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Evidence-based review of hair removal using lasers and light sources
Abstract
Unwanted hair growth remains a therapeutic challenge and there is a considerable need for an effective and safe treatment modality.
From an evidence-based view to summarize efficacy and adverse effects from hair removal with ruby, alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Original publications of controlled clinical trials were identified in Medline and the Cochrane Library.
A total of 9 randomized controlled (RCTs) and 21 controlled trials (CTs) were identified. The best available evidence was found for the alexandrite (three RCTs, eight CTs) and diode (three RCTs, four CTs) lasers, followed by the ruby (two RCTs, six CTs) and Nd:YAG (two RCTs, four CTs) lasers, whereas limited evidence was available for IPL sources (one RCT, one CT). Based on the present best available evidence we conclude that (i) epilation with lasers and light sources induces a partial short-term hair reduction up to 6 months postoperatively, (ii) efficacy is improved when repeated treatments are given, (iii) efficacy is superior to conventional treatments (shaving, wax epilation, electrolysis), (iv) evidence exists for a partial long-term hair removal efficacy beyond 6 months postoperatively after repetitive treatments with alexandrite and diode lasers and probably after treatment with ruby and Nd:YAG lasers, whereas evidence is lacking for long-term hair removal after IPL treatment, (v) today there is no evidence for a complete and persistent hair removal efficacy, (vi) the occurrence of postoperative side-effects is reported low for all the laser systems.
The evidence from controlled clinical trials favours the use of lasers and light sources for removal of unwanted hair. We recommend that patients are pre-operatively informed of the expected treatment outcome.
... In recent decades, laser technology has become an increasingly prevalent tool for hair removal, both for aesthetic and health-related purposes [1][2][3][4]. When compared to conventional practices such as shaving, waxing, chemical depilatories, and electrolysis, laser hair removal procedures appear to be fast, with long-lasting results and minimal side effects [5,6]. The mechanism of laser hair removal has been well described and is based on irreversible photothermal damage to hair follicles through the use of a light source at the red or infrared end of the spectrum [1]. ...
... For the case with a fluence of 20 J/cm 2 and a duration of 30 ms, the temperature increase was 16 °C, while in the case with a fluence of 40 J/cm 2 and a duration of 30 ms, the corresponding increase was 41 °C. Appendix A. 5 ...
... Sci. 2023, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 o Appendix A. 5 ...
In this study, a comprehensive and realistic model of laser light interaction with skin and hair was constructed. The model was applied to study the characteristics of laser-tissue interaction for the deeply penetrating Nd:YAG laser. Three types of finite element method (FEM) models were developed. In the first model, the hair shaft grew straight out of the follicle; in the second model, it grew at a variable angle; and in the third model, an array of hair was considered. The transport equation and heat diffusion equation were solved with the mesh-based Monte Carlo method and partial differential equations, respectively. The results of the simulations indicated that the area of necrosis increased with increasing fluence; cooling had a limited effect on the extent of necrosis, particularly at a fluence of 80 J/cm2. The thermal damage to hair follicles on the periphery of an irradiated array of hair may be insufficient for achieving necrosis. The pulse itself and the short cooling-down period after the pulse contributed the most to the final thermal damage to the hair follicle. The FEM modeling of laser-tissue interaction has proven to be a useful tool for studying the influence of different therapeutic parameters on the resulting hair and skin damage.
... The band descriptor was described to give meaning to the scores of the DLQI. These bands are as follows: No impact on the patient's life (0-1), Minimal impact (2-5), Moderate impact (6-10), Very large influence (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), and extremely large effect (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30). The Ferriman-Gallwey 19 scoring method was originally published in 1961 by D. Ferriman and J.D. Gallwey in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and encompasses the upper lip, the chin, the chest, the upper and lower backs, the abdomen, the upper and lower arms, and the upper and lower thighs. ...
... [4][5][6]9,10 LAHR is now considered an effective and safe treatment option to treat this disorder. 11,21,22 There are reports that confirm the improvement of hirsute females' quality of life following LAHR treatment 10,12,13 although some claim that results may not be sustainable. 23 Previous studies often used the visual analogue scale (VAS) as an objective score to scale the improvement of hirsutism, while we used modified Ferriman-Gallwey as a known and validated objective method 19,20 to assess the improvement of hirsutism, and this may improve the validity of this study. ...
Introduction:
Hirsutism, mainly due to poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), causes stress, anxiety and depression in females. LAHR is currently accepted as a good treatment option for hirsutism. The goal of the current study was to ascertain how LAHR affected the degree of hirsutism, quality of life, and depression in hirsute females.
Methods:
A single arm before/after clinical trial was designed and performed in the Razi Hospital Laser Clinic over a 15-months period. All hirsute females visiting Razi hospital laser clinic, were enrolled and received three sessions of LAHR every 4-6 weeks if they were interested and signed an informed consent. Before the commencement of LAHR and six to eight weeks after the last session, the Ferriman-Gallwey score (hirsutism severity), Beck score (depression index) and DLQI score (quality of life index) were calculated and stored.
Results:
There were 80 subjects in all. The mean± (SD) of the Ferriman-Gallwey score was reduced from 7.05 ± 2.27 to 4.91 ± 2.41, p<0.001. Beck depression score’s mean± (SD) was reduced from 13.3 ± 8.7 to 10.2 ± 8.4, p<0.001 and mean± (SD) of DLQI score was decreased from 5.6 ± 5.2 to 3.5 ± 2.3, p<0.001. No significant complication were reported.
Conclusion:
LAHR can improve hirsutism related depression and degradation of quality of life as well as hirsutism physical signs.
... Generally, the current body of evidence shows that lasers exhibit excellent efficacy and safety profiles for unwanted hair removal in normal population. 7 Nevertheless, the challenges of effective hair removal treatments, such as skin melanin content that acts as a competing chromophore for light absorption, affect both hair reduction efficacy and increase the risk of adverse events such as blistering and hyperpigmentation. This is most relevant in individuals with darker skin (phototypes III-VI). ...
... It has been shown that subjects with pigmented skin are more prone to laser-related adverse events such as pain, blistering, and dyspigmentation. 7 To minimize the rate of adverse events in these individuals, prolonged pulse-width laser devices and longer treatment duration were proposed. 8 Factors such as skin type and hair color, as well as different levels of hair thickness and depth, affect the appropriate laser selection. ...
Background:
Laser has been long accepted as a solution for excess or unwanted hair growth yet traditional lasers are not always ideal for safe and effective outcome for all skin types and hair characteristics. A diode laser module combining three wavelengths (755, 810, and 1064 nm) in a single pulse was developed to provide a fast and long-term solution for subjects with various profiles.
Aims:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a Triple wavelength diode laser module for hair removal treatment in all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI).
Subjects and methods:
This was a prospective, dual centered, single-arm study. Subjects were treated with a novel diode laser module. Thirty-six subjects were enrolled, sixteen with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV (46%) and twenty with Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI (54%). Treatment areas were axilla and bikini lines. Subjects underwent 4 treatment sessions at 6 weeks ± 5 days intervals and attended a follow-up visit 3 months after the last treatment session. 2D digital photographs were taken at baseline and at the follow-up visit, and a hair count was conducted by three blinded evaluators.
Results:
A significant reduction in hair count between baseline and the 3-month follow-up visit was observed in both axilla and bikini lines for all skin types. The mean hair reduction was 41.5 ± 19.4% and 48.1 ± 20.9% in the axilla and bikini line, respectively. A significant hair reduction was also observed within skin type groups; mean hair reduction 45.5 ± 16.9% and 40.3 ± 17.2% in skin types I-IV and V-VI, respectively, indicating similar efficacy for both light and dark skin types. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that the Soprano Titanium laser platform is safe and effective for hair removal treatment in all skin types.
... Therefore, the effective long-term removal of unwanted hair within these patients is important to prevent and reduce the associated negative psychological sequelae. The advent of laser and light-based hair removal systems and their increasing popularity for "long-term" hair removal offers a potentially effective therapeutic opportunity (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). However, with a lack of robust evidence concerning their safety and efficacy profiles, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive studies. ...
... Functionally, laser hair-removal systems utilize the theory of selective photothermolysis, which involves targeting an area capable of absorbing light at a specific wavelength (chromophore) (2,11,12,16). The commonest chromophore targeted is melanin, which is a pigment concentrated within the hair follicle and not found in the dermis and thus enables targeted destruction of the follicle without nearby structure damage (10,12,16,17). Understanding laser parameters is important in targeting hair removal specifically to individual patients. ...
Laser and light-based devices provide scope for long-term "hair-removal" however, there is limited evidence supporting their long-term efficacy. This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy of laser and light-based "hair-removal" devices, taking into account variations in body site-specific variations in hair growthcycles. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with follow-up periods greater than or equal to the length of one complete hair growth cycle in the body site targeted was conducted. Only five eligible RCTs were identified as suitable for inclusion, and these comprised a total of 223 patients. The average long-term hair reduction reported for neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser ranged from 30 to 73.61%, Alexandrite laser ranged from 35 to 84.25%, and Diode laser ranged from 32.5 to 69.2%. In all three devices, the greatest long-term reduction was observed from trials targeting leg hair (1-year growth cycle) and lowest from targeting facial hair (6-month growth cycle). Intense pulsed light (IPL) produced average long-term hair reduction of 52.7-27%; smallest reduction was observed from targeting the face area and greatest from targeting the axillary area (7-month growth cycle). In conclusion, greater long-term hair reduction was observed on body sites with longer hair growth cycles. Future trials should take into account the varyiation of hair growth cycles across body sites to provide accurate long-term data on treatment outcomes.
... 4 LHR outcome can be influenced by multiple factors, which can be device-related (wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse duration, skin cooling), patient-related (endocrine dysfunction, anatomical region, skin phototype, hair thickness, hair growth cycle and the depth of the follicles), or operator-related (proper knowledge and appropriate laser settings). 5 The FDA has defined permanent hair reduction as "a significant reduction in the number of terminal hairs after a given treatment, which is stable for a period of time longer than the complete growth cycle of hair follicles at the given body site." 6 The misinterpretations regarding LHR presented in newspapers and advertisements has led to unrealistic patient expectations regarding the procedure. ...
... Most people consider permanent hair reduction 100% efficient and persistent. 5 Therefore, the FDA amended the permanent hair reduction definition, stating that "the number of hairs regrowing must be stable over a time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from 4 to 12 months according to body location." ...
Laser Hair Removal (LHR) became a very popular intervention, with a permanently increasing number of procedures being performed worldwide. The procedure is often performed by non‐medical personnel, and even by untrained personnel, that could be associated with different kind of adverse events, from mild to serious. The complications associated could be lower if the operators understand the basic of laser physics and the working principles of devices. We propose a simple acronym, WATCH, in order to increase the safety and efficiency of laser interventions.
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... Laser-assisted epilation is one of the most prevalent procedures in dermatology clinics worldwide. [8] This is due to its many advantages such as high patient satisfaction rate, [9] safety, and longevity of the results [6,10,11] in comparison with the other traditional methods of hair removal. [11] Long-pulsed lasers are commonly used for hair removal, especially alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers with good safety profile even in patients with darker skin colors. ...
... [8] This is due to its many advantages such as high patient satisfaction rate, [9] safety, and longevity of the results [6,10,11] in comparison with the other traditional methods of hair removal. [11] Long-pulsed lasers are commonly used for hair removal, especially alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers with good safety profile even in patients with darker skin colors. This is due to their longer wavelengths which avoid the competition with epidermal melanin. ...
Introduction: Laser hair removal (LHR) is a common procedure in dermatology. LHR using quality-switched (QS) 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) is very popular in our community despite lack of sufficient evidence on its efficacy and safety. Purpose: We report the characteristics of nine patients who developed hypopigmented macules after being treated with QS 1064 nm laser for hair removal. Methods: This was a retrospective study at a laser center in Saudi Arabia conducted between June 2014 and September 2018. Patients who developed white macules following treatment with QS 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for removal of unwanted hair were included in the study. Results: All patients were Saudi females with a mean age of 28.8 years (range: 25–37 years). Well-defined hypopigmented to depigmented 1–3 mm macules developed after being treated with QS 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for hair removal. The most commonly affected area was the face. Majority of patients had skin phototype IV. Hypopigmented macules developed after an average of 22 laser sessions (range: 4–48 sessions). None of the patients had either personal or family history of vitiligo. Lesions seem to be difficult to treat, with only two patients responding to topical tacrolimus and excimer laser. Conclusion: Hypopigmented macules might develop after QS 1064 nm LHR. Those macules appear to be resistant to treatment. Further prospective controlled studies needed to elaborate more on the safety profile of this procedure.
... Alexandrite LHR provides higher clearance rates than electrolysis 6 months following treatment (74 vs 35%), is 60 times less painful, and requires fewer treatment sessions [102]. In general, LHR has faster procedures times, higher efficacy, fewer side effects, and requires fewer sessions compared with electrolysis [103]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends between two and six treatments, spaced at least 6 weeks apart to allow for hair cycling [104]. ...
Chest pain is a symptom that is potentially life-threatening and requires quick and accurate evaluations. This article describes the quality of guidelines related to the evaluation and diagnosis of acute, undifferentiated chest pain. After systematically evaluating existing guidelines, we found that there exists a wide variety of quality in these documents. Future documents that provide recommendations should utilize guideline evaluation tools during the creation process to ensure a high-quality product, regardless of document type.
... Permanent hair removal techniques include electrolysis and photodepilation with intense pulsed light or laser. Multiple sessions with regular intervals are required to achieve results [87][88][89] . ...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age. It is a multifactorial disease with endocrinological, genetic, and environmental factors playing a role in its pathophysiology. The main diagnostic criteria include the presence of hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Women with PCOS present a variety of signs and symptoms, as well as an increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive disorders. This syndrome has an important psychological impact, and it is associated with a decreased quality of life. The dermatological manifestations, due to hyperandrogenism, include hirsutism, acne, and androgenetic alopecia. These manifestations provide clues for PCOS diagnosis, and early treatment is essential to improve the quality of life and well-being of patients. Thus, as part of a multidisciplinary approach, dermatologists play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of women with PCOS. Treatment includes hormonal therapy to control hyperandrogenism and non-hormonal therapy for each dermatological manifestation.
... A nevus consists of melanocytes and melanin, and photons of the lasers used for hair removal might be absorbed by the melanocytes of the nevus and cause subsequent thermal injury [14,15]. Photoepilation is widely used for hair removal and involves the use of lasers (long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755 nm), diode laser (800-810 nm), neodymium:yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (1064 nm), and ruby laser (694 nm)) or intense pulsed light (IPL) sources [15,16]. Atypical findings have been noted in pigmented lesions after laser or IPL hair removal (named photoepilation hereafter), either as new findings or as changed lesions. ...
Atypical clinical and dermoscopic findings, or changes in pigmented melanocytic lesions located on body areas treated with lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) for hair removal (photoepilation), have been described in the literature. There are three prospective studies in a total of 79 individuals with 287 melanocytic nevi and several case reports reporting the dermoscopic findings and changes after photoepilation. Clinical changes have been reported in 20–100% of individuals, while dermoscopic changes have been observed in 48% to 93% of nevi. More frequent dermoscopic changes included bleaching, the development of pigmented globules, and irregular hyperpigmented areas and regression structures, including gray areas, gray dots/globules, and whitish structureless areas. The diagnostic approach for pigmented lesions with atypical dermoscopic findings and changes after photo-epilation included reflectance confocal microscopy, sequential digital dermoscopy follow-up, and/or excision and histopathology. Challenges pertaining to these diagnostic steps in the context of photoepilation include the detection of findings that may warrant a biopsy to exclude melanoma (ugly duckling, irregular hyperpigmented areas, blue-gray or white areas, and loss of pigment network), the potential persistence of changes at follow-up, and that a histopathologic diagnosis may not be possible due to the distortion of melanocytes or complete regression of the lesion. Furthermore, these diagnostic approaches can be time-consuming, require familiarization of the physician with dermoscopic features, may cause anxiety to the individual, and highlight that avoiding passes of the laser or IPL devices over pigmented lesions is key.
... It works by applying electrical current via fine needle into the hair follicle [34]. Although, laser treatment is more expensive, less painful and much faster results can be seen [65], the side effects associated with its use are higher. Eflornithine hydrochloride-It is an inhibitor of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase in human skin, has been approved for topical application in hirsutism. ...
Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an underdiagnosed metabolic and endocrine disorder found in women of reproductive age in which ovaries develop follicles and does not release egg regularly. Its symptoms include menstrual irregularity, polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, infertility, insulin-resistance, impaired glucose tolerance. Currently the exact cause for the PCOS is unknown but research suggest that it may be related to lifestyle changes, environmental traits and genetical factors. Prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7 %to 22.5%. The syndrome is associated with increased gonadotropin-releasing diagnose PCOS till the date. , Rotterdam diagnostic criteria is highly accepted by the healthcare providers. Weight loss has been a major contributor in the non-pharmacological management of PCOS. Moderate exercise, behavioral therapy and psychological counselling is suggested for affected women. In pharmacological treatment, combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), metformin, anti-androgen agents, clomiphene citrate, letrozole as fertility inducing agents are used and surgical options are also considered when necessary. In India, PCOS is still underdiagnosed disorder with long term morbidities involved and its time that it should be discussed more openly and treated holistically.
... 41 Widely accepted advantages of LHR include treatment efficiency, affordability, and tolerability. [42][43][44][45][46] LHR can quickly target large areas of hair. 24,25 Three treatments can achieve 30%−70% hair reduction, with additional treatments leading to 90% or more clearance. ...
Introduction
Permanent genital hair removal is required before gender-affirming vaginoplasty to prevent hair-related complications. No previous studies have directly compared the relative efficacy, costs, and patient experiences with laser hair removal (LHR) vs electrolysis treatments. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of medical devices is poorly understood and commonly misrepresented, adversely affecting patient care.
Aim
This study compares treatment outcomes of electrolysis and LHR for genital hair removal and investigates FDA regulation of electrolysis and LHR devices.
Methods
Penile-inversion vaginoplasty and shallow-depth vaginoplasty patients completed surveys about their preoperative hair removal, including procedure type, number/frequency of sessions, cost, and discomfort. Publicly available FDA-review documents and databases were reviewed.
Main Outcomes Measure
Compared to electrolysis, LHR was associated with greater efficiency, decreased cost, decreased pain, and improved patient satisfaction.
Results
Of 52 total (44 full-depth and 8 shallow-depth) vaginoplasty patients, 22 of 52 underwent electrolysis only, 15 of 52 underwent laser only, and 15 of 52 used both techniques. Compared to patients that underwent LHR only, patients that underwent only electrolysis required a significantly greater number of treatment sessions (mean 24.3 electrolysis vs 8.1 LHR sessions, P < .01) and more frequent sessions (every 2.4 weeks for electrolysis vs 5.3 weeks for LHR, P < .01) to complete treatment (defined as absence of re-growth over 2 months). Electrolysis sessions were significantly longer than LHR sessions (152 minutes vs 26 minutes, P < .01). Total treatment costs for electrolysis (981, P < .01). Electrolysis was associated with greater pain and significantly increased need for pretreatment analgesia, which further contributed to higher net costs for treatment with electrolysis vs laser. Many LHR and electrolysis devices have been FDA-cleared for safety, but the FDA does not assess or compare clinical efficacy or efficiency.
Clinical Implications
For patients with dark-pigmented hair, providers should consider LHR as the first-line treatment option for preoperative hair removal before gender-affirming vaginoplasty.
Strength and Limitations
This is the first study to compare electrolysis and LHR for genital hair removal. The discussion addresses FDA review/oversight of devices, which is commonly misrepresented. Limitations include the survey format for data collection.
Conclusion
When compared with electrolysis, LHR showed greater treatment efficiency (shorter and fewer treatment sessions to complete treatment), less pain, greater tolerability, and lower total cost. Our data suggests that, for patients with dark genital hair, providers should consider recommending laser as the first-line treatment for permanent genital hair removal before vaginoplasty.
Yuan N, Feldman A, Chin P, et al. Comparison of Permanent Hair Removal Procedures before Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: Why We Should Consider Laser Hair Removal as a First-Line Treatment for Patients Who Meet Criteria. Sex Med 2022;10:100545.
... Long term sustainability of laser treatment in PCOS condition need to be further ascertained with more clinical relevance. This treatment is much expensive, but less painful and much faster than other methods of hair removal [128]. Nowadays newer topical hair removal creams are available and added along with laser therapy for additional benefits in hirsutism treatment. ...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women is characterized by polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. The treatment in PCOS is mainly symptomatic and involves lifestyle interventions and medications such as Metformin, Oral contraceptives and Antiandrogens. However, the management of PCOS is challenging and current interventions are not able to deal with outcomes of this syndrome. This review encompasses latest pharmacotherapeutic and non-pharmacotherapeutic interventions currently in use to tackle various symptomatic contentions in PCOS. Our focus has been mainly on novel therapeutic modalities for treatment/management of PCOS, like use of newer insulin sensitizers viz., Inositols, Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) agonists, Dipeptidyl pepdidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Also, evidence suggesting the use of vitamin D, statins, and Letrozole as emerging therapies in PCOS have been summarized in this review. Additionally, novel cosmetic techniques like electrolysis, laser and use of topically applied eflornithine to tackle the most distressing feature of facial hirsutism associated with PCOS, non-pharmacological therapy like acupuncture and the role of herbal medicine in PCOS management have also been discussed.
... Numerous previous studies have demonstrated the applicability of various single-wavelength lasers for hair reduction, [12][13][14] yet data regarding the use of multiple wavelengths laser devices is scarce. ...
Background
As the pursuit for a safe and effective device for laser hair removal continues, the use of simultaneous multiple wavelengths in a single device requires further exploration.
Aim
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel multi-wavelength laser device for hair removal.
Patients and methods
This retrospective cohort study included adult participants of both sexes with Fitzpatrick skin types of III and IV. Hairy sites were treated by a multiple wavelength (810nm, 940nm, and 1064nm) laser device (Primelase, Coccoon medical, Barcelona, Spain). Laser parameters included: fluence of 14–20 J/cm², pulse duration of 7–30 ms, and spot size of 20*9 mm². Participants underwent up to 7 treatments at 6–8 weeks intervals and were followed for 6 months after the last treatment session. "Before" and "after" clinical photographs were acquired and were used to evaluate efficacy by 2 independent dermatologists. They employed the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS; scale of 0 [no improvement] to 4 [excellent improvement; Over 75% hair reduction]). Participants’ satisfaction was rated on a scale of 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). Pain perception and adverse events were recorded as well.
Results
Eighteen participants (6 men, 12 women) were included with a total of 49 treatment sites. Mean hair reduction was 3.6 out of 4 in the GAIS. Participants’ satisfaction rate was high (mean 4.5). Beside mild transient discomfort during the procedure, no adverse events were recorded.
Conclusion
The use of a multiple wavelengths’ laser device is safe and effective for hair removal.
... 24 female subjects with skin types II-IV were treated three times every four weeks. The study concluded that a mean hair removal efficiency of 74% was noted at 3 months, whereas 79% was reported at 6 months [10]. ...
Background: Hair forms an important appendage of the body playing a significant role in an individual’s psychosocial personality. Hirsutism is the presence of terminal hair at androgen-dependent sites in a female. Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth all over the body in a non-androgen dependent manner. Increased terminal facial hair growth leads to cosmetic embarrassment, psychological distress and a low self-esteem in women. Currently, the most effective and advanced procedure for unwanted hair removal is laser epilation. Diode laser (800-855nm) are the most frequently used for this purpose and can be used in two different modes FDP (Fast delivery pulse) and DP (delivery pulse). With this study we aim to compare the efficacy of these two modes of diode laser for facial hair reduction. Objectives: 1.To study the clinical presentation of unwanted facial hair in patients visiting the department. 2. To study the trichoscopic features of facial hair in patients. 3.To study the correlation between the endocrinal abnormalities and clinical presentation in patients with increased facial hair. 4. To study the effectiveness of two different modes of diode laser on facial hair. Methods: It is a prospective randomized control study with a total of 20 female patients in the age group of 18-50 years with complaints of unwanted facial hair. VIKINI Diode laser of wavelength 808nm will be used for treatment. Post randomization the participants will be divided into two groups, one of them will be treated with FDP (Fast delivery pulse) mode and the other with DP (delivery pulse) mode. A total of six sittings will be performed at an interval of 4 weeks. Baseline trichoscopy findings as well as trichoscopy at follow up visits at one, three and six months will be recorded. Post procedure patient satisfaction and pain assessment will be also be recorded. Expected Results: The result would be undertaken in SPSS software. This study will help in understanding which technique is superior for laser hair reduction for facial hair. Conclusion: The conclusion will be based on findings for study protocol.
... 16,22 Although a number of lasers and non-laser light sources have been developed for the purpose of hair removal, the 755 nm alexandrite and 800-810 nm diode lasers are considered as common options for hair removal among individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. 23,24 Since laser hair removal is an elective procedure, pain is an important factor in determining treatment suitability and treatment compliance. It has been observed that intra-and post-operative pain is rated mild to moderate with the alexandrite laser but moderate to severe with the diode laser. ...
Introduction: The axillary hair removal laser is one of the most often used procedures to treat unwanted hairs in that region. Employing this technology can be helpful in decreasing the bromhidrosis. Methods: In the present research, a clinical trial study over the effect of the hair removal laser on normal microbial flora at the axillary region is presented. The intervention group consisted of 30 women referred to the dermatologic clinic for the purpose of removing axillary hair by the alexandrite 755 nm laser and the control group consisted of 30 women referred to the same clinic for any other reasons. Both groups were evaluated for the type of bacterial strains on the first visit and after three and six months. Results: The results showed that the sense of sweat smell improved by about 63% after the last laser session. The frequency of all bacterial strains decreased in the intervention group except Staphylococcus epidermidis which was significant. In the control group, there was no significant decrement in any bacterial strains and even the prevalence of more strains including Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis increased. Counting the mean bacterial colon showed a slight decrement of the bacterial count following the laser. Conclusion: The use of laser radiation, even with the aim of hair removal, can alter the microbial flora, and it can be accompanied by the improvement of the smell of sweat. The effect of the laser on different bacterial strains is quite different, which can depend on the amount of energy, the wavelength, the characteristics of the area under the laser, and also the structural properties of the membrane of the microorganism itself.
... However, LHR is ineffective in treating light or vellus hairs. 11 Electrolysis is currently the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved method of permanent hair removal, whereas LHR is only approved for permanent hair reduction. 9 In this study, hair removal refers to the treatment of unwanted hair regardless of modality and refers to permanent hair reduction and removal in the clinical setting unless indicated otherwise. ...
Importance
Hair removal can be an essential component of the gender affirmation process for gender-minority (GM) patients whose outward appearance does not align with their gender identity.
Objective
To examine the health insurance policies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Medicaid policies for coverage of permanent hair removal for transgender and GM patients and to correlate the policies in each state with statewide protections of coverage for gender-affirming care.
Design and Setting
Private health insurance policies available on the ACA marketplace and statewide Medicaid policies were examined in a cross-sectional study from September 1 to October 31, 2019, and January 17 to 30, 2020. Policies were assessed for coverage of permanent hair removal. Language concerning hair removal was found in each policy’s medical or clinical coverage guidelines and separated into general categories.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare Medicaid policies and ACA policies in states with and without transgender protections.
Results
A total of 174 policies were analyzed, including 123 private insurance policies and 51 statewide Medicaid policies. Of these policies, 8 (4.6%) permitted the coverage of permanent hair removal without explicit restrictions. The remaining 166 policies (95.4%) broadly excluded or did not mention gender-affirming care; prohibited coverage of hair removal or did not mention it; or only permitted coverage of hair removal preoperatively for genital surgery. The ACA marketplace policies in states without transgender care protections were less likely to cover hair removal without restrictions than ACA policies in states with protections (2 of 85 policies [2.4%] in states without transgender care protections vs 5 of 38 policies [13.2%] in states with transgender care protections), and Medicaid policies were less likely to cover preoperative or nonsurgical hair removal compared with ACA policies (6 of 51 Medicaid policies [11.8%] vs 47 of 123 ACA policies [38.2%]).
Conclusions and Relevance
Despite adoption of statewide restrictions on GM health care exclusions by several states, most Medicaid and ACA policies examined in this study did not cover permanent hair removal for transgender patients. Many GM patients seeking hair removal may be required to pay out-of-pocket costs, which could be a barrier for gender-affirming care.
... To our knowledge, this is the first report to present the application of laser therapy for hair removal of the forehead flap after nasal reconstruction. Several medical laser devices using related technologies have been approved worldwide for hair removal over the past 20 years, including diode lasers (630-900 nm), Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers (1064 nm), alexandrite lasers (755 nm), ruby lasers (680 nm), CO 2 lasers, and noncoherent intense-pulsed light (IPL) (590-1200 nm) [13,14]. Although other laser techniques represent diverse therapeutic options, alexandrite laser appears to be the best option available; this hair removal technique is supported by more than 20 controlled trials [9,11,[15][16][17]. ...
The forehead flap is a dependable option for nasal reconstruction owing to its reliability and anatomic likeness to nasal skin. For patients with low hairlines, the vertical design of the paramedian forehead flap can intrude into the scalp, thus incorporating hair into the nasal reconstruction. The inadequate length of the forehead flap or shift to an oblique design may result in eyebrow elevation and asymmetry. Therefore, laser hair removal (epilation) on the forehead flap has been proposed to improve esthetic results. An alexandrite laser (755 nm, 10 to 20 ms, 18-mm spot size) with a Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) cooling system was used for hair removal in 22 patients (16 male and 6 female patients) after nasal reconstructions using forehead flaps from December 2011 to September 2016. All patients received cryogen spray cooling laser treatment (CSC-LT). The mean follow-up period was 24 months, with a range between 18 and 50 months. The average duration of treatment was 1.8 months (range, 1-5 months). The energy density ranged from 14 to 18 J/cm2 with an average of 17.2 J/cm2. The number of treatments ranged from 2 to 4 (mean 2.8). Patients had satisfactory esthetic results over 11.1 months (range, 8-18 months). Residual white hairs were observed in 3 patients, and 4 patients had tiny black residual hairs without deteriorating cosmesis. Using an alexandrite laser to remove hair on the forehead is safe and reliable in nasal reconstruction with superior recipient site cosmesis.
BACKGROUND
Permanent hair reduction is an integral part of gender-affirming medical care, especially for transgender patients undergoing surgeries such as phalloplasty and vaginoplasty. Hair removal helps reduce complications and alleviate gender dysphoria associated with unwanted facial and body hair.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the methods, efficacy, and access issues of hair removal in transgender patients, with a focus on its role in surgical preparation and gender dysphoria reduction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature review was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of laser hair removal (LHR) and electrolysis for permanent hair reduction. The review also explored regional regulatory barriers and insurance coverage limitations affecting access to these services.
RESULTS
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both effective for hair removal, with LHR being less painful and faster. Laser hair removal is often preferred but requires multiple treatments and proper laser settings. Insurance coverage remains inconsistent, limiting access to these procedures. Postoperative hair regrowth in neovaginal or neourethral sites can be managed with hormonal adjustments and further treatments.
CONCLUSION
Hair removal plays an essential role in reducing surgical complications and gender dysphoria in transgender patients. A multidisciplinary approach between dermatologists and surgeons is essential, and addressing regulatory and access barriers is critical for equitable care.
Background
Triple wave hair removal is an advanced method for achieving permanent hair reduction which has always been challenging. This technique combines the benefits of three different wavelengths of laser light to target a broader range of skin types effectively. This study employed three different equipment.
Aims
To establish the efficacy of triple wavelength hair removal in various skin types, sites and type of hair. To give importance to parameter selection and various techniques to be employed in various situations to achieve permanent hair removal.
Patients and Methods
This was an Investigator initiated, two center study of female's patients with hirsutism above age 18 years with skin type III−V, areas included are face, chin, chest and others between the period of August 2017 to February 2024.
Results
The amount of hair reduction was assessed using the physician GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) score: No results 0% reduction, Poor 0%−25% reduction, Average 25%−50% reduction, good 50%−75% reduction, and excellent 75%−100% reduction. Patients who completed minimum of four to maximum of six sessions were included in the study. An excellent reduction in 80% of the treated patients and good reduction in 15% of treated patients was observed.
Conclusion
This current study shows that a synergistic combination of three diode laser wavelengths used for hair removal is effective and safe to use in subjects of all skin types for facial and body hair and is an alternative in treatment of patients who responds poorly to diode wavelength.
Objectives
Hirsutism is a widespread condition affecting 5%–15% of females. Laser treatment of hirsutism has the best long‐term effect. Patients with nonpigmented or nonterminal hairs are not eligible for laser treatment, and the current patient journey needed to establish eligibility for laser hair removal is problematic in many health‐care systems.
Methods
In this study, we compared the ability to assess eligibility for laser hair removal of health‐care professionals and convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based models.
Results
The CNN ensemble model, synthesized from the outputs of five individual CNN models, reached an eligibility assessment accuracy of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.42–0.60) and a κ of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.13–0.27), taking a consensus expert label as reference. For comparison, board‐certified dermatologists achieved a mean accuracy of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.44–0.52) and a mean κ of 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22–0.31). Intra‐rater analysis of board‐certified dermatologists yielded κ in the 0.32 (95% CI: 0.24–0.40) and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.56–0.74) range.
Conclusion
Current assessment of eligibility for laser hair removal is challenging. Developing a laser hair removal eligibility assessment tool based on deep learning that performs on a par with trained dermatologists is feasible. Such a model may potentially reduce workload, increase quality and effectiveness, and facilitate equal health‐care access. However, to achieve true clinical generalizability, prospective randomized clinical intervention studies are needed.
Introduction
In the realm of dermatological advancements, the alexandrite laser has carved out a significant niche in hair removal treatments. Operating at a 755 nm wavelength, it is adept at targeting melanin in hair follicles, making it particularly suitable for individuals with fair skin tones. Despite its advantages, the application of alexandrite lasers presents challenges, especially in individuals with darker skin tones due to a higher risk of adverse effects.
Objective
This comprehensive review explores the literature to examine the role and advancements of the alexandrite laser within the evolving landscape of laser hair removal. It discusses the technology's strengths, limitations, and prospects, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its current state and identify avenues for further research.
Methods
Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 1990 to April 2024. The search included keywords and MeSH terms like ‘laser therapy,’ ‘hair reduction,’ ‘phototherapy,’ ‘hair removal,’ and ‘alexandrite.’ Studies focusing specifically on alexandrite lasers for hair removal, including reviews and clinical trials, were included.
Results
The alexandrite laser is highly effective for light skin tones but poses risks for darker skin. Nd:YAG lasers are safer for darker skin but may require more sessions for fine or light‐colored hair. Diode lasers are versatile for various skin types but less efficient for very dark or very light skin. IPL is adaptable but often needs more sessions and has higher side effect risks. Long‐term studies show sustained hair reduction with alexandrite lasers, resulting in high patient satisfaction. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as redness and swelling. Recent advancements in alexandrite laser technology, such as integration with other laser types, larger spot sizes, and improved cooling systems, have enhanced its safety and efficacy. Combining alexandrite with Nd:YAG lasers has expanded its applicability to darker skin tones. These innovations, along with high‐frequency treatments and shorter pulse durations, promise improved patient outcomes. However, considerations of cost and the need for multiple sessions must be weighed.
Conclusion
No single hair removal technology is universally superior; the optimal choice varies based on individual skin and hair characteristics. Advancements in alexandrite laser technology have broadened its applicability and enhanced its effectiveness and comfort for patients. Ongoing research and technological developments promise to refine these techniques further, revolutionizing long‐lasting hair reduction and making it an increasingly accessible and sustainable choice.
Introduction
Performing laser hair removal treatments on dark skin is limited by the quantity of melanin within the skin. To minimize side effects, lower values of fluence are selected when using standard 755 or 810 nm diode lasers. However, this approach may limit the effectiveness of the procedure, particularly when treating areas with thin and less pigmented hair, which is often the case in facial regions. To improve results, high‐power triple wavelength diode lasers can be used. This study aims to assess the efficacy, safety, and comfort of treatments that remove facial hair with a high‐power triple wavelength diode laser (810, 940, and 1060 nm) in static mode on Asian patients with thin and less pigmented hair.
Materials and Methods
A single‐center retrospective cohort study was carried out using a high‐power triple wavelength diode laser (810, 940, and 1060 nm), with a 2.7 cm ² spot size, on faces with thin and less pigmented hair. The study comprised 23 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V. Effectiveness was measured by counting the hairs that appeared in high‐resolution photos taken prior to and following the procedure, in addition to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Furthermore, mathematical 3D simulations were created on the COMSOL Multiphysics® software to allow for comparisons to be made with regard to thermal damage sustained by the hair follicles and epidermal heating. Assessments were also made in relation to side effects.
Results
An average of 66% hair reduction was observed. Patient satisfaction was between 4 and 5 points on the GAIS scale, indicating that the treatment was very well received and tolerated. Adverse side effects were not observed.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the use of a high‐power triple wavelength diode laser (810, 940, and 1060 nm) is safe and effective for the treatment of very fine and less pigmented facial hair on Asian skin. Furthermore, a triple wavelength (810, 940, and 1060 nm) laser is absorbed less by the melanin in the skin, enabling the use of higher fluences in stamping mode, with greater efficacy and safety for darker skin.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a hormonal condition which can lead to many other issues including physical and psychological among women. Disturbance in sleep quality, eating pattern, and difficulty in mood regulation is reported by large number of PCOD patients. Psychological and neurological factors play a imperative role in PCOS (Shi, et al. ,2011). The present study aimed at compring the Eating Behaviour, Sleep Disorder and Emotional Disturbance among PCOS & Non-PCOS women. Research was conducted with cross sectional research design. 200 females (100 PCOS, 100 Non-PCOS) were selected by using purposive sampling method from Delhi-NCR region. Measures used were Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), Sleep Quality Scale and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire. Result under Independent t-test analysis revealed that PCOD and Non-PCOD group were significantly different on sleep quality, eating behaviour, and Emotional disturbance. PCOD group were found with poor sleep quality and eating habit and when compared with Non-PCOs. Emotional disturbance was reported to be high in PCOD women than Non-PCOD group.
Background
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterised by abnormal neurovasculature and inflammation in the central region of the face. The efficacy of pulsed‐dye laser and intense pulsed light treatments for rosacea have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. However, there is currently no research on the efficacy of long‐pulsed alexandrite laser (LPAL) therapy alone for rosacea‐related facial redness and its effect on skin microbiota.
Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of LPAL therapy on facial redness in rosacea and assess changes in skin microbiota composition.
Methods
Subjects with rosacea (n=21, mean age: 39.2±11.3 years) were recruited from two medical institutions and received monthly LPAL treatments (Clarity II™, Lutronic Corp.) for 3 months. At each visit, clinical photographs were taken, and erythema was measured using a spectrometer. At the initial and final visits, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skin Sensitivity Questionnaire (SSQ) were evaluated. Skin swabs were obtained at the initial and final visit, and facial microbiome composition was analysed using 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing.
Results
After three LPAL treatment sessions, the average facial erythema index, measured using Mexameter® decreased significantly from 360.0 ± 96.7 at baseline to 312.0 ± 94.5 at the final visit ( p <0.05). The DLQI and SSQ showed significant improvement of symptoms. Skin microbiome diversity and relative abundance were altered significantly, particularly in the genera Clostridium, Lawsonella, Bacteroides , and Lactobacillus .
Conclusions
LPAL therapy alone showed favourable efficacy for the treatment of facial redness in rosacea, with some impacts on the skin microbiota composition.
Background:
Laser hair removal (LHR), including the use of home-based devices, is becoming very popular in Oman. Despite this, some people still have many misconceptions about this procedure, especially of its long-term complications. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of LHR among dermatology clinic attendees in Muscat, Oman.
Methods:
A cross sectional survey study was conducted at Al Seeb and Bowshar polyclinics in Muscat, Oman, to attendees between the ages of 18 and 70 years. The Chi-square test was used to assess the association between different categorical variables. Results were considered to be statistically significant if P < 0.05.
Results:
Of the 500 questionnaires which were distributed, 403 were completed (response rate = 80.6%). The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 32.9 (8.5) years old. In this study, 45.7% (184/403) of participants had used LHR, and of those, 88.6% (163/184) were satisfied with the results. The knowledge percentage among individuals was higher among those who used LHR compared to those who did not use LHR (46% vs. 27%, respectively; P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in LHR knowledge percentages based on employment status or monthly income. Female participants and subjects with an educational level of a college degree or above had superior knowledge regarding the safety of LHR use during pregnancy (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
This study noted a lack of knowledge, with various misconceptions, about LHR among patients attending dermatology clinics in Oman, especially in individuals who had not used LHR before.
Background: There are no studies examining the use, safety, efficacy, effective fluence and pulse duration of Laser hair reduction in Nigerians. This study aimed to document the safety, efficacy, effective fluence and pulse duration, and the number of Laser sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction. Methods: A retrospective review of Laser hair removal in 87 FitzPatrick skin type V and VI patients from January 2017 to August 2021 using the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:Yag). The fluence (Joules/cm3), pulse duration (msecs), Laser site and interval between Laser sessions were documented. Data was summarized using frequencies and percentage proportion. Comparison of pulse duration, fluence, and the number of sessions between different body sites was tested using analysis of variance. Results: A total of 354 laser sessions were performed in 87 patients made up of 80 females and 7 males; mean age of 35.8±9.24 years. The face was the most frequently treated site (67.5% of the sessions). The mean number of laser sessions, pulse duration and fluence were 4.07±4.22, 19.38±1.48 (msec) and 18.22±1.29 (J/cm3) respectively. An average of 6 sessions was required to achieve permanent hair reduction: the face required a significantly lower number of sessions, p=0.043. Conclusions: The long pulse Nd:Yag 1064 laser is an effective and safe Laser for hair removal in skin types V and VI. The effective, safe pulse duration and fluence are 16 to 22 msec and 15 to 20 J/cm2 respectively. The face requires fewer number of Laser sessions.
Objectives:
To compare the effectiveness of long-pulsed alexandrite laser (LPAL) with that of pulsed-dye laser (PDL) for rosacea.
Methods:
This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial on 27 patients who were clinically diagnosed with rosacea. Randomly assigned split face in each patient received four times monthly treatment of LPAL plus low-fluence Nd:YAG with the contralateral side serving as the control treated with PDL. At every visit, the erythema index (EI) was measured with skin analysis systems, and two independent dermatologists evaluated digital photographs for five-point global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS).
Results:
The EI significantly decreased on both treated sides (LPAL 366.5 ± 101.0 vs. 295.8 ± 90.2, p < 0.001, PDL 369.0 ± 124.3 vs. 302.7 ± 92.1, p < 0.001) 1 month after fourth treatment (visit 5). Also 3 months after the fourth treatment (visit 6), the reduction in the EI was well maintained on both sides (LPAL 360.3 ± 96.8 vs. 282.0 ± 89.2, p < 0.001, PDL 364.3 ± 121.6 vs. 281.6 ± 97.8, p < 0.001). When comparing the improvement in the EI between the two groups, the percentage reduction in the EI on the LPAL-treated side was not inferior to the PDL-treated side (visit 5: LPAL 18.7 ± 15.7% vs. PDL 16.4 ± 12.9%, p = 0.501 and visit 6: LPAL 21.7 ± 13.9% vs. PDL 21.9 ± 15.2%, p = 0.943). The GAIS and patient satisfaction were comparable between the LPAL and PDL sides and did not show any significant difference. No serious adverse events occurred on either of the treated sides.
Conclusion:
This study showed that the decrease in EI in the treatment of rosacea was comparable between PDL and LPAL. Therefore, LPAL could be a promising alternative treatment option with good merits for rosacea, considering no consumables are required for device maintenance.
Lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems are some of the most demanded techniques used for unwanted hair removal. They act by selective photothermolysis, a mechanism by which photons target the hair follicle melanocyes while, at the same time, sparing the surrounding tissue. However, when applied directly onto a pigmented lesion, the energy from the laser can be absorbed by nevocytes, with subsequent thermal injury of the lesion. Few studies in the literature have described the consequences of laser and IPL devices on melanocytic nevi. Our aim was to summarize the clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathologic modifications that occurred in nevi after these hair removal techniques. We selected four case series and three case reports, totalling 12 patients, of which seven had been previously treated with laser and five with IPL for hair removal. Clinical modifications of nevi consisted in hyperpigmentation, crust formation, two-colour aspect and complete clearance of nevi. Dermatoscopically, a change in pigment distribution and colour, microcrusts, grey-blue structures and a milky red veil were described. Histopathological changes were consistent with inflammation and benignity. Ultraviolet radiation is known to cause DNA damage and mutagenesis, while the effects of visible light and infrared laser on tissues are primarily thermal. However, we cannot definitively exclude the potential for malignancy after repeated thermal trauma of nevomelanocytes.
Hirsutism is the medical term that refers to the presence of excessive terminal (coarse) hair in androgen-sensitive areas of the female body (upper lip, chin, chest, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs). Virilization is more extensive than hirsutism with additional evidence of masculinization. In particular, the term virilization refers to the concurrent presentation of hirsutism with a broad range of signs suggestive of androgen excess, varying with age, such as ambiguous external genitalia, increased muscle mass, acne, balding, deepening of the voice, breast atrophy, amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea, and increased libido.Hirsutism and virilization usually have different underlying pathologic conditions, generally more severe in virilization that is frequently an expression of a life-threatening disorder such as malignancy (ovarian or adrenal tumors) (Bonfig et al., Eur J Pediatr 162:623–628, 2003) or classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH) (White and Speiser, Endocr Rev. 21:245–291, 2000; New, Mol Cell Endocrinol 211:75–83, 2003). Hirsutism commonly results from relatively benign functional disorders. Sometimes, however, it is the presentation of a more severe disorder, and it may be the first manifestation of a condition that will ultimately lead to virilization, if untreated. Therefore, both hirsutism and virilization must be seriously considered by practitioners not only for the disorder that they express but also for the considerable psychological negative impact that they exert in the individual affected, especially among young women (Barth et al., J Psychosom Res 37:615–619, 1993; Sonino et al., Postgrad Med J 69:186–189, 1993; Assante et al., International workshop “disorders of sex development: new directions and persistent doubts”, 14–15 Nov 2011, Bologna, Italy, 2011; Guidi et al., Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 83:872–878, 2015).KeywordsHirsutismVirilizationEtiologyDiagnosisTherapy
Unwanted facial hair growth is a common esthetic problem. Laser hair removal has emerged as a leading treatment option for long-term depilation. The theory of selective photothermolysis has revolutionized laser hair removal in that it is effective and safe, when operated by sufficiently trained and experienced professionals. Long-pulsed ruby (694 nm), long-pulsed alexandrite (755 nm), diode (800–980 nm), and long-pulsed Nd: YAG (1064) are commercially available laser devices for hair removal most widely studied. The authors wish to share the efficacy and safety of intense pulse light therapy for permanent facial hair reduction in Indian population.
Background:
Extensive cervicofacial reconstruction is challenging for plastic surgeons. Because of the location of the adjacent scalp flap nourished by the superficial temporal artery (STA), it can be a candidate for cervicofacial reconstruction.
Objectives:
This article aims to report a combined treatment of an expanded island STA flap and an 810-nm diode laser hair removal technique for extensive cervicofacial defects.
Methods:
Between January 2015 and December 2018, 10 patients with lower face and neck scar contraction were reconstructed with a bilateral or unilateral expanded STA island flap and an 810-nm diode laser for hair removal in this retrospective study. Hair removal via the 810-nm laser was started when the injected volume reached the volume of the expander, with a fluence of 35 to 40 J/cm2 and a 1 to 2 Hz repetition rate. Before second-stage surgery, the hair reduction rate was assessed. Twelve months after surgery, the degree of epilation efficacy according to the satisfaction scale and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was evaluated.
Results:
This study included 2 single-pedicle flaps and 8 double-pedicle flaps. The average size of the implanted expanders was 600 mL. The average injected volume was 1405 mL. Before second surgery, there was a 67.4% hair reduction rate. Twelve months after surgery, the results of Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale were very good (3), good (6), average (1), and poor (0).
Conclusions:
The expanded island STA flap and 810-nm diode laser technique may be a novel treatment option for severe face and neck aesthetic reconstruction.
Background: Hirsutism is estimated to affect 10% to 20% of females, provoking significant psychological damage and social embarrassment. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a major cause of hirsutism.
Aim: Assessing the impact of adding combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or metformin to laser hair removal on the quality of life of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients with hirsutism.
Methodology: One-hundred-fifty PCO patients diagnosed with hirsutism were included in this study. Patients were randomized into three groups: group 1 received laser hair removal alone, group 2 received metformin and laser hair removal, and group 3 received COCs and laser hair removal. A diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm was used for hair removal in all patients according to a protocol of 6 monthly sessions followed by another two sessions after three and six months. Patients were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a customized questionnaire (Hirsutism Life Quality Index; HLQI).
Results: All patients showed a significant improvement in both quality indices (DLQI and HLQI) after treatment relative to pretreatment. Group 3 showed significantly better improvements when compared with group 2 and group 1. At three and six months, group 3 showed non-significantly better DLQI and HLQI as compared with at zero months. On the other hand, group 2 patients displayed significant worsening of both DLQI and HLQI scores at three months, with subsequent improvements again at six. Finally, group 1 patients showed nonsignificant worsening at three months, and significant worsening at 6 months.
Conclusion: Combining hormonal treatment with laser hair removal can achieve greater hair reduction, significant improvements in patients' QOL, and better maintenance as compared with when combining metformin with laser hair removal or conducting alone.
This review provides a study of the complications related to laser hair removal (LHR) along with the complication management pertaining to laser hair removal therapy. Laser hair removal is a widely practiced cosmetic procedure that is considered safe and effective. Comparatively, it is more effective than shaving, waxing, plucking, and epilation in terms of pain, speed, accuracy, and many other factors. Nevertheless, it also has complications like any other procedure. The complications associated with LHR could be immediate or, it might take some time to occur, which depends on various factors. Most of the complications can be prevented by the healthcare provider, while others can be treated with minimal medications. Alongside managing these complications, pre-treatment and post-treatment care must be precisely followed for effective results. The management therapy includes the use of corticosteroids, topical analgesics, selective antiviral agents, emollients, moisturizing creams, and lotions as the aftercare of the procedure and some other agents depending on the type of complication observed in a patient. Hence, there is a broad scope for laser hair removal advancements to avoid complications and achieve the best results.
Hair is a defining feature of mammals. In other species hair confers important functions that affect survival. Most have been lost or are irrelevant in humans but the role of hair in social and sexual signalling in women and in men survives and thrives. Departures from cultural norms, either physiological or due to pathology, can therefore cause much concern and anxiety. Following an introduction to hair biology, this chapter considers the approach to the diagnosis and management of the patient with hair loss before discussing specific hair disorders. These include the various forms of hair loss due to hair follicle pathology, disturbances in hair cycling and hair shaft dystrophies, and disorders associated with excessive hair growth. The chapter concludes with a discussion of acquired alterations in hair pigmentation.
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.
Introduction: Hirsutism is a condition of unwanted malepattern hair growth in women. Perception of hirsutism is subjective and it is a common condition affecting 5-10% of unselected women. Objectives: To find out the efficacy and safety of long-pulsed Nd-YAG laser in the treatment of hirsutism. Materials and Methods: Fifty females of age between 18- 50 years with dark terminal facial hair and normal hormonal profile were treated with long-pulsed Nd-YAG laser (1064nm, 10mm spot size, pulse duration of 25-30 minutes and fluence of 25-40J/cm2). Six consecutive sessions of laser treatment were delivered to all the patients at 4 to 6 weeks’ interval. Photographic evaluations and percentage of hair reduction were done before each session and final assessment noted at the end ofninemonths. Results: All the patients completed the study. Good hair reduction (50-75%) was seen in 52% of patients after the first treatment session. After six consecutive treatment sessions at the end of nine-month excellent hair reduction (>75%) was noted in 86% of patients and good hair reduction (50-75%) seen in 12% patients. Side effects in our study were post-operative erythema in 40% and perifollicular oedema in 33.33%. Conclusion: The study supportslong-pulsed Nd-YAG laser with multiple six sessionsis safe and effective in the treatment of hirsutism. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.14 (2) 2018: 169-172
Effective design of laser sources is crucial to optimum performance during Laser hair removal. Therefore, the thermal effect of laser sources was evaluated at wavelengths 694, 755, and 1064 nm at different fluence 4.5, 5.5, 10, and 15 J/cm2, respectively. The patient skin models are 3 photo types of a 3-layer 3D model of epidermis, dermis and hypodermis containing the hair shaft and follicle with thickness carefully selected to be in range of a normal human feature. Monte Carlo method, Bio heat transfer and thermal damage analysis using Arrhenius formula were employed. Results show that a laser source of 10-15 J/cm ² , at 755 nm wavelength is optimal for light skinned and moderate skinned while 4.5 -10 J/cm ² , 755-1064 nm is optimal for dark skinned people for a pulse width of 0.1 sec. This work would assist researchers and manufacturers in the design and development of hair photoepilation devices.
Telinga dapat mengalami defek baik karena pasca pengangkatan tumor atau trauma. Berbagai teknik dapat digunakan untuk menutup defek pada telinga. Flap Dieffenbach merupakan salah satu teknik untuk merekonstruksi 1/3 medial daun telinga. Dilaporkan satu kasus seorang perempuan 48 tahun dengan keratosis seboroik pada 1/3 medial daun telinga yang kemudian dilakukan eksisi dan defek ditutup dengan flap Dieffenbach. Eksisi tumor daun telinga dapat menimbulkan defek pada telinga yang memerlukan rekonstruksi. Flap Dieffenbach dapat digunakan untuk menutup defek pada 1/3 medial daun telinga dengan hasil yang sangat baik dan memuaskan.
For correct laser epilation, the anatomical and biological characteristics of the hair must be considered. The anagen phase is the ideal moment to perform the treatment. Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), alexandrite (755 nm), diode (810 mn), and ruby (694 nm) laser sources are used for the epilation. The endpoint of treatment consists in the appearance of perifollicular erythema and edema. The most common side effect of laser hair removal is hypopigmentation, especially in darker skin types or on tanned skin.
Telinga dapat mengalami defek baik karena pasca pengangkatan tumor atau trauma. Berbagai teknik dapat digunakan untuk menutup defek pada telinga. Flap Dieffenbach merupakan salah satu teknik untuk merekonstruksi 1/3 medial daun telinga. Dilaporkan satu kasus seorang perempuan 48 tahun dengan keratosis seboroik pada 1/3 medial daun telinga yang kemudian dilakukan eksisi dan defek ditutup dengan flap Dieffenbach. Eksisi tumor daun telinga dapat menimbulkan defek pada telinga yang memerlukan rekonstruksi. Flap Dieffenbach dapat digunakan untuk menutup defek pada 1/3 medial daun telinga dengan hasil yang sangat baik dan memuaskan.
Light‐based therapies are one of the most effective and widely used strategies for removal of undesired hair, with a broadly favorable safety profile. However, subjects with pigmented skin are found to be more prone to laser‐related adverse events. While prolonged pulse‐width and longer treatment duration were proposed to minimize adverse events, the optimal treatment option among available phototherapy modalities—long‐pulsed (Nd: YAG), pulsed diode, and alexandrite lasers as well as intense pulsed light (IPL)—remains unclear, particularly for skin of color. To determine superiority in terms of effectiveness and tolerability, we conducted a systematic review of literature on different types of in‐office laser and IPL for hair removal in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III‐VI. The meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.3 and included 12 eligible comparative trials (9 randomized controlled trials and 3 quasi‐randomized). In terms of hair count reduction, pooled effect estimates for long‐pulsed ND:YAG laser (OR 0.26, 95% CI [0.1, 0.78]) and diode laser (SMD ‐0.11, 95% CI [‐0.62, 0.39) were not statistically significant from those of IPL; in contrast, alexandrite laser was found to be superior to IPL in reducing hair count (SMD ‐1.7, 95% CI [‐2.6, ‐0.78]. In terms of adverse events, the pooled effect estimates favoured long‐pulsed Nd: YAG laser to IPL with respect to post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (OR 0.26, 95% CI [0.1, 0.78]). However, both pulsed diode and alexandrite lasers exhibited a comparable safety profile to IPL, despite higher pain scores with lasers. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that treatment outcomes for different in‐office laser devices and IPL in subjects with skin type III‐VI are broadly similar; nevertheless, we observed a trend toward greater hair reduction following laser therapy compared to IPL.
To determine the most effective treatment parameters for laser-assisted hair removal using a Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.
Prospective study to determine the effectiveness of Q-switched ND:YAG laser-assisted hair removal under varying pretreatment protocols. Hair growth was assessed after laser treatment, and the results were compared with those of wax epilation at 4, 12, and 24 weeks.
A private ambulatory laser facility and academic referral center.
Laser-assisted hair removal was performed under 4 different pretreatment conditions. Eighteen areas of unwanted body and facial hair from 12 study subjects were divided into 4 quadrants. Wax epilation followed by application of a carbon-based solution and exposure to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation was performed on 1 quadrant. A second quadrant was wax epilated and exposed to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation without prior carbon solution application. A third quadrant was exposed to laser radiation alone, and a final quadrant was wax epilated to serve as the control. Follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months consisted of photographic documentation, manual hair counts, and patient hair-density estimates.
Percentage of hair regrowth as assessed by objective hair counts and patient subjective evaluations.
Mean percentage of hair regrowth at 1 month was 39.9% for the wax-carbon-laser quadrant, 46.7% for the wax-laser quadrant, 66.1% for the laser-alone quadrant, and 77.9% for the wax control quadrant. The percentage of hair regrowth approximately doubled by 3 months but was significantly delayed in all laser-treated quadrants regardless of pretreatment protocol. Full hair regrowth in all anatomic locations was observed by month 6. Patient subjective evaluations of hair density closely approximated hair count data. No adverse effects or long-term complications were observed.
A single hair-removal treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in delaying hair growth for up to 3 months. Although the combination of pretreatment wax epilation and topical carbon solution application was effective, laser irradiation alone, with or without wax epilation, also provided a significant delay in hair growth.
Promising clinical results have been obtained with the normal mode ruby laser for removal of unwanted hair. Melanin within the hair follicles is thought to act as target for the ruby laser pulses, whereas epidermal melanin is thought to be a competitive chromophore, responsible for potential side effects. This study aimed (i) to objectify postoperative changes in skin pigmentation and texture and (ii) to evaluate the importance of variations in preoperative skin pigmentation for the development of side effects 12 weeks after 1 treatment with the normal-mode ruby laser. A total of 17 volunteers (skin types I-IV) were laser-treated in the hairy pubic region (n = 51 test areas). A shaved test area served as control. Skin reflectance spectroscopical measurements, 3-dimensional surface contour analysis and ultrasonography objectified postoperative changes in skin pigmentation and texture. Blinded clinical assessments revealed postoperative hyperpigmentation (2% of test areas) and hypopigmentation (10%), whereas no textural changes were seen. Reflectance spectroscopically-determined pigmentary changes depended on the degree of preoperative skin pigmentation, fairly pigmented skin types experiencing subclinical hyperpigmentation and darkly pigmented skin types experiencing subclinical hypopigmentation. Three-dimensional surface profilometry documented similar pre- and postoperative surface contour parameters, indicating that the skin surface texture is preserved after laser exposure. Ultrasonography revealed similar skin thicknesses in laser-exposed and untreated control areas. It is concluded that normal-mode ruby laser treatment is safe for hair removal in skin types I-IV.
The main purpose of this clinical study was to compare the effectiveness of an intense pulsed light irradiator system (IPL) and a normal mode ruby laser for hair removal.
Thirty-one patients were treated 3 times with a new IPL system on one side of the chin and neck and with a normal mode ruby laser on the other side. After 6 months, nine of the patients received 3 additional IPL treatments and 11 patients received 3 additional ruby laser treatments. All treatment intervals were 2 months. Hair reduction was measured by hair counts on close-up photographs.
Hair reduction was obtained by 93.5% of the patients after 3 IPL treatments and by 54.8% after 3 ruby laser treatments. The average hair count was reduced by 49.3% after IPL treatments and by 21.3% after ruby laser treatments. Three additional IPL treatments following 3 IPL treatments resulted in only 6.6% further hair reduction--in total 55.9%, whereas 3 IPL treatments following 3 ruby laser treatments resulted in an additional 35.5% hair reduction--in total 56.8%.
The IPL was found to be 3.94 times more effective than the ruby laser for hair removal. In the chin and neck region, more than 3 treatments with the IPL did not improve the therapeutic result significantly.
Objective:
To determine the most effective treatment parameters for laser-assisted hair removal using a Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser.
Design:
Prospective study to determine the effectiveness of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser—assisted hair removal under varying pretreatment protocols. Hair growth was assessed after laser treatment, and the results were compared with those of wax epilation at 4, 12, and 24 weeks.
Setting:
A private ambulatory laser facility and academic referral center.
Intervention:
Laser-assisted hair removal was performed under 4 different pretreatment conditions. Eighteen areas of unwanted body and facial hair from 12 study subjects were divided into 4 quadrants. Wax epilation followed by application of a carbon-based solution and exposure to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation was performed on 1 quadrant. A second quadrant was wax epilated and exposed to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation without prior carbon solution application. A third quadrant was exposed to laser radiation alone, and a final quadrant was wax epilated to serve as the control. Follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months consisted of photographic documentation, manual hair counts, and patient hair-density estimates.
Main Outcome Measure:
Percentage of hair regrowth as assessed by objective hair counts and patient subjective evaluations.
Results:
Mean percentage of hair regrowth at 1 month was 39.9% for the wax-carbon-laser quadrant, 46.7% for the wax-laser quadrant, 66.1% for the laser-alone quadrant, and 77.9% for the wax control quadrant. The percentage of hair regrowth approximately doubled by 3 months but was significantly delayed in all laser-treated quadrants regardless of pretreatment protocol. Full hair regrowth in all anatomic locations was observed by month 6. Patient subjective evaluations of hair density closely approximated hair count data. No adverse effects or long-term complications were observed.
Conclusions:
A single hair-removal treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective in delaying hair growth for up to 3 months. Although the combination of pretreatment wax epilation and topical carbon solution application was effective, laser irradiation alone, with or without wax epilation, also provided a significant delay in hair growth.Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:1546-1549
Background. Unwanted hair growth is a common, usually physiologic phenomenon.Objective. In this study the efficacy and tolerability of a long-pulsed ruby laser system was compared with needle electrolysis and hot wax on three parts of the body.Methods. Thirty volunteers were treated three times on the forearm (n = 10), on the face (n = 10), or in the pubic area (n = 10) with 25 J/cm2 laser, 40 J/cm2 laser, needle electrolysis, and hot wax therapy.Results. The 25 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2 laser treated sites showed a statistically significant decrease (38% and 49%, respectively) in the number of hairs at the first visit after the last treatment compared to the pretreatment hair counts. No significant decrease was observed in the needle electrolysis and hot wax treated sites. Laser therapy yielded better results on the forearm than on the face or pubic area and was scored as the least painful.Conclusion. The long-pulsed ruby laser is a promising, well-tolerated method of epilation.
Background. Laser hair removal is the treatment of choice for hypertrichosis. The two most commonly used hair removal lasers are compared. Objective. To present the results of a comparative study examining the role of wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse width, and cooling systems on long-term results after a series of four laser hair removal treatments using the 755 nm alexandrite and 800–810 nm diode lasers. Methods. The axillae of 15 untanned, type I–V patients were treated side by side four times at 4- to 6-week intervals with a 755 nm, 3-msec pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped alexandrite laser and an 800 nm, variable pulse width, cooled sapphire window-equipped diode laser. Each patient was pretested and treated with the maximum fluence tolerated at the largest spot size available for each laser (12 mm round/113 mm2 for the alexandrite and 9 mm for the diode). Results. Evaluations were done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the last treatment. Twelve-month results with the alexandrite and diode lasers achieved 85% versus 84% hair reduction. The fact that tan avoidance was strictly followed permitted the use of relatively high fluences (25–30+ J/cm2) even in type IV patients. For most patients, four treatment sessions using high fluences (30–40 J/cm2) with relatively large spot sizes (12 mm round for the 755 nm alexandrite and 9 mm for the 800 nm diode) resulted in 12-month hair reductions in the 90% range. Conclusion. Both the alexandrite and diode lasers in this 12-month study produced excellent long-term hair reductions.
Background:
Unwanted hair growth is a common, usually physiologic phenomenon.
Objective:
In this study the efficacy and tolerability of a long-pulsed ruby laser system was compared with needle electrolysis and hot wax on three parts of the body.
Methods:
Thirty volunteers were treated three times on the forearm (n = 10), on the face (n = 10), or in the pubic area (n = 10) with 25 J/cm2 laser, 40 J/cm2 laser, needle electrolysis, and hot wax therapy.
Results:
The 25 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2 laser treated sites showed a statistically significant decrease (38% and 49%, respectively) in the number of hairs at the first visit after the last treatment compared to the pretreatment hair counts. No significant decrease was observed in the needle electrolysis and hot wax treated sites. Laser therapy yielded better results on the forearm than on the face or pubic area and was scored as the least painful.
Conclusion:
The long-pulsed ruby laser is a promising, well-tolerated method of epilation.
Background. Lasers with long wavelengths are less well absorbed by melanin and are considered to be particularly suitable for hair removal in dark-skinned patients.Objective. To compare the efficacy and complications of 800 nm diode and long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers in laser-assisted hair removal in Chinese patients.Methods. Fifteen women had hair removal treatments (13 axillae and 2 legs) with diode laser on one side and Nd:YAG laser on the other. They were followed up for 36 weeks. Subjective assessments included the degree of immediate pain and the degree of hair regrowth. Clinical photographs were taken for evaluation by two independent observers to assess complications and the degree of hair regrowth.Results. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser was found to be significantly associated with a greater degree of immediate pain after laser surgery (P = .0001, independent sample t-test) and also had a longer laser time (P = .0001, independent sample t-test). Besides transit adverse effects such as erythema and perifollicular edema, only one patient developed hypopigmentation at week 6 which resolved by week 36. Although regrowth rates were low at week 6 (subjective rates were 23% and 19% for Nd:YAG and diode laser, respectively), most patients had significant regrowth at week 36 (subjective regrowth rate 91% for both long-pulsed Nd:YAG and diode lasers).Conclusion. Diode 800 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm lasers are safe in laser-assisted hair removal in Chinese patients, and besides immediate pain, there was no other significant adverse effect. Most patients experienced regrowth 36 weeks after a single treatment. Further study is necessary to determine the long-term clinical efficacy and complications of laser-assisted hair removal with these systems in dark-skinned patients.
Background and Objectives
The aim was to study hair removal efficacy, and possible side effects of two commercially available long pulsed diode lasers. The radiant exposure was selected to a value of 35 J/cm2, which is frequently used in the clinic in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA prospective clinical study was performed on twenty-nine patients with hair color ranging from light brown to black on the upper lip. One half of the upper lip was randomly selected for treatment with the MedioStar® laser; the contralateral half of the lip was treated with the LightSheer® laser. Three treatments were performed at 6–8 week intervals. Percent hair reduction and acute- and long-term side effects were evaluated after treatment.ResultsThe average hair reductions 6 months after the first treatment were 49% with the MedioStar® laser and 48% with the LightSheer® laser. No scarring or pigmentary change of the skin was observed after any of the treatments with either laser. However, differences in acute side effects such as degree of erythema and burned hairs were observed.Conclusions
No statistically significant differences in hair removal efficacy were observed. These results agree with mathematical modeling, which also offers a method to estimate hair removal efficacy and adverse effects for a range of hair characteristics and laser parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:399–404, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Background. Different techniques have been used for hair removal. Electrolytic epilation is a widely accepted method for this purpose. Recently laser hair removal was introduced.Objective. To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of long-pulse alexandrite laser hair removal with electrolytic epilation.Methods. Twenty-four areas of unwanted axillar hair in 12 patients were included in the study. The right axillar area of the patients was treated by electrolysis with an intensity of 4–8 mA, and the left area was treated with long-pulse alexandrite laser with fluences between 30 and 50 J/cm2. Electrolysis was performed four times at 3-week intervals, and laser treatment was performed three times at 4-week intervals. Before each session, the hairs in a 4 cm2 area centered in the axilla were counted. The last evaluation was done 6 months after the initial treatment. The pain, time, and cost of each procedure are compared.Results. The average clearance rate of the hairs was 74% by laser and 35% by electrolysis 6 months after the initial treatment.Conclusion. Alexandrite laser hair removal is a more reliable and practical solution than electrolysis. Laser hair removal is more expensive than electrolysis, but is 60 times faster and less painful than electrolysis; also fewer sessions are needed with the laser with better results.
Despite widespread demand for efficient, reliable methods of eliminating unwanted hair from the face and body, available options were limited until the recent development of laser-assisted hair removal systems. This is a review of the various types of hair removal methods available today with an emphasis on laser-assisted hair removal.
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.
Background:
Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem, generating a high level of interest for treatment innovations. Advances in laser technology over the past several years has led to the development and distribution of numerous red and infrared lasers and light sources to address this issue. Despite the impressive clinical results that have been reported with the use of individual laser hair removal systems, long-term comparative studies have been scarce.
Objective:
To compare the clinical and histologic efficacy, side effect profile, and long-term hair reduction of long-pulsed diode and long-pulsed alexandrite laser systems.
Methods:
Twenty women with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV and dark terminal hair underwent three monthly laser-assisted hair removal sessions with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser (755 nm, 2-msec pulse, 10 mm spot) and a long-pulsed diode laser (800 nm, 12.5 msec or 25 msec, 9 mm spot). Axillary areas were randomly assigned to receive treatment using each laser system at either 25 J/cm2 or 40 J/cm2. Follow-up manual hair counts and photographs of each area were obtained at each of the three treatment visits and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final laser session. Histologic specimens were obtained at baseline, immediately after the initial laser treatment, and 1 and 6 months after the third treatment session.
Results:
After each laser treatment, hair counts were successively reduced and few patients found it necessary to shave the sparsely regrown hair. Optimal clinical response was achieved 1 month after the second laser treatment, regardless of the laser system or fluence used. Six months after the third and final treatment, prolonged clinical hair reduction was observed with no significant differences between the laser systems and fluences used. Histologic tissue changes supported the clinical responses observed with evidence of initial follicular injury followed by slow follicular regeneration. Side effects, including treatment pain and vesiculation, were rare after treatment with either laser system, but were observed more frequently with the long-pulsed diode system at the higher fluence of 40 J/cm2.
Conclusion:
Equivalent clinical and histologic responses were observed using a long-pulsed alexandrite and a long-pulsed diode laser for hair removal with minimal adverse sequelae. While long-term hair reduction can be obtained in most patients after a series of laser treatments, partial hair regrowth is typical within 6 months, suggesting the need for additional treatments to improve the rate of permanent hair removal.
Suitably brief pulses of selectively absorbed optical radiation can cause selective damage to pigmented structures, cells, and organelles in vivo. Precise aiming is unnecessary in this unique form of radiation injury because inherent optical and thermal properties provide target selectivity. A simple, predictive model is presented. Selective damage to cutaneous microvessels and to melanosomes within melanocytes is shown after 577-nanometer (3 x 10(-7) second) and 351-nanometer (2 x 10(-8) second) pulses, respectively. Hemodynamic, histological, and ultrastructural responses are discussed.
Although many temporary treatments exist for hirsutism and hypertrichosis, a practical and permanent hair removal treatment is needed.
Our purpose was to study the use of normal-mode ruby laser pulses (694 nm, 270 microseconds, 6 mm beam diameter) for hair follicle destruction by selective photothermolysis.
Histologically assessed damage in ex vivo black-haired dog skin after the use of different laser fluences was used to design a human study; 13 volunteers with brown or black hair were exposed to normal-mode ruby laser pulses at fluences of 30 to 60 J/cm2, delivered to both shaved and wax-epilated skin sites. An optical delivery device designed to maximize light delivery to the reticular dermis was used. Hair regrowth was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after exposure by counting terminal hairs.
Fluence-dependent selective thermal injury to follicles was observed histologically. There was a significant delay in hair growth in all subjects at all laser-treated sites compared with the unexposed shaven and epilated control sites. At 6 months, there was significant hair loss only in the areas shaved before treatment at the highest fluence. At 6 months, four subjects had less than 50% regrowth, two of whom showed no change between 3 and 6 months. Transient pigmentary changes were observed; there was no scarring.
Selective photothermolysis of hair follicles with the normal-mode ruby laser produces a growth delay consistent with induction of prolonged telogen with apparently permanent hair removal in some cases.
Some randomised controlled trials (RCTs) done in German-speaking Europe are published in international English-language journals and others in national German-language journals. We assessed whether authors are more likely to report trials with statistically significant results in English than in German.
We studied pairs of RCT reports, matched for first author and time of publication, with one report published in German and the other in English. Pairs were identified from reports round in a manual search of five leading German-language journals and from reports published by the same authors in English found on Medline. Quality of methods and reporting were assessed with two different scales by two investigators who were unaware of authors' identities, affiliations, and other characteristics of trial reports. Main study endpoints were selected by two investigators who were unaware of trial results. Our main outcome was the number of pairs of studies in which the levels of significance (shown by p values) were discordant.
62 eligible pairs of reports were identified but 19 (31%) were excluded because they were duplicate publications. A further three pairs (5%) were excluded because no p values were given. The remaining 40 pairs were analysed. Design characteristics and quality features were similar for reports in both languages. Only 35% of German-language articles, compared with 62% of English-language articles, reported significant (p < 0.05) differences in the main endpoint between study and control groups (p = 0.002 by McNemar's test). Logistic regression showed that the only characteristic that predicted publication in an English-language journal was a significant result. The odds ratio for publication of trials with significant results in English was 3.75 (95% CI 1.25-11.3).
Authors were more likely to publish RCTs in an English-language journal if the results were statistically significant. English language bias may, therefore, be introduced in reviews and meta-analyses if they include only trials reported in English. The effort of the Cochrane Collaboration to identify as many controlled trials as possible, through the manual search of many medical journals published in different languages will help to reduce such bias.
To assess the permanence of hair removal by normal-mode ruby laser treatment.
Hair removal was measured for 2 years after a single treatment with normal-mode ruby laser pulses (694 nm, 270 microseconds, 6-mm beam diameter).
Six test areas on the thighs or backs of 13 volunteers were exposed to normal-mode ruby laser pulses at fluences of 30 to 60 J/cm2 delivered to both shaved and wax-epilated skin. In addition, there was a shaved and wax-epilated control site. Terminal hairs were manually counted before and after laser exposure. Transient alopecia occurred in all 13 participants after laser exposure, consistent with induction of telogen. Two years after laser exposure, 4 participants still had obvious, significant hair loss at all laser-treated sites compared with the unexposed shaved and wax-epilated control sites. In all 4 participants, there was no significant change in hair counts 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after laser exposure. Laser-induced alopecia correlated histologically with miniaturized, velluslike hair follicles. No scarring and no permanent pigmentary changes were observed.
Permanent, nonscarring alopecia can be induced by a single treatment with high-fluence ruby laser pulses. Miniaturization of the terminal hair follicles seems to account for this response.
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of selective photothermolysis on dark pigmented hair follicles treated with a normal-mode ruby laser (694-nm wavelength, pulse duration 0.5 ms, fluence 20 J/cm2, spot size 2 mm). In 15 volunteers, four test areas each were selected. After shaving, the first area was irradiated once, the second twice, the third three times and the fourth served as control area. A punch biopsy was taken from each volunteer immediately after the first laser treatment. Four weeks after the last irradiation, no effect was found in six cases and little effect in another six cases (50-90% regrowth). Hair regrowth of less than 30% was observed in only three cases. Eight weeks after the last session, no effect was found in 11 cases, little effect in 2 cases (10%) and less than 30% regrowth in only 2 cases. Twelve weeks after the last treatment, no difference could be detected between the areas untreated and treated by laser. The laser parameters applied in this study do not result in effective epilation of body hair. In some cases, a delay in growth of several weeks was noticed.
The methods of hair removal vary between simple inexpensive means of home treatment (shaving, plucking, depilatories) to expensive and potentially time-consuming means used by paraprofessionals, nurses, and/or physicians (electrolysis, lasers, x-ray). The ways in which these different methods induce hair removal, the duration of such removal, and the nuances between devices within the same category of methods are discussed. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:143-55.) Learning objective: At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be cognizant of the different control mechanisms for hair growth and how the different means of hair removal affect these. Readers will also become familiar with the different types of electrolysis and lasers currently used for hair removal and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Laser-assisted hair removal has been reported previously with the Nd:YAG laser, the long-pulse ruby laser, the long-pulse Alexandrite laser, and the short-pulse Alexandrite laser. Results with all these lasers have been successful; however, it has been postulated that the long-pulse Alexandrite laser would have a lower complication rate and greater efficacy at identical fluences than the short-pulse Alexandrite laser. The authors chose to compare directly the pulsed Alexandrite lasers for speed of application, complications, and results. Eighteen patients who desired hair removal were entered into the study. There were 10 female and 8 male patients, with a mean age of 36 years. All skin types from Fitzpatrick classes I through VI were treated. The body areas treated consisted of the face, ears, neck, back, arms, upper thighs, bikini lines, legs, and breasts. One side of the body was treated with the short-pulse (2-msec) Alexandrite laser (Sharplan Epitouch 5100). The other half was treated with a long-pulse (20-msec) Alexandrite laser. Both lasers were set at the same fluence for each patient. Patients reported a 60% to 80% reduction in hair growth at 6 months. Both sides were identical with regard to return of hair growth and complications such as hypopigmentation. Both the long- and short-pulse Alexandrite laser systems yielded an effective method of hair reduction with minimal complications. Equal results and complications were obtained with the two systems. The only exception was that the length of the procedure was shorter with the short-pulse Alexandrite laser.
The tremendous demand for removal of unwanted hair has led to the development of a wide range of noninvasive, user-friendly laser and light source systems; however, despite considerable advances in this field, these devices still have the potential to cause injury when used improperly. It is important to follow precise treatment guidelines in order to attain optimal results. This article gives an overview of the currently available lasers and light sources. It focuses on the practical aspect of laser hair removal by discussing patient selection, safety precautions, techniques using the different systems, pre- and post-laser treatment care, proper treatment endpoints, expected outcome, and possible side-effects and complications.
Several laser systems with varying wavelengths, pulse durations, and energy fluences are currently utilized for hair removal. However, the ideal laser parameters and treatment candidates for photoepilation remain largely unknown. The medical literature lacks a wealth of experimental data to sufficiently document the long-term safety and efficacy of laser-assisted hair removal. This study examines the clinical efficacy and side effect profile of long-pulsed alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal utilizing laser pulse durations of either 5, 10, or 20 milliseconds (ms).
Laser-assisted hair removal was performed on 36 subjects with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. Areas of unwanted hair growth on the face, back, and legs were divided linearly into four 1 cm2 or 2 cm2 quadrants. Experimental regions included a control quadrant and three additional quadrants, which were treated with the alexandrite laser using an average fluence of 18 J/cm2, with a 10 mm spot size at either a 5, 10, or 20 ms pulse duration. Hair counts and photographs were obtained before treatment, immediately following irradiation, 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
All laser-treated quadrants displayed a significant delay in hair regrowth compared to control nontreated quadrants at postoperative week 1 and months 1 and 3. Hair counts were reduced by 66% at 1 month, 27% at 3 months, and 4% at 6 months. No significant differences in clinical efficacy or side effect profiles were observed between treatment quadrants, yet a trend towards less post-treatment erythema and hyperpigmentation was noted with the 20 ms pulse duration.
Equivalent long-term hair removal for up to 6 months was achieved with the long-pulsed alexandrite laser at 5, 10, and 20 ms pulse durations at an average fluence of 18 J/cm2. Side effects were limited and transient.
There are a variety of different laser hair removal systems currently available. There are also systems with identical emitted wavelengths; yet their emitted pulse durations vary. There are few data comparing these systems in an objective manner.
Fourteen subjects received three treatments with two different pulse duration 755-nm alexandrite lasers. Paired anatomic sites were treated three times with both a 2-msec and a 10-msec system. Subjects were evaluated prior to laser treatment and 6 months after the three treatments with manual hair counts and incidence of complications.
The average percentage of hair reduction was 33.1% for the 2-msec-pulse duration and 33.9% for the 10-msec-pulse duration alexandrite laser. No cutaneous pigmentary changes or scarring was noted 6 months after the final treatment.
The alexandrite laser is effective in removing unwanted hair. There was no difference in response between a 2-msec and a 10-msec alexandrite laser.
Fifty-one patients of skin type I to IV with facial hirsutism received treatment with the normal-mode ruby laser (950-micros pulse; 4-mm spot; mean fluence, 49 J/cm(2); maximum fluence, 66 J/cm(2)). For each patient, one site was treated once only, and a second site was treated 4 times at 4-week intervals. After 48 weeks, 46 patients were available for assessment. After a single treatment, hair counts were reduced to a mean of 45% at 4 weeks (pretreatment median of 63 hairs down to 26), increased to 80% (median, 51 hairs) at 12 weeks, were 65% (median, 41 hairs) at 24 weeks, and were 59% (median, 35 hairs) at 48 weeks. Four weeks after 3 treatments, the hair counts had reduced to a mean of 30% (pretreatment median of 68 hairs down to 15). Twelve weeks after 4 treatments, the hair counts had increased to 45% (median, 24 hairs) and were 39% after 36 weeks (median, 22.5 hairs). No anesthesia was needed. Treatment tolerance improved with consecutive visits, allowing higher fluences to be used. Hyperpigmentation developed in 9 patients, which had faded completely in 8 patients at the end of the study. One patient showed hypopigmentation. Depressions in the skin below the jaw line developed in 5 patients, which resolved completely within 4 to 32 weeks. We conclude that normal-mode ruby laser treatment is well tolerated and leads to significant improvement of facial hirsutism, which is maintained for at least 48 weeks. Repeated treatments result in greater clinical effects.
The use of lasers for removal of unwanted hair has been shown to be effective in temporarily controlling hair growth. Several lasers are currently utilized for this purpose.
This study evaluates the short-term effectiveness and discomfort levels of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser and the topical suspension-assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in a side-by-side comparison.
Fifteen subjects were treated in the bilateral hair-bearing axilla, using one treatment with the alexandrite laser for the right and two treatments with the topical suspension-assisted Nd:YAG laser for the left. Reduction in hair regrowth was measured at 2 and 3 months following the first treatment by comparing the terminal hair count to the baseline values. Patients rated their pain on a scale of 0-10 immediately following the first treatment at each site.
The mean percentage reduction in hair regrowth 2 months following alexandrite laser treatment was 55% and 73% for the Nd:YAG laser-treated regions. After 3 months, alexandrite laser-treated patients showed a reduction of 19%, while Nd:YAG laser-treated patients showed a 27% reduction. Patients reported average pain values of 8 and 4 for the long-pulsed alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser sites, respectively. All differences were significant.
While the design of this study makes it difficult to compare the relative effectiveness of the lasers, both systems evaluated were shown to delay hair growth and provide patients with a satisfactory treatment.
The hair removal market is evolving rapidly. The goal has always been long-term epilation. Success is dependent on understanding hair biology and physiology and on knowledge of laser physics, skin optics, and tissue preservation with respect to these emerging laser technologies. These topics will be reviewed, as will specific categories of laser systems in the hair removal arena and the clinical aspects of laser hair removal today.
Different techniques have been used for hair removal. Electrolytic epilation is a widely accepted method for this purpose. Recently laser hair removal was introduced.
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of long-pulse alexandrite laser hair removal with electrolytic epilation.
Twenty-four areas of unwanted axillar hair in 12 patients were included in the study. The right axillar area of the patients was treated by electrolysis with an intensity of 4-8 mA, and the left area was treated with long-pulse alexandrite laser with fluences between 30 and 50 J/cm2. Electrolysis was performed four times at 3-week intervals, and laser treatment was performed three times at 4-week intervals. Before each session, the hairs in a 4 cm2 area centered in the axilla were counted. The last evaluation was done 6 months after the initial treatment. The pain, time, and cost of each procedure are compared.
The average clearance rate of the hairs was 74% by laser and 35% by electrolysis 6 months after the initial treatment.
Alexandrite laser hair removal is a more reliable and practical solution than electrolysis. Laser hair removal is more expensive than electrolysis, but is 60 times faster and less painful than electrolysis; also fewer sessions are needed with the laser with better results.
Numerous lasers are currently available for hair removal, yet there are still few studies that have examined the role of fluence, light dose, hair color, and treatment number in laser hair reduction.
To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of a scanning 800 nm diode laser for hair reduction.
An 800 nm scanning diode laser was used to deliver 24, 38, or 48 J/cm2 to a 3 cm x 3 cm area of skin located on the back, groin/bikini area, or thigh in 36 adult patients with varying shades of brown or black hair. Patients received one to four treatments during the course of the study. Hair loss was evaluated at both 30 and 90 days after final treatment. Biopsies were obtained from 20 consenting patients.
Significant fluence-dependent hair reduction was demonstrated between treatment and control groups. At 48 J/cm2, the highest dose, a mean hair reduction of 43% was achieved 30 days after the final treatment, and 34% was achieved 90 days after the final treatment. Darker hairs were more effectively treated than lighter hairs.
Hair reduction can be safely and effectively achieved using a scanning 800 nm diode laser.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences in outcome between patients treated by a trained physician and patients treated by a trained, supervised nurse.
A total of 100 patients were treated for unwanted body hair using the Cynosure long-pulsed alexandrite laser: 50 patients were treated by a physician and 50 by a nurse.
The measured average reduction in hair counts was 74 +/- 8% in the physician-treated group and 70 +/- 6% in the nurse-treated group (NS). Transient skin changes (i.e. pigmentation changes and blistering) were comparable between the two groups. Patient satisfaction measured by an assessment scale of 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor) was 1.6 +/- 0.3 and 1.4 +/- 0.3 in the physician- and nurse-treated groups respectively (NS).
Using treatment efficacy, complication rate, and patient satisfaction as variables, this study concluded that properly trained physicians and nurses achieved parallel results in laser hair removal.
As laser epilation has become a widely accepted method for hair removal, questions regarding timing and frequency of treatments have arisen.
To determine whether a structured treatment protocol for laser hair removal improves clinical results in reducing hair growth.
A group of 100 patients (Group A) underwent laser epilation with four regularly spaced treatments; a group of 100 patients (Group B) determined their own treatment plan with respect to timing and frequency (not exceeding four treatments).
Group A experienced a 78 +/- 8% reduction in hair with four treatments per patient while Group B experienced a 48 +/- 12% reduction with an average of 2.5 +/- 0.5 treatments per patient. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly improved in Group A compared with Group B (P < 0.05). A positive linear relationship was identified in Group B between treatment frequency and hair reduction (r = 0.94) and between treatment frequency and patient satisfaction (r = 0.89).
This study concludes that patients who participate in a structured treatment protocol note superior clinical results following laser hair removal.
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 3.5 ms Nd:YAG laser for the removal of hair in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. Thanks to a pulse shorter than the hair Thermal Relaxation time (TRT), photothermolysis was thus achieved.
This study assessed the percentage of hair reduction at 1 month and at 3 months after a single Nd:YAG laser treatment (Athos; Quantel Médical, France); 3.5 ms pulse, single shot to 3 Hz, a maximum fluence of 80 J/cm2, 4 mm spot, no cooling system, no anaesthesia. The treatment sites consisted of three adjacent squares (optimum fluence, no treatment, -20% optimum fluence). Computerized hair counting was realized on digital pictures. The phototype, pain, side effects and patient's satisfaction were noted. Biopsies were performed 15 min after treatment. The enrolment consisted of 17 women, 22-60 years old, phototypes I-IV, with a follow-up at 1 month and 3 months of 25 sites.
Counting at 1 month and at 3 months revealed a significant hair reduction compared with the control sites: 60% at 1 month (P < 0.001) and 24% at 3 months (P < 0.05) for optimal fluence (25-80 J/cm2), compared with 31% and 0% on the control sites; values similar to those published for Nd:YAG or diode lasers. There were no adverse effects at all. Biopsies showed lesions from necrosis coagulation of the root sheaths and hair disruption to isolated apoptotic cells in the outer root sheath, depending on the fluence applied.
Results from this study show that the Athos Nd:YAG is efficient and safe for removing pigmented hair in phototypes I-IV.
Unwanted hair is a widespread cosmetic problem. Many temporary methods of hair removal have proved unsatisfactory. A variety of laser systems with varying wavelengths, pulse durations, and energy fluences are currently utilized for hair removal. Optimal laser parameters continue to require further investigation.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a long-pulse millisecond Nd:YAG hair removal laser utilizing fluences of either 50, 80, or 100 J/cm2.
Fifteen subjects were treated with a contact cooled 50 msec Nd:YAG laser at fluences 30, 50, or 100 J/cm2. Reduction in hair regrowth was measured at 3 months after treatment by comparing the terminal hair count to the baseline values. Potential complications were also evaluated.
Average hair reduction at 3 months after treatment was 29%, 29%, and 27% in areas treated with a 50-msec Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 50, 80, and 100 J/cm2, respectively. Although short-term blistering was noted in two subjects, no hyperpimentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring was observed at 3 months after treatment.
Long-pulse millisecond Nd:YAG laser hair removal with fluences of either 50, 80, or 100 J/cm2 leads to similar efficacy with no significant adverse effects.
Photo-epilation has become an accepted modality for the removal of unwanted hair. However, adverse effects may occur in darker skin patients. Treatment with the ruby laser is generally advised for skin types I-III. Treatment of over 3000 patients (skin types I-III) in our clinic has resulted in a minimal percentage (approximately 3%) of adverse effects. Increasing pulse duration should allow the epidermis to cool and thus minimize thermal damage so that treatment can be extended to dark skin patients.
The purpose of our study was to compare tissue reaction in dark skin patients (skin type IV) after treatment with a long-pulse (20 msec) ruby laser and compare the reaction with a 1 msec ruby laser treatment.
Hair removal efficacy was determined to be similar with both pulse durations, but tissue reaction was more severe, including eschar and hypopigmentation, following treatment of dark skin patients with the 1 msec protocol. Increasing the pulse duration to 20 msec appears to result in safe and efficacious ruby laser treatment even for darker skinned patients.
Lasers with long wavelengths are less well absorbed by melanin and are considered to be particularly suitable for hair removal in dark-skinned patients.
To compare the efficacy and complications of 800 nm diode and long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers in laser-assisted hair removal in Chinese patients.
Fifteen women had hair removal treatments (13 axillae and 2 legs) with diode laser on one side and Nd:YAG laser on the other. They were followed up for 36 weeks. Subjective assessments included the degree of immediate pain and the degree of hair regrowth. Clinical photographs were taken for evaluation by two independent observers to assess complications and the degree of hair regrowth.
Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser was found to be significantly associated with a greater degree of immediate pain after laser surgery (P =.0001, independent sample t-test) and also had a longer laser time (P =.0001, independent sample t-test). Besides transit adverse effects such as erythema and perifollicular edema, only one patient developed hypopigmentation at week 6 which resolved by week 36. Although regrowth rates were low at week 6 (subjective rates were 23% and 19% for Nd:YAG and diode laser, respectively), most patients had significant regrowth at week 36 (subjective regrowth rate 91% for both long-pulsed Nd:YAG and diode lasers).
Diode 800 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm lasers are safe in laser-assisted hair removal in Chinese patients, and besides immediate pain, there was no other significant adverse effect. Most patients experienced regrowth 36 weeks after a single treatment. Further study is necessary to determine the long-term clinical efficacy and complications of laser-assisted hair removal with these systems in dark-skinned patients.
Laser hair removal is the treatment of choice for hypertrichosis. The two most commonly used hair removal lasers are compared.
To present the results of a comparative study examining the role of wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse width, and cooling systems on long-term results after a series of four laser hair removal treatments using the 755 nm alexandrite and 800-810 nm diode lasers.
The axillae of 15 untanned, type I-V patients were treated side by side four times at 4- to 6-week intervals with a 755 nm, 3-msec pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped alexandrite laser and an 800 nm, variable pulse width, cooled sapphire window-equipped diode laser. Each patient was pretested and treated with the maximum fluence tolerated at the largest spot size available for each laser (12 mm round/113 mm2 for the alexandrite and 9 mm for the diode).
Evaluations were done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the last treatment. Twelve-month results with the alexandrite and diode lasers achieved 85% versus 84% hair reduction. The fact that tan avoidance was strictly followed permitted the use of relatively high fluences (25-30+ J/cm(2)) even in type IV patients. For most patients, four treatment sessions using high fluences (30-40 J/cm(2)) with relatively large spot sizes (12 mm round for the 755 nm alexandrite and 9 mm for the 800 nm diode) resulted in 12-month hair reductions in the 90% range.
Both the alexandrite and diode lasers in this 12-month study produced excellent long-term hair reductions.
The aim was to investigate the efficacy, side effects, and the long-term results of a long pulsed Nd:YAG-Laser for hair removal in different hair colors and skin types.
We performed a prospective clinical study with 29 volunteers. Treatment was performed on the lower leg with a long pulsed Nd:YAG-Laser. Five test areas were treated 1-5 times in monthly intervals; one served as control. Follow-up investigations were performed at each session, and 3, 6, and 12 months after the last therapy. No depilatory treatment except shaving was allowed during the time of follow-up. Percentual hair loss, short- and long-term side effects, and pain during the treatment were evaluated.
After one month, a hair loss of greater than 50% was found in 44.9% of the areas treated once. With up to five treatments, this percentage increased up to 71.5%. One year after therapy, a greater than 50% hair reduction was still present in 40% of the five-treatment-areas and in 0% of the areas treated only once. There were no permanent side effects despite one small scar after a folliculitis.
The long pulsed Nd:YAG is suitable to remove hair for more than 12 months effectively, although 4-5 sessions are necessary for these results. Blond hair can also be removed, although much less effective. No lasting side effects could be seen. Darker skin types or tanned skin can also be treated without side effects. A cooling may be advisable due to the pain reported by the volunteers.
Recent reports indicate that laser hair removal is most effective on anagen hairs. However, no published trials have examined laser epilation after hair cycle synchronization.
To evaluate the potential for enhanced laser hair removal after the induction of telogen hairs into anagen by wax epilation.
We identified four 2.5-cm square areas with equivalent hair length and density on the backs of 13 dark-haired white men. To induce typically telogen hairs into anagen, two areas on each patient were wax epilated. Two weeks later, one waxed area and one unwaxed area were treated with a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. One month after laser treatment, a subjective comparison was made based on hair density, length, and thickness.
In 12 of 13 patients, lasered areas that had been pretreated with wax epilation were clearer of hair as compared with areas that had been pretreated by shaving (P=0.0034). No significant difference was noted between waxed and unwaxed control areas that had not been laser treated (P=1.0).
Wax epilation 2 weeks before laser hair removal improves cosmetic outcomes at 1 month. This effect may be secondary to the recruitment and heightened sensitivity of early anagen hairs.
Alexandrite laser hair removal can be quite successful in lighter skin types. Effective hair removal in Asians can be difficult, and multiple treatments are usually required for effective treatment.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of alexandrite laser hair removal in Asian skin, to determine the benefit of multiple treatments, and to evaluate the value of test patches before laser treatment.
One hundred forty-four Asian subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types III to V were treated with a cooled 40-ms alexandrite laser with fluences of 16 to 24 J/cm2. Initially, all treated subjects underwent test patch application. After test patch application, 35 subjects with 66 anatomic sites received three treatments. Thirty-five subjects with 66 anatomic sites received two treatments, and 74 subjects with 124 anatomic received a single treatment. All subjects were followed for 9 months after their final treatment.
In subjects that were treated three times, a 55% hair reduction was noted at 9 months after the third treatment. In subjects treated two times, a 44% hair reduction was noted at 9 months after the second treatment. In subjects treated only one time, a 32% hair reduction was noted at 9 months after the single treatment. No subjects had scarring or long-term pigmentary changes. There appeared to be no correlation between test patch acute complications and those seen after actual treatments.
Although Asian skin can be effectively treated with a cooled, long-pulsed alexandrite laser, complications do occur. Laser hair removal efficacy was increased with multiple treatments. There does not appear to be an exact correlation in Asian skin between complications occurring after test patch treatment and those seen with subsequent treatments.
In the last years several lasers have proven their efficacy for hair removal. However, little is known about the efficacy of varying the spot size with those lasers.
To evaluate the long-term efficacy of hair removal using a diode laser with different spot sizes.
A long-pulsed diode laser (2 x 60 msec) was used. The spot size was 8 mm, 12 mm, or 14 mm. Twenty consenting volunteers were treated three times at regular intervals of 3 weeks. The ratio of the number of hairs in the treated area to an adjacent area left untreated (control) was referred to as regrowth.
One month after laser treatment, regrowth was 23% (8 mm), 12% (12 mm), and 13% (14 mm). After 3 months regrowth was 67% (8 mm), 54% (12 mm), and 55% (14 mm). Fifteen months after treatment 4 of 16 volunteers had a regrowth rate of less than 25%.
The results provide evidence for an effective and long-lasting growth delay of hairs using the long-pulsed diode laser. The use of large spot sizes improved the growth delay of hairs measured 1 month after treatment.
To investigate the safety and effectiveness of a long pulsed Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser compared to a shorter wavelength intense pulse light system for assisted hair removal in volunteers with skin type 1V, V and VI.
Eleven patients of Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI were recruited into