Garcia, 2000  Title: Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe
for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.
Authors: Garcia C, Alamoudi H, Nakib M, Zimmo
S
Journal: Dermatol Surg 2000 Feb;26(2):130-4
PMID: 10691941
Affiliated institution: Ideal Clinics and King
Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. bupa@sps.net.sa
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: Various lasers have been developed for epilation
of unwanted hair. Most studies, however, have been done in white
patients with minimal reference to dark-skinned individuals. OBJECTIVE:
To determine the safety profile of a long-pulsed alexandrite laser
for hair removal in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI
exclusively. METHODS: Prospective clinical evaluation conducted
from June 1998 to April 1999 at a referral private clinic. Prelaser
skin testing was performed starting at 16 J/cm2 and energy fluence
selected according to response. Complications were recorded at
each visit. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients are reported
(18 men and 132 women) ranging in age from 15 to 50 years, for
a total of 550 treatment sites. Complications occurred in only
2% of cases. CONCLUSION: The long-pulsed alexandrite laser is
safe for hair removal in darker skin tones. Prelaser skin testing
was not helpful in this study, as there was no relationship between
skin reaction and the incidence of complications.
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