative fractional resurfacing and laser hair removal for the treatment of hypertrichotic Becker's nevi, and monotherapy non-ablative fractional photothermolysis for atrichotic Becker's nevi. Further comparative studies are necessary to determine optimal laser parameters, treatment schedules, and response duration. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular method to remove unwanted or excessive hair. We have assessed the relative efficacy and discomfort associated with competing hair removal techniques, namely a high average power 810 nm diode laser using an "in-motion" technique with a market-leading 810 nm device with a single-pass vacuum-assisted technique. This study has determined the long-term (6-12 months) hair reduction efficacy and the relative pain induction intensities of these devices.
Prospective, randomized, side-by-side comparison of either the legs or axillae was performed comparing the Soprano XL 810 nm diode in super hair removal (SHR) mode (Alma Lasers, Buffalo Grove, IL) hereafter known as the "in-motion" device vs. the LightSheer Duet 810 nm diode laser (Lumenis) hereafter known as the "single pass" device. Five laser treatments were performed 6 to 8 weeks apart with 1, 6, and 12 months follow-ups for hair counts. Pain was assessed in a subjective manner by the patients on a 10-point grading scale. Hair count analysis was performed in a blinded fashion.
There was a 33.5% (SD 46.8%) and 40.7% (SD 41.8%) reduction in hair counts at 6 months for the single pass and in-motion devices respectively (P = 0.2879). The average pain rating for the single pass treatment (mean 3.6, 95% CI: 2.8 to 4.5) was significantly (P = 0.0007) greater than the in-motion treatment (mean 2.7, 95% CI 1.8 to 3.5).
This data supports the hypothesis that using diode lasers at low fluences and high average power with a multiple pass in-motion technique is an effective method for hair removal, with less pain and discomfort, while maintaining good efficacy. The 6 month results were maintained at 12 month for both devices. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Becker's nevus is cosmetically bothersome both due to the hyperpigmentation and due to the hypertrichosis which can accompany it, particularly in males. Laser hair removal can be considered, but the pigmented background of the Becker's nevus makes the treatment more challenging. Fifteen patients with Becker's nevus underwent eight sessions of hair removal with low-fluence high-repetition-rate diode lasers (808-810 nm). All participants experienced significant hair reduction at 6 and 12 months. No adverse events were reported. The study supports the use of low fluence with high-repetition-rate diode laser hair removal as a safe and effective method for the management of hypertrichosis in Becker's nevus.
Laser (or light) hair removal, also referred to as photoepilation, is the most commonly used laser or light-based cosmetic medical procedure. The extended theory of selective photothermolysis is the basic principle for destruction of hair follicles using light. In this type of laser application the chromophore is follicular melanin. Several types of lasers and light sources have been effective for hair reduction, including the ruby, alexandrite, diode, and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers and broadband, intense pulsed light sources. This article provides a broad overview of how hair can be removed using light, with an emphasis on practical considerations.
To compare the long-term effectiveness and safety of long-pulsed Nd:YAG and alexandrite lasers, individually and in combination, in long-term leg hair reduction.
Randomized, single-center, within-participant, investigator-blinded, active-controlled clinical trial.
Private skin laser center.
Twenty individuals aged 16 to 50 years with skin phototypes III and IV.
The medial and lateral sides of each participant's legs were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following laser treatments: (1) long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (12-mm spot size); (2) long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser (12-mm spot size); (3) long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser (18-mm spot size); and (4) a combination of long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser and long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser (treatments 1 and 2). Identified areas were treated for a total of 4 sessions at 8-week intervals.
Hair reduction from baseline based on hair counting with digital photography by 2 blinded assessors, 8 and 18 months after the last treatment session.
Fifteen participants completed the trial. The mean (SD) hair reduction 18 months after the last treatment, as measured by the assessors from digital photographs, were 75.9% (19.0%) for the 12-mm spot size alexandrite laser, 84.3% (12.4%) for the 18-mm spot size alexandrite laser, 73.6% (11.4%) for the Nd:YAG laser, and 77.8% (15.9%) for the combination therapy (analysis of variance, P > .05). The incidence of adverse effects (hyperpigmentation) and pain severity were significantly greater in areas that received combination therapy (P = .001).
After 18 months of follow-up, alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers were efficacious for leg hair removal. Combination therapy did not have any additional benefit and caused more adverse effects.
Background:
Multiple laser systems are available for the purpose of hair removal.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and long-term efficacy of the 800 nm, pulsed diode laser at reducing hair count.
Methods:
Fifty volunteers, primarily Fitzpatrick skin types II and III, with dark brown or black hair, were treated with a diode laser (800 nm, 10-40 J/cm2, 5-30 msec, 9 mm 9 mm, 5 degrees C chilled handpiece). Each subject had eight treatment sites at varying fluences and pulse durations, as well as a varying number of treatments and pulses. Hair counts were obtained at each site at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and an average of 20 months after treatment.
Results:
After one treatment, hair regrowths ranged from 22 to 31% at the 1-month follow-up visit, then remained stable between 65 and 75% from the 3-month to the averaged 20-month follow-up. After two treatments there were relatively longer growth delays, with hair regrowths plateauing beginning at 6 months after treatment and ranging from 47 to 66% for the remainder of the follow-up evaluations. Side effects were limited to pigmentary changes, transient in subjects with skin types II and III.
Conclusions:
This 800 nm diode laser with a chilled sapphire tip and variable pulse duration is safe and effective for long-term hair reduction in individuals with skin types II and III.
High fluence diode lasers with contact cooling have emerged as the gold standard to remove unwanted hair. However, laser hair removal is associated with pain and side effects, especially when treating dark or tanned skin. A novel diode laser with low level fluence (5-10 J/cm2) with a high repetition rate at 10 Hz (Soprano XL in SHR mode, Alma Lasers, Chicago, IL) using multiple passes in constant motion technique was compared to traditional one pass high fluence (25-40 J/cm2) diode laser (LightSheer ET, Lumenis, Santa Clara, CA) in a prospective, randomized split-leg study on 25 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-V. Hair counts were done six months following the fifth treatment and were found to be comparable with a 86-91% hair reduction. There was one superficial burn with the high energy diode treatment. The rapid, multiple pass in-motion technique was faster and associated with significantly less pain. Multiple passes of diode laser at low fluences but with high average power results in permanent hair removal with less discomfort and fewer adverse effects, especially on darker skin.
The Candela alexandrite and the Coherent diode laser systems come equipped with built-in skin cooling systems that are designed to both protect the epidermis, allowing higher fluences, and to alleviate discomfort. Nevertheless, pain can be a significant problem especially with treatment of larger areas. Scatter of the laser beam is reportedly affected by the spot size. It is claimed that larger spot sizes are more effective at identical fluences.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a topical 5% lidocaine cream (ELA-Max) to control pain and compared pain levels at identical fluences between the 8 mm and 12 mm spot size of the alexandrite laser and between the alexandrite and diode laser with its 9 mm spot size.
The study was conducted in the axillae of 12 patients. Each axilla was divided in half for side-by-side comparison. Half of the right axilla was treated with the alexandrite 8 mm and the other half with the 12 mm spot size at identical fluences. The left axilla was treated at the maximum tolerated fluences with the alexandrite 12 mm spot size and the diode 9 mm spot size.
At identical fluences and other parameters, there was significantly more pain with the alexandrite 12 mm spot size than with the alexandrite 8 mm spot size, both with or without topical anesthesia. The alexandrite laser was significantly less painful than the diode laser both with and without topical anesthetic. The difference was most noticeable between the alexandrite 8 mm spot size and the diode 9 mm spot size. Topical 5% lidocaine anesthesia was effective in reducing pain, though not completely, for both the alexandrite and the diode lasers.
Topical 5% lidocaine cream is a simple and effective method for reducing patient discomfort during laser hair removal procedures, even when a skin cooling device is being used. A larger spot size causes more pain than a smaller spot size at identical fluences. The 800 nm diode laser causes greater discomfort than the 755 nm alexandrite laser.
The attributes of the Smoothbeam laser--a 1450 nm diode laser--were considered likely to improve two distinct chronic conditions of flexural skin: Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
A series of laser treatments were given to the axillae of one patient with each condition.
Treatments were painful but tolerated. There were no adverse sequelae following laser treatment. For the patient with HS, partial improvement was achieved after four treatments and sweating was notably reduced. Intermittent laser treatment may be needed to maintain or build upon the improvements gained. Longstanding HS cases, however, with established sinuses and thick scar tissue are unlikely to be helped by this form of laser treatment. There was no subjective or objective improvement seen in the patient with HHD. The only notable beneficial effect was a marked reduction in sweating and elimination of the malodour.
Subsurfacing laser treatment in contrast with resurfacing laser treatment has no benefit in the management of HHD. Why the Smoothbeam laser causes sweat reduction is not known--and its clinical value has yet to be established.
Laser-assisted hair removal is a variably uncomfortable and painful procedure.
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of piroxicam gel on pain control and subsequent inflammation in Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser hair removal in women volunteers.
Fifty women volunteers were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study over a 6-month period. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive piroxicam gel as Group P or saline as a control group. Topical analgesic and saline were applied to the treatment sites for 45 minutes. The pain scores (VAS) and side effects were recorded before the hair removal, during the hair removal, at the end of the hair removal, and after 1 hour, 2 hours and 24 hours after the hair removal.
Subject characteristics and treatment settings in Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser were similar in both groups. The pain scores (VAS) were significantly lower in the Group P than those of the control group during the hair removal (p < 0.001). Inflammatory side effects such as erythema, edema, and folliculitis, were more frequent in the control group than those of Group P during the procedure (p < 0.001).
This study showed that piroxicam gel provided adequate pain relief after Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser hair removal in women volunteers. Piroxicam gel was associated with lesser inflammatory side effects when compared to placebo because of its anti-inflammatory effect after the procedure.
Traditional hair-removal techniques have included shaving, waxing, chemical depilation, and electrolysis. All of these methods result in temporary hair removal. The theory of selective photo thermolysis led to the development of a variety of different laser systems. These lasers range from the short end of spectrum, with the 694-nm ruby laser, to the middle, with the 755-nm alexandrite and 810-nm diode lasers, and to the long end with the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser. We made a systematic review on the clinical trials with use of various laser sources for hair removal, so all clinical trials related to hair removal lasers in 1998-2003 were considered after elimination of heterogenite sources in data store. Trial results were synthetized on the basis of kind of laser. Our study clarified that hair reduction at least 6 months after the last treatment and hair reductions were 57.5, 42.3, 54.7, and 52.8% after three sessions for diode, Nd:YAG, alexandrite and ruby, respectively. We compared the result with use of analysis of variance method (Scheffes) and double comparison with use of Student's t test. Our results clarified that diode laser is the most effective, and Nd:YAG has the least effect of hair removal.It seems that diode and alexandrite lasers are proper for hair removal, but as we need high fluence in the darker skin types and this is accompanied with higher complications, diode is advised for lighter skin, and we advised alexandrite laser for darker skin types.