Nanni, 1999  Title: Long-pulsed alexandrite laser-assisted
hair removal at 5, 10, and 20 millisecond pulse durations.
Authors: Nanni CA, Alster TS
Journal: Lasers Surg Med 1999;24(5):332-7
PMID: 10406473, UI: 99333131
Affiliated institution: Washington Institute
of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Cited in:
BACKGROUND: 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).
STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.
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