McDaniel, 1999  Title: Laser hair removal: A review and report
on the use of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser for hair reduction
of the upper lip, leg, back, and bikini region.
Authors: McDaniel DH, Lord J, Ash K, Newman
J, Zukowski M
Journal: Dermatol Surg 1999 Jun;25(6):425-430
PMID: 110469087
Affiliated institution:
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: The mechanism and permanence of laser-assisted hair
removal remains a formidable task in the medical community.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety
and long-term efficacy of the long-pulsed or normal mode alexandrite
infrared laser for hair depilation.
METHODS: Beginning in October 1996, a total of 31 anatomic sites
on 22 patients ranging in age from 25 to 59 years (mean 42 years)
were evaluated to assess hair removal. Treatment sites included
17 upper lips, 9 legs, 2 backs, and 3 bikini regions. Eligible
patients were of Fitzpatrick skin types I-III. Patients were treated
using the long-pulsed alexandrite infrared laser at 755 nm, single-pulse
technique, 10 mm spot size, 10% overlap, pulse durations of 5,
10, and 20 msec, and a fluence of 20 J/cm2. Subjective patient
improvement and objective, blinded graded improvement was assessed
at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months.
RESULTS: Objective blinded grading at 6 months revealed that
hair reduction varied both with the pulse duration and anatomic
location. Maximum reductions observed were 40%, 56%, 50%, and
15% for the lip, leg, back, and bikini areas, respectively. Upper
lip hair reduction increased from 40% to 54% at 6 months when
a second treatment was performed 8 weeks after the initial treatment.
CONCLUSION: The long-pulsed alexandrite laser is safe and effective
in reducing hair growth. Treatment efficacy varies with the anatomic
location, pulse duration, and number of treatments. A single-pulse
technique utilizing a 10 msec pulse duration at 20 J/cm2 produced
the greatest hair reduction. No permanent adverse effects occurred
on skin types I-III at the parameters tested.
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