Finkel, 1997 Title: Pulsed alexandrite laser technology
for noninvasive hair removal.
Authors: Finkel B, Eliezri YD, Waldman A, Slatkine
M
Journal: J Clin Laser Med Surg 1997;15(5):225-9
PMID: 9612175, UI: 98275122
Affiliated institution: Elisha Medical Center,
Haifa, Israel.
Cited in:
OBJECTIVE: Determination of the efficacy of pulsed Alexandrite
Laser technology for rapid noninvasive hair removal.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although previous studies have already
shown that Ruby lasers are capable of noninvasive hair removal,
a technology for the substantial increase of treatment speed is
of great interest.
METHODS: We have used a 2 msec free running pulsed Alexandrite
(lambda = 755 nm) laser operated at a repetition rate of up to
5 pps at energy fluences of 25-40 J/cm2 to treat a wide range
of body sites on 126 patients in conjunction with a fiber delivery
system and a transparent target ruler. A transparent gel was used
as epidermal heat sink. The study lasted 15 months. Pretreatment
as well as follow-up hair count per cm2 was performed to determine
the level of success. Treatments were repeated when 1-2 mm growth
was observed.
RESULTS: The average hair count before the second treatment was
found to be close to 65% of the pretreatment count. The average
hair count 3 months after the last treatment, was found to be
lower than 12%. The interval between treatments ranged from 4
weeks to 3 1/2 months.
CONCLUSIONS: The 2 msec pulsed Alexandrite laser technology is
effective for the removal of unwanted hairs, ranging from fair
to dark, except when hairs are absent in the shaft depending on
the stage of their growth cycle. This results in the necessity
of a few treatments or touchups. Adverse effects are minimal and
transient.
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