Eremia, 2001  Title: Laser Hair Removal with Alexandrite
versus Diode Laser Using Four Treatment Sessions: 1-Year Results.
Authors: Eremia S, Li C, Newman N.
Journal: Dermatol Surg 2001 Nov;27(11):925-930
PMID: 11737125 ABSTRACT
Affiliated institution: Division
of Dermatology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, Brockton Cosmetic
Surgery Center, Riverside, California, and Beverly Hills, California.
BACKGROUND: Laser hair removal is the treatment
of choice for hypertrichosis. The two most commonly used hair
removal lasers are compared.
OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a comparative
study examining the role of wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse
width, and cooling systems on long-term results after a series
of four laser hair removal treatments using the 755 nm alexandrite
and 800-810 nm diode lasers.
METHODS: The axillae of 15 untanned, type I-V patients
were treated side by side four times at 4- to 6-week intervals
with a 755 nm, 3-msec pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped alexandrite
laser and an 800 nm, variable pulse width, cooled sapphire window-equipped
diode laser. Each patient was pretested and treated with the maximum
fluence tolerated at the largest spot size available for each
laser (12 mm round/113 mm2 for the alexandrite and 9 mm for the
diode).
RESULTS: Evaluations were done at 3, 6, 9, and 12
months after the last treatment. Twelve-month results with the
alexandrite and diode lasers achieved 85% versus 84% hair reduction.
The fact that tan avoidance was strictly followed permitted the
use of relatively high fluences (25-30+ J/cm2) even in type IV
patients. For most patients, four treatment sessions using high
fluences (30-40 J/cm2) with relatively large spot sizes (12 mm
round for the 755 nm alexandrite and 9 mm for the 800 nm diode)
resulted in 12-month hair reductions in the 90% range.
CONCLUSION: Both the alexandrite and diode lasers
in this 12-month study produced excellent long-term hair reductions.
|
