Boss, 1999 Title: A comparison of the long-pulse and short-pulse
Alexandrite laser hair removal systems.
Authors: Boss WK Jr, Usal H, Thompson RC, Fiorillo
MA
Journal: Ann Plast Surg 1999 Apr;42(4):381-4
PMID: 10213398, UI: 99228412
Affiliated institution: University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey, Hackensack University Hospital, 07601,
USA.
Cited in:
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.
|
|